Page 8 of Ruthless God

“Well, I’m sure you don’t want to take her. Right?”

“So you think I should go?”

I don’t want to tell her no, so I say, “You know how I feel. I think you ought to let him know about her and then sue his ass for child support. But I also know how you feel about him. So,yeah, I think you should go to the interview. Let him pay you to take care of his kids and I can keep an eye on this one.”

“That’s asking too much. I can’t.”

“You can. I have some money saved up from dancing. We’ll make this work.” I point toward the wall that connects to Harvey’s room. “Besides, you know Harvey will help.”

Her eyes water, and she leans over, hugging me.

“You’re the best.”

“No, you are. Just promise me you won’t sleep with him.”

She laughs as if it’s the most ridiculous idea in the world. As if it hasn’t happened once. As if she wasn’t devastated after.

“I won’t.”

I hum under my breath but decide to change the subject.

“Are you ready for the test on Monday?”

“I think so.”

“Girl don’t lie. I know you’re stressed.”

Raquel had a cold last week, and Lili had to miss class a few times. Even though I don’t have a kid, I know the Professor for that class, and he’s a hard ass. Missing one day is bad. Missing two is devastating. Lili missed three.

Lili sighs. “Fine. I’m stressed.”

“That’s what I thought. Which is why I’m going to watch my favorite baby while you study before the interview.”

“Cec—”

“Oh, this isn’t for free, because I’m totally going to raid your closet while you’re gone.”

Because I know for a fact my bestie has some shoes that will look hot with the costume I bought for work.

She finally smiles. “Deal.”

I grab the baby monitor and head back to my room, giving Lili space to change for her interview.

A little while later, her voice rings out from the hallway. “I’m heading out!”

“Good luck!” I call back, but I’m already shifting gears, my mind drifting to my own priorities.

One test stands between me and freedom. An entire summer without lectures, deadlines, or cramming equations into my brain at ungodly hours. Just a little more focus, and I’m home free.

I settle onto my bed, flipping open my notes, highlighter poised. Time slips away as I drill facts into my brain, the silence broken only by the occasional crackle of the baby monitor.

Then, my stomach protests. Loudly.

I sigh, rubbing my forehead. Food first, then back to work.

Scooping up the monitor, I head for the kitchen, the cool floor soothing against my bare feet. But the moment I step inside, I stop short.

Harvey stands in front of the open fridge, unmoving, staring into its depths like it holds the answers to life itself. For a second, I just watch him, the glow from the fridge light casting sharp shadows across his face. He looks lost in thought, or maybe just lost.

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