Page 93 of Billion Dollar Dispute

But when I looked at Chad, who had the flu, just lost his dad, and has been wearing old clothes that don't fit him right because he’s had a growth spurt… I have to. For him, I have to swallow my pride. What kind of mother would I be if I couldn’t do this for him?

He needs new clothes and toys. He’s had a hard time, and he deserves these things, even if I’m not the one who’s giving it to him. Lately, I’ve been able to pay some of the debts off; it’s not a lot, but it’s a start.

So today, I plan to let Chad buy whatever he wants. Before we buy necessities like clothes, I head to the one place that will bring him joy, the Lego store.

When we arrive, we walk in, and Chad immediately rushes off. I follow behind in awe of the bright colors and amazing displays. We’ve been here before, but it never ceases to amaze me.

Chad touches all the boxes, and his eyes are wide in wonder as he looks at everything. It makes my gut twist that he hasn’t gotten any new toys, because paying to fix our life, that his father destroyed, is all I can afford.

Chad plays with the pick-a-brick station, concentrating as he carefully selects pieces to build. Half an hour passes by. He finds a Medieval Town Square set and a Lamborghini, his eyes lighting up with his choices. We buy them and then head out to the local department store. As soon as I step in, a security guard approaches, his expression serious.

“Are you Jemima Recaredo?” he asks.

I hesitate with a gulp before saying, “Yes.”

“Wait here. There’s someone expecting you.”

My heart beats loudly in my ears as panic sets in.

“Mom, what's going on? Are you in trouble?” Chad asks quietly.

“No, she's not,” a soft woman's voice says with a warm smile. She’s in her mid-fifties, wearing a black tailored suit, and she has brown shoulder-length hair framing her face.

“I’m Patti, and I’ll be your personal shopper today. Where would you like to start?”

I blink at her, trying to process this information. What is a personal shopper?

“Did Harvey set this up?” I ask, still trying to wrap my head around it.

“Mr. Lincoln? Yes, he said to look after you and Chad.”

Trying to clear the emotions running around inside me to focus on her question, I shake my head.

“Can we start with Chad?” I say, knowing I’m not taking his money to buy myself anything.

“Sure. Come this way,” she says, walking away.

I grab Chad’s hand, and we follow her to the kids’ section. Patti asks Chad an array of questions, and soon he’s in the changing room, trying on clothes. I take a second to type a message to Harvey.

Me:A personal shopper? You’re dead.

Harvey:Maybe buy something for me.

Me:There’s no brains in here.

Harvey:I was thinking lingerie…

Me:Chad’s here, remember?

Harvey:I’ll buy it then.

Me:Not happening.

Chad comes out, spinning around in his new outfit, beaming with confidence. He loves it, and Patti adds it to the yes pile that’s already filling the basket. He heads back in to try the next outfit.

Harvey:Please enjoy today. You and Chad deserve to be spoiled, and I have no one else to spoil. No one is more deserving.

I double tap the message to leave an emoji, hearting it.

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