Page 43 of Knot Happening

“How much would the deposit be?” I ask softly. If he says a number higher than fifty thousand, I’ll have to go back to work tonight and beg for an opportunity to earn that kind of cash again. How fucking much could he possibly charge?

He studies me for a long moment, before he finally answers. “Fifty seven thousand. That will cover the cost of her first two months of care. You will need to pay the next ninety-five hundred by the third month.”

I let out a breath. I’m five thousand short. I can possibly make that in one night though, if I talk with Declan again and maybe Dream. Between the two of them, it might be possible.

“I can pay fifty-two right now. I’ll need until tomorrow for the remaining five. I can bring it with me, when I move my mother in?” I offer, and his eyes narrow. He doesn’t respond right away. When he does, I deflate with relief. Thank fuck.

“That would be acceptable.”

“I can still visit daily?” I confirm, and he nods.

“Yes, the only thing that's changed is the cost. The proposed care will all be the same as before. Be sure to fill out the approved visitors list. It will save the rest of your family from waiting for extended times before being able to see your mother. And you will receive a report from the nurses daily in the online portal, and once a week communication from the doctors,” he says all this as if this is the most bored he’s ever been.

“There’s just me,” I murmur, as I start signing the endless pages, and filling out all the necessary information for the bank debit. I’d already added most of Mom’s info, and medical history when I’d submitted the application. This is mostly about money now. My agreement to make the payments on time, or Mom will be evicted. Dropped off at her last known residence or my documented residence.

“No other family?” he asks, suddenly sounding very interested, and my Omega senses prickle with unease. His scent spikes in the air. Because of the enhancers, it’s hard for me to distinguish exactly what he’s feeling. But I think I sense excitement.

“Not here,” I say vaguely, not saying anything else. He’s probably just nosey. But I’m not going to pretend that single, unmated Omegas aren’t in danger in this world. Especially without a family…

My mother is all I have. I need to be careful to never share that with this man or anyone else working here.

“Ah. Okay then,” he murmurs, sitting back in his seat. He watches me very closely now, and I almost wish I could lie about where I live. “Anyway, you can drop her off at any point between now and next week, but I’ll need the remaining balance to be paid by tomorrow.” He waves his hand dismissively as I hand him my bank card. I’ve already let the bank know I’ll be making a large payment, and for them not to block it. A strong part of me wants to snatch the card away from him, and flee.

Fifty thousand is the most money I have ever seen in my life. I don’t think I’ll ever see that amount again. I have to force that thought away. I need to remain optimistic. I’ll make enough to support myself and Mom, whatever I have to do.

Once I finish, I head straight into work. Hayden refused to give me my bike back, so I walk there from the ABO Care. I’m hours earlier than my shift, which means Hayden isn’t already parked outside waiting for me. Which is nice. I need the walk to clear my head.

I’d wanted to take tonight off to spend it with Mom. But I need to make five grand in one night. And then I’ll have to work tomorrow after I drop Mom off too, otherwise I won’t have enough money for the apartment. Or food…

I make my way up to Declan’s office, rather than getting ready first, and find Declan back to his usual self. Sexy as sinand dressed in another suit. Much more Declan like. Maybe he wasn’t feeling well yesterday.

“Tatum,” he says, tilting his head, as he leans back in his chair, taking in the sight of my outfit. “You’re not scheduled for a few hours.”

“I know. I needed to talk to you again. I know yesterday you did me a favor, and that asking for another one so soon isn’t a great look, but…” I take a deep breath, gripping the hem of my t-shirt, as I look up into his eyes. His scent is hidden again, unlike yesterday, and I wish it wasn’t. I could use the calming scent right now. “I’m putting my mother into a care facility. She’s not well. Hasn’t been for a long time. The deposit is fifty-seven thousand, and I’m five thousand short. I need another client, or a couple… I don’t mind how I earn it, but it’s due in the morning. I’m-I’m dropping her off tomorrow.”

I’m not sure why I’m so emotional. This is what I’ve been working for. She needs this. I know it’s what's best for her, but… I haven’t lived one day of my life without my mother by my side.

“Ah.” He leans forward and grabs a tissue, handing it to me. I take it with a half-hearted grateful smile. “That's why you came in here yesterday asking to sign the contract. Why you wanted the chance to make more money.” It’s not a question. My cheeks burn with the reminder of exactly how I earned that money.

“Her care is expensive. I need to make more money. A lot more. If that client returns, I’d appreciate it if you would consider me again.” I know he said he’d see me again, but I need to ask.

“Mmm.” The way he watches me is intense. There’s a long pause.

“Did I do well enough yesterday in the evaluation? You’ll call me if Kodiak returns?”

“He told you his name?”

“I assumed it was fake, actually.”

“Mmm,” he just grunts, but then nods. “Yes, you did well. We’ll call you if he returns. And you can start tomorrow night on the floor for one on one entertainment. If you’re picked for any private dances, as I’m sure you know, you’ll keep half the deposit, and all the tips. I’ll ask Dream to train you for some of the more complicated Muse services.”

“Thank you!” I nearly start crying again. “Would you mind if I worked extra hours as well? As often as possible, honestly…” I give him a hopeful look, grinning brightly.

“I’ll speak with the shift managers and find out what areas might need additional coverage.”

“The contract?” I try not to look like I’m willing to jump this desk and give him a lap dance to make sure my employment is guaranteed, but he just chuckles.

“I’ll have you sign it tomorrow. Go, be with your Mom.”

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