Page 4 of Billion Dollar Dispute

Late notices are coming in thick and fast. I’ve been calling around and asking for a grace period until I’m back on my feet. I’ve managed to get more time, but I’m angry that he hid it all from me. What kind of marriage is that?One that’s been growing apart…

“Mom, I don’t—”

“Listen,” she cuts me off, eyes bright with that carefree energy that’s so very her. “I’m not a businesswoman. Never was. Your father was the brains. I was the heart, the one who set up the parties, decorated with balloons and flowers, and made sure the playlists were fun. People loved me, but I’m not going to pretend I’m cut out for spreadsheets and payroll. And since your dad’s been gone…well, it’s been a mess. I’ve let some of the staff go. The business is just… It’s not what it was. But you? You’ve got a mind for this stuff. I’ve seen it.” She taps her temple like she’s had some grand idea.

I haven’t set foot in the office since I met Butch.

I’m still staring at the key, my fingers itching to pick it up, but my brain’s screaming at me not to. “Mom, this is a lot. I—I’ve never run a business.”

“So? Nobody’s born knowing how to run a business. You’ll learn. You’re smart, Jemima. Smarter than I ever was when it comes to this stuff. Your dad always said so, didn’t he?” Her eyes soften, and for a second, she’s not the larger-than-life social butterfly in neon colors, she’s just my mom, missing her husband.

Her confidence in me makes my throat tighten. “Mom, I—”

“Look, darling.” She places her hands on my shoulders, eyes locked on mine. “I’m not saying you have to do it. But it’s achance. If you don’t want it, I’ll sell the business. But I’d rather see you make something of it. I know you can. I’ve seen you fight through so much already.”

Tears sting my eyes, but I blink them back. I’m not going to cry. Not now. “Okay,” I say softly, my voice sounding more sure than I feel. “I’ll give it a shot.”

“That’s my girl!” she says, and then she’s back to grinning, arms thrown wide. As she hugs me tightly, her bangles clink against my back. “You’re going to do great things, I just know it.”

Her eyes twinkle with excitement as she pulls back. “Now, where's my grandson?”

“In the living room,” I answer.

Mom heads off. I watch her go, and warmth spreads through me. I hear Chad giggle as she must’ve scooped him up into her arms.

I pick up the key, my thumb tracing its cool, smooth surface. It’s small but full of so much potential. My chest tightens with something between fear and hope. I’m not ready for this. But I can’t keep crying myself to sleep every night hoping things will change. I have to be the one to change them.

“Mom,” Chad calls, his voice piercing the early morning silence.

My eyes snap open, adrenaline spiking as I rise from the sofa. My feet shuffle across the creaking wooden floors as I head toward his room. As I rub the sleep from my eyes, the wall clock glares back at me. It’s only five a.m.

“Hey, honey,” I murmur, lifting his blankets and sitting beside him. “Shh, go back to sleep.” He comes closer, his small arm wrapping around my stomach, seeking comfort. I gently stroke his messy brown hair, in a soothing rhythm, and watch as he drifts back to sleep. I close my eyes and lean back against theheadboard. It’s not as uncomfortable as the lumpy sofa, but I can’t seem to bring myself to sleep in the bed I shared with Butch; his betrayal hurts too much. Closing my eyes, I attempt to grab a few more hours of sleep before the day pulls me back into reality.

I’m unable to fall back asleep, so I quietly slip out and watch his little body curl up peacefully for a moment. With a soft smile, I move to the bathroom to take a shower. The persistent drip from the leaky faucet reminds me of yet another repair in my future. I can’t ask my landlords to fix it because I still owe them rent. The two-bedroom apartment in Melrose is falling apart, but it’s all I can afford. I push aside my worries, taking a quick, warm shower before heading to the kitchen to make some coffee.

Sitting on the sofa, I sip my warm coffee, cherishing the rare silence. Nights here are disrupted by my next-door neighbor, who brings home a new woman every night.

As the quiet surrounds me, memories of the last few months flood my mind.The police, drained bank accounts, credit card debt, etcetera…

Just as the image of my ex in this apartment flashes before me, Chad shuffles out of his bedroom, rubbing his sleepy eyes. I lower my coffee cup and open my arms, ready for our morning hug, the start of our new routine. I’m dressed in black pants, a black top with lace trim, and a black jacket. I prepare his breakfast and our lunches, tidy up, and choose his outfit for the day.

As he finishes breakfast, I add a touch of mascara, and some blush to my cheeks and lipstick before telling Chad to get ready, so we can head out.

In the lobby, Jade and Pedro, the apartment owners, who are both in their late sixties, warmly greet us. I smile and they wave me over.

“Morning.” The lump in my throat grows, remembering the amount of money I owe these lovely people. Not me… My ex. I thought he was paying the rent, but it seems all our money, including our savings, was used for his secret addictions. I expect them to ask me for the money but instead, they surprise me.

“We can take Chad to school, if you’d like?” Jade offers with a warm smile. “It’s your first day at the new job.”

I shake my head. “It is, but I don’t want to bother you.”

One thing I was never prepared for was how hard it was going to be as a single parent. I literally have to do everything. I don’t get hobbies or time for myself because, one, I don’t have money, but two, I have Chad all on my own. Butch wasn’t a great father, but I could at least leave Chad to head to the shops, clean the house, or get my hair colored.

“Nonsense. We love it.” Jade smiles.

Chad is smiling beside me, unfazed by our conversation.

“It’s on our way,” Pedro insists.

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