Page 91 of Amnesty

“This is all mine!” I exclaimed, bringing my hands down and nearly dumping hot chocolate all over us both.

“Whoa.” He chuckled. “How about I hold on to this?” He picked up the cup and set it aside. When he turned back, I was still marveling at the check, waiting for him to tell me it was just a dream. “It’s all yours.”

His confirmation lit my face with a smile. I felt so much pride in that moment, knowing I’d earned this money. That I could buy myself something that was all mine.

“Thank you,” I said.

His eyes softened. “Don’t thank me, sweetheart. You earned it. You stocked a lot of shelves and made polite conversation with curious townies.”

“I’ve never had any money before,” I said in awe.

A sad look passed behind his eyes, but then it was gone, and I was glad. This was a happy moment.

“I wish it was more. At least it’s better than minimum wage.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

He groaned and hooked his arm around me, pulling me close. “So innocent,” he murmured.

I was too happy to worry about whatever I didn’t understand. Instead, I squealed lightly and hugged him hard.

Jerking back, I looked at the check again. A thought occurred to me, and I frowned. “Oh,” I said, glancing up. “I don’t have a bank account. How will I cash this?”

“I got you,” Eddie said and again dove into his back pocket to produce another white, folded envelope.

I peeked inside and saw a stack of green bills. I gasped and looked up.

“Your pay’s under the table, at least until you have a full name and a bank account. The check isn’t cashable. I just printed it out so you could keep it. Remember your first pay.”

“What’s under the table mean?” I asked, slightly confused.

Eddie laughed. “It just means you don’t have to cash the check. That money is yours. Just take it.”

“I’m going to keep this,” I said, clutching the paper to my chest. “Thank you for giving it to me.”

“So what are you going to do with your first check?” he asked.

I wanted to go shopping. To get something for myself, to pick out a new outfit or two. “I’ll probably give some to Maggie, you know, to pay her back for all her generosity.” I thought a moment, realizing Eddie had done just as much for me. “And you, too.”

“You’re pretty amazing,” he said, leaning close to kiss me softly. “But forget it,” he added, his voice much firmer. “There’s no way in hell I’m taking any money from you, and I know Maggie will say the same.”

“But—”

“No buts,” he concluded.

I glanced down at the envelope in my hand. “Well, I have hospital bills.”

He groaned, forcing my chin up with his finger. “What do youwantto do with it, Am?”

“Go shopping,” I whispered.

He laughed. Then laughed again.

I scowled. “What?”

“Spoken like a true girl.”

“Is there something wrong with shopping?” I demanded.

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