Page 100 of Forbidden Desire

“I’m sorry about that,” says Troy, laying on the charm. “My sister here is a single mom, and couldn’t find a sitter. I haven’t seen her in so long. Please, don’t take this night from us. We’ve so been looking forward to eating at this establishment.”

The waitress looks around warily, as if she’s thinking about it.

“Please, she won’t make a peep.” Troy reaches in his jacket and pulls out his wallet, sliding a hundred-dollar bill toward her. “For your trouble.”

He lays on that smile of his, and it takes everything in me not to roll my eyes because the waitress falls for it. She nods, taking the bill and placing it in her apron before turning to leave. She didn’t even take my drink order. She was too blinded by my brother’s annoying charm. I open my mouth to say something, but she’s already moved onto the next table.

“Thanks,” I mutter.

“No problem.” He waves me off. “Now, back to what I was saying. I don’t like to see you like this, Erica. It was one thing when it was just you, but now you have a daughter. I can’t just let you get by like this without my help…”

“Likewhat?”I ask pointedly.

“Stressed. Absentminded. Working for the same newspaper who has never done right by you.”

“That’s not true. I have the job I’ve always wanted.”

“And it came with a pay decrease…” he reminds me.

“I just have to be patient.”

“You’vebeenpatient. You’ve been there for years and they never saw your value. Always working you into the ground, and now with the new owner, it seems even worse. Is it worth it?” he asks.

I think about what he’s asking, and wonder if it is worth it anymore. I wonder if all the stress I’m going through at work is worth my mental wellbeing and how it affects Josie. The paper is all I’ve ever known. I can’t imagine starting over somewhere else. Plus, I’ve tried. No one has even given me a chance at an interview.

“I know you don’t get it…”

“Don’t I?” he asks, raising an eyebrow. “I worked under our father for years, too afraid to do anything on my own. The thought of trying and failing was terrifying, especially when our lovely father was there to likely rub it in my face.”

“Troy…” I start, remembering what a rough last year he had.

“So don’t tell me I don’t get it.” He takes a slow sip of his drink. “At least I did something about it.”

“Not everyone isyou, Troy. Or has the financial means to start over.”

“I’ve offered to help you with money, so you can get a bigger apartment closer to work. Closer to me. I can buy you your own damn newspaper for God’s sake.”

“But I don’t want that.” I shake my head once.

“Why won’t you let me help you?” he asks.

“Because this is my life. I should be the one to figure it out.”

“You have to learn when to accept help. For Josie’s sake at least.”

“I said no,” I say slowly.

Troy sighs and leans back in the booth, running a hand through his hair in annoyance. Josie reaches up and squeezes his cheeks,lightening the mood. It works because Troy looks down at her and smiles.

“Your mommy is not only scatter-brained, but stubborn.” He leans his face down into her palms, which makes her giggle.

“Will you stop bad-mouthing me to my daughter?” I say, biting back a smile.

“Are you sure she’s yours?” he asks, looking from Josie to me.

“Troy!”

“It’s just she looks nothing like you.”

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