Page 33 of Savoring Her Snake

“Sorry.” Sometimes, I feel like a little girl again. My heart jumps with hope. I hate it. She does this all the time, pretending that she wants to spend time with me as any mother would do. Unfortunately, I usually fall for it, and then I’m disappointed when I have to pay for the meal. She always has an ulterior motive. “Did you need something?”

“Have you heard from your brother? I can’t reach him.” He tries to ignore her calls, too.

“Not today.” Which isn’t a lie. I don’t disclose any information about Levi.

“I thought he could join us.”

“Sorry.” I roll my eyes. Why should I apologize to her? “What did you want to talk about?” I need to get to the point; I know she has an angle. Heath will look for me if I take too long.

“Is it wrong to have a meal with my kids?” The soft voice is gone.

“Not at all.” I wrap my arm around my stomach. How can she make me feel guilty after so many years?

“I was telling my friend the other night that I don’t get enough time with both of you. He thought it was a shame. He advised me to reach out.”

“What’s his name?” Great, another Dad.

“Len. Baby, you are going to love him,” she gushes. “We met two weeks ago. He’s so nice and wants to get to know you. His kids have children of their own and live in a different state. The other night, he cooked me dinner. He’s an amazing cook and so good to me. I just wish I had the clothes that suited a rich man like him. He asked me out to a fancy restaurant, and I had to turn him down. I feel ashamed. How could I show up looking like I do?” she says. I walk to the sink, gripping the edge and bowing my head. “Baby, he is the one. This is who I will be with for the rest of my life. Isn’t that exciting? I don’t want to let him down. His friends are sophisticated. I can’t socialize with them, looking like an average person. I need the good stuff. I can’t shop at just any store. I can’t wait until you find the kind of love he gives me. Are you seeing anyone? What is Stanly up to? Is he dating someone? He makes good money.”

“How much?” I ask, swallowing my hurt.

“Baby, it’s not about the money. Don’t you want me to be happy?”

“I have always wished for that,” I snap.

“Don’t talk to me that way. Show respect. I dedicated my life to raising you. Staying home when my boyfriends asked me out. Taking care of ungrateful children. Is it wrong to want some happiness now? Your dad left me. No money. No support. You should be mad at him,” she huffs. “I just need a little for clothes. I’m not asking you to buy me a house. I'll pay you back when he asks me to marry him.”

“You’ve known him for two weeks,” I state.

“So? When love hits, it hits. Time doesn’t matter. I’m happy, and you always have to bring me down.”

I lift my head.

“I don’t do that,” I deny. What choice do I have? Who else is going to have a level head?

“You do nothing but that,” she snarls. “Just because you don’t have a man doesn’t mean I shouldn’t. You are jealous. At least let me have some happiness, finally. Do you want to be the reason I don’t?”

I gasp as Heath appears in the mirror and takes my phone from my shaking hand. He puts on the speaker and stares into my shocked eyes.

“You can stop speaking now,” he commands.

“What? Who are you?” Mom screeches.

“I am the man you don’t think your daughter can get,” he says.

“Excuse me? This is a private conversation.”

“Not anymore. You will text Juliana your bank information.”

“She already has it,” she snaps. My instinct is to lower my eyes, but for some reason, I want him to see the pain I can’t hide.

“There will be a deposit. The money I put in there will be on behalf of your daughter. When you see the amount, know it is a parting gift. The only reason you will receive it is because you gave birth to my woman. I am grateful she is in the world. You will get no more from me or her. If you push her, ask her for money, or show up at her place of work again, I won’t be so nice. You have no idea who I am or what I can do. I hope you find the happiness you have been looking for, but if this isn’t it, don’t come crawling to her. Her money is hers. She is mine. I protect those who belong to me, and you upset her.” He glides his thumb over my cheek, wiping my tears gently.

“You can’t keep me away from her,” she thunders.

“I can and I will. If she wants to call you, she will, but she won’t give you any more money.” He drops his hand, wraps his arm around my waist, and pulls. I fall into his chest, gratefully leaning on him. “Let me remind you; you don’t know what I’m capable of. Push me. I dare you. I thrive on those who underestimate me.” He ends the call. “Darling,” he whispers, putting the phone on the sink.

“How much did you hear?” I ask as he drags his finger over my other cheek.

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