Page 39 of Faking It

She chuckles, and I can’t help smiling. It’s good to hear her laugh. Good to hear her joke. Good to hear her, period. There were two awful days when I wasn’t sure that would be possible again.

“So, how’s your photography business going? Any more bookings this week?”

I spend the next few minutes updating her on the progress of my company.Gideon Cain Photographyhad been gaining slow traction because I decided not to use my birth name, and I wore a disguise for every job. Yet, my talent spoke for itself, and the bookings were consistently trailing in.

“I had my eyes set on a studio in the financial district. With this new movie deal, however, I’m not sure a lease would make sense at this time.” At least, until I’m free to consistently take bookings again.

“Take your time, honey. Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Mom advises. “You’ll get there. Just give it time.”

“I know, Mom, and I will.”

She clears her throat. Speaking of movie deals, how is your father doing? We haven’t spoken in the last two weeks.”

Busy frolicking with his twenty-five-year-old.“He’s existing, I guess.”

Mom sighs. “I still can’t believe he forced you into that movie. Your father has done some terrible things but slipping that detail into the fine print… he’s despicable.”

“That’s putting it mildly. Imagine threatening to make your son homeless if he doesn’t abide by your rules.”

“Threatening to evict you, tearing the property down for a musical stadium. Is he for real? Your father knows how much that home means to me. To both of us.”

“To be honest, I’m not surprised. He wasn’t pleased when I bought this place, remember?”

“All these years, he’s still carrying that grudge.” She sighs again. “If only I had the money to get you out of his hold, but he controls all my affairs, you know that.”

“Yeah, Mom. I know.” I hate thinking about that conservatorship. It angers me that the court appointed the same person responsible for putting my mom in this state. For years, Dad pushed Mom toward her breaking point, and she finally went over the edge two years ago. That ANON video of her wrecking that clothing store will always live in my memory.

“Let’s not talk about Dad anymore. How are you doing? Have you been taking your meds?”

“It’s not like I have a choice. These nurses are worse than my headmistress in Catholic school,” she chuckles. “I’ve been feeling great, way better than last week. Who knows? I could be back home within the year.”

More than anything, I would love that. Mom has always kept me grounded. When she started losing it, I lost it, too. I’m trying to find my way back, but it’s difficult without her support. Right now, she needs support, too.

“Fingers crossed, Mom. Just keep taking your meds and going to therapy, okay? I’ll check in with you next week.” I’d love to call more, but she insists I only do it on Sundays. She also refuses to put me on the visitor’s list, saying she doesn’t want me to see her this way.

‘You have a life, Gideon. Don’t waste your time on me. I’ll see you when I recover’.

“Kisses, honey. Love you.” She smooches, the sound a pleasant smack in my ear. “I know it’s hard but try to endure just a little longer. It’s going to be worth it, believe me.”

I hang up after saying I love you, and there’s a soft smile on my face as I head to the kitchen to make breakfast. Back in the day when I had my own money, I enjoyed the luxuries of a private chef. Not that I mind this new development. Besides photography, I love cooking for myself. For the next half hour, I work on making some English muffins with scrambled eggs and another cup of coffee.

Sitting in my favorite spot on the balcony, I take in the view of my front lawn. I’d bought this place with Mom in mind. Up to thirty years ago, this was her childhood home until hard life forced her parents to sell. She’d been happy when it came back on the market a few years ago, but Dad refused to buy. Co-incidentally, I’d been house hunting at the time, so it was a no-brainer.

I can’t let Dad win. I can’t afford to lose this house. Mom tries to play it casual, but I knew it would break her heart. My grandparents both died in a car crash five years ago and this place contains the memories of Mom’s childhood that connects her to them. It’s the main reason I bought this property, and it’s the only reason I’ll keep being a puppet on my father’s strings.

At least, until it’s time to cut myself loose.

Chapter 14

Ana

“If this is a prank, Tori, I’m going to seriously unfriend you.”

“I don’t do pranks. I make money. And this, my friend,” Tori wiggles her cell phone, “is about to make us come crazy moolah.”

Leaning in, I peer at the email on her phone, reading it for the third time but still not believing what it says. “Is this for real?Mahogany Productionswants to meet with me?”

Tori nods, looking pleased.

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