Page 53 of His Coveted Obsession

Me: I’m NOT asking you for more money. No. I’ll

probably have to quit school and find a second job now,

though. It’s fine. I can go back to school later.

Easton: You will NOT quit.

Me: Do not send me more money. I didn’t text you for

money.

Easton: As if you have a choice. I won’t have you

starving, unable to pay your bills, and working so many

hours that I never see you. Absolutely not.

My bank suddenly sent me a text notification. With shaking hands, I opened the bank app and read the dollar amount, unable to process what I was seeing, which had nothing to do with my blurry vision from the freshly sprung tears.

One hundred thousand dollars.

Holy fuck.

That was more money than my dad made in a year. My hand rushed to my mouth as a sob escaped me. Once again, Easton reminded me how much he cared for and loved me in his own way. Making sure I had all that I needed was his love language. Still… God, it was way too much.

Easton: Your father does not see a dime of that.

Understood?

Me: Yes. God, Superman… I love you so much. Thank

you.

Easton: You’re welcome.

Me: What are you doing right now? Are you going to

stop by the coffee shop tomorrow?

Me: Never mind. It’s Saturday.

Easton: I’m packing. I’ll be gone for a couple of days.

I’ll see you Monday morning.

Me: Okay. Again, I love you. Talk to you soon.

Easton: Goodnight.

What a weird emotional rollercoaster, all in an hour. One minute, my world was crashing around me, and the next, Easton swoops in once again, saving the day. My Superman. My hero.

With relief down to the core of my soul, I climbed out of bed and headed to the kitchen to eat my sandwich. Easton would get upset with me if he knew I hadn’t eaten.

My sandwich and dad were still there at the table. I sat down and took a bite of the ham and cheese.

“Tommy?” he slurred. “I’m so sorry I said that. I’ll… look for a job tomorrow, okay?”

“Sure, Dad,” I sighed. “We’ll figure it out.”

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