Page 29 of Chasing Sarah

PAST DUE

PAST DUE

FINAL NOTICE

PAST DUE

The bold bright-red letters distort as tears fill my vision.

Xander, Tommy, and Ronny have been working nonstop to pay the debt that mom left us with but no matter how much money they make, we’re still drowning.

Colson and I are not old enough to get jobs and help pay some bills but there has to be a way for us ease some of their stress.

“What are you doing?”

The papers scatter on the floor when I startle at the sound of Ronny’s voice.

His shoes lightly thump on the floor and he bends to sweep them into in hands. His face is set in stone as he scans through the pile.

“Let me find a way to help,” I whisper.

His eyes snap to mine. “No.” Tossing the papers onto the counter, he steps toward me. “The only thing you and Colson need to worry about is being kids.”

Clenching my fist, I chew on the inside of my lip. “I can help.”

His fingers run through his hair, and he lets out a sigh. “I know you want to, but right now, we got this. I know it might not seem like it.” He gestures to the papers. “But we’re okay.”

A soft smile lifts his lips, but it fails to meet his eyes.

My brows furrow as I scan his features. There is more stubble than usual on his face. His eyes are sad, defeated.

“I love you, kid.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. “I love you too.”

He pulls me into his arms and kisses my temple. “We’re going to be okay,” he whispers. I don’t know if he’s trying to convince me… or himself.

The chains rattle from the impact of my kick. The bag swings back and forth. Beads of sweat slither down my forehead and heaving chest.

“Good. Again,” My coach, Dani, orders.

She’s a petite Puerto Rican with deep brown eyes, tawny skin, and curly black hair. Don’t let her short stature fool you, though. She packs a mean punch and can take down a man twice her size like it’s nothing.

Adjusting my stance, I take in a deep breath then kick out my leg with a grunt.

“You’re putting a lot more power into those kicks.” She smilesproudly, moving around the bag to pat my back.

I set my hands on my hips and nod quickly, trying to control my breathing.

“Thanks,” I pant.

I haven’t had a chance to come to the gym in a few days and my body is feeling it. I’m sore in all the places I thought I strengthened when first starting my training here.

“Go get some water and then we’ll start your cool down.” She points to where my stuff lies on the bench.

I shoot her a grateful smile before sluggishly moving toward the bench and plopping my ass down on the wood.

The feeling of each gulp of water wetting my dry throat nearly causes me to moan in pleasure.

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