Page 72 of Sweet Deception

"That's fantastic! I was just thinking I needed to job hunt soon." I stash the card in my purse for later.

Mom bounces in her seat. "Won't it be wonderful if you're working across the street from me, honey? I've been so worried you would have to move away to find an open position. You're already too far away from me."

"Mom." I laugh. "I'm only a half hour drive—forty-five tops in heavy traffic.

"Like I said, too far." She harrumphs.

Shaking my head, I smile at her, distracted by my first thought of wanting to tell Luca. With the junior high located across the street from the elementary school, I'll be able to see my mom plenty.

Mom moves on and prattles about dad and golf, but I'm only half listening. It bothers me that my immediate reaction was wanting to share the news with Luca. Talia's right, I need to step back emotionally. In five months, he won't be there anymore and I need to prepare for that.

Chapter thirty

Kylie

"Mom, let me treat you." I try to grab the bill, only to have her snatch it out of my hand.

"Absolutely not. I invited you out today and I want to spoil you. It's been so long since I've been able to do that, it feels good." She digs in her purse and pulls out her wallet.

"Mom, please, let me get this one. I know you and Dad must have a lot of medical bills left to pay." I don't dare bring up the mortgage.

"Actually …" She leans in to whisper, "the hospital charity paid all our bills. All of it. Wiped clean." She slashes her hand through the air. "Can you believe it?" A bright smile lights her face and her body is practically vibrating with happiness.

Stunned, I don't even know what to say except, "What? How? Who?"

She shrugs. "Your dad and I were just as baffled. We had an appointment with the billing manager to see about getting on a payment plan. As soon as we sat down with the guy, he informed us that our balance was paid in full." She looks down to rifle through her wallet for her credit card.

"But how does that happen?" All I can do is stare at her, baffled by what she's telling me.

"You're just like your dad. He was suspicious as well and grilled the guy." She shakes her head. "He informed us the hospital works with charities who donate tostruggling families who are overwhelmed with unexpected medical debt. He said that your dad and I having professions that serve the community was most likely the deciding factor in selecting us for the grant." Mom's eyes gleam with unshed tears. "Isn't it wonderful?"

My shoulders sag, the tension leaving my body as the news sinks in. "Oh Mom, that's fantastic. I had no idea this was a thing."

"Neither did I. Oh, honey, those bills were weighing so heavily on your father and now all that weight has been lifted. And the best part is, since we took out a second mortgage to pay medical bills, they paid that off too!" She whispers loudly in her excitement.

"Holy shit." This explains why a payment wasn't due when I checked in with the bank.

"Right!" Mom squeals, snapping me out of my thoughts.

She's losing her battle with her tears, so I move to give her a hug. "This is wonderful news, Mom."

"Thank you, honey. I needed that." She pats my shoulder before pulling back.

I return to my seat, my mind racing with this new information. If I only waited a month—a freaking month—I wouldn't have needed to become a sugar baby.

As the news sinks in, I can't help but realize my sacrifice was all for naught, and I don't know how I feel about that.

The server appears and Mom hands him her credit card along with the check. She waits until he leaves before dropping another bomb on me.

"Honey, you took that year off and worked your butt off to give money for your dad's bills. Since our debt has been paid off, we want to buy you a car."

And the tension is back.

"Mom—"

"No. Don't argue. Your Dad hates you're using an Uber and it will give him peace of mind. Plus, he feels guilty you put your education on hold for him. Let him do this for you."

I blow out a breath and brace for my own shocking news. This wasn't how I wanted to tell them and it's still too soon, but I feel I have no choice now.

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