Page 12 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“He looks too good to be true. What if he’s photoshopped all his pictures?”

“I don’t think guys do that shit,” I reply with a shake of my head.

“You don’t think so?”

“No, they’re not that smart,” I say with a wink, watching as she heads back to her desk. But even as I turn back to my computer,I can’t shake the thoughts of Mr. Lincoln’s offer. The money would be great. I could move out of the apartment and find something better, a place with no memories of my ex. But I need more than money. I have a goal to make something of myself, to prove I’m worth something, and that even as a single mom, I can succeed without a man.

Five hours later, I’m opening my front door, and my breath catches at the sight before me. Molly stands there, model-like in a tight, long-sleeved black dress that hugs her hourglass figure perfectly. Her hips are the kind I’ve always dreamed of having. “Molly. Wow.”

She looks down, then meets my gaze with a wry smile. “So I take it I look good?”

“Good is an understatement.” I admire how the dress accentuates every curve. I remember hoping I’d develop nice curves after having Chad, but it never happened.

She straightens, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I wouldn’t be excited for a date; instead, I'd feel dread, but seeing her happy makes me happy.

She peers at her watch, her loose waves falling in front of her face. With a shake of her head, she clears them away. “I better go.”

“Have fun,” I say, smiling.

“Hugo.” She bends to peer around me, catching a glimpse of him running off to the living room. “I love you.”

He doesn’t respond when she waves, too busy playing with Chad. The room is a mess, filled with Lego blocks, cars, trains, and action figures scattered across the floor.

“If you need to bail, go to the bathroom and call me. I'll come and get you.”

“I’ll be fine. Stop worrying about me.”

“I can’t help it.”

“I’ll call you if I need you.”

She turns and walks slowly down the stairs in her black pumps, each step carefully measured. The soft clicking of her heels echoes along the concrete. I watch until she disappears from my view, feeling grateful for our newfound friendship that feels a lot like family.

I close the door behind me and head to the room where the boys have now constructed a large train set. Their little faces are bright with enthusiasm, their hands moving quickly to piece together the tracks while they talk.

Watching Chad play happily with Hugo makes me pause.

I once wished for a big family, more kids…but now, I know that will never happen. Chad will never have a sibling, and I’ll never get another child. I’m almost forty-three, and I’ve only just separated from my husband. I’m not in the right headspace to find another partner. Molly's date doesn’t make me want to do the same thing. In fact, the thought of dating makes me want to vomit.

As I stand there, I take in the sound of the boys’ laughter, their sweet conversation as they finish building the train tracks and move on to something else. I remind myself that, even if my life isn’t what I had once envisioned, there’s still so much to be thankful for.

Chapter 5

Jemima

It’s been a weeksince Mom left. Each day feels like a struggle just trying to keep things together. The work is dull but necessary, just a constant effort to figure out where to begin with the mess she left behind. I take a deep breath as I step outside, the cool air hitting my face, when I hear it.

“Jemima,” a deep voice calls my name.

I look up and see a thirty-something-year-old with longish brown hair and sunglasses, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit. He’s leaning casually on the hood of a sleek sports car. Pushing off, he strides toward me, commanding my attention.

My heart skips a beat, panic clawing at my throat. How does he know my name? Is he someone my ex knew?

I straighten, even though my legs tremble. He doesn’t look like a guy here to collect money, but what do I know about debt collectors? The thought stiffens my spine even more. No, Butch will not ruin my life and make me worry about every stranger I come across. Not everyone is a bad person or a threat.

I relax slightly when he lifts his sunglasses, revealing his face, which I recognize from my search.

Harvey Lincoln.

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