Page 10 of Lies Like Love

“I don’t need quick cash; I need an actual income stream before I have to scrap everything I’ve been working for.”

After checking my account last night, I was reminded I’m running on fumes. Even if my jewelry is becoming more and more popular, materials are sinking me, and I’ve been running through my cash like a wildfire. A big break is the only thing that’s going to tip the scales, or I’ll be forced to settle for an office job that takes up all my free time.

The easy answer would be to return one of my grandparents’ phone calls and take them up on the dollar signs they’ve been waving at me. But their conditions are more than I’m willing to pay.

“I get that.” Maren walks up and plants her hands on my arms. “But it’s an easy five hundred bucks for a couple of hours.”

“Feels dirty.”

She frowns.

“Not that I’m saying what you do for fun is dirty.”

“Say it like you believe it.” She rolls her eyes, even if she isn’t actually offended.

Maren isn’t shy about her body like I am. She owns her sexuality and has no problem draining men’s wallets in the process.

For her, being a ring girl a couple of times a month is for the thrill. She doesn’t need her first income, much less a second. She enjoys the attention, which is something I don’t understand.

“All you have to do is walk in a few circles. Then, boom, five hundred bucks.” Maren digs her thumbs into her pockets and looks me over. “I get how it seems, but they’re all good people. It’ll be fun.”

I open my mouth to turn her down, but quickly snap it closed again. Five hundred isn’t much, but it’s enough to cover the hole in my rent this month, while still allowing me to put a deposit on the gems I need for a custom order. Besides, it’s quick cash with no attachments.

Being a ring girl at an amateur fight for a night isn’t ideal, but after walking away from my family’s money and social connections after college, I quickly learned most things aren’t.

“Fine,” I grumble. “What time?”

“Fights start at seven but be there by six.” Maren smiles. “This is going to be so much fun. Nothing like hot, shirtless men beating the shit out of each other.”

“While we walk around in bikinis…”

“And shorts.” She shrugs. “Loosen up, Fel. You’re not part of their world anymore. It’s not a crime to enjoy yourself every once in a while.”

I don’t bother telling her enjoyment is the least of my concerns. She wouldn’t get it. Instead, I just nod, and let her think whatever she wants.

I need the cash, and if this is the price of freedom, I’m willing to pay it.

Maren leaves for her day job, and with her gone, it’s just me in her apartment.

Ourapartment—I’ve lived here for two years, so it should feel like mine. But nothing about this place does.

Not that my grandparents’ house did either.

Or college.

Ever since my mom died and Jude left, the feeling ofhomebecame an enigma to me. An idea that left me hanging from a noose with just enough rope to make me think it was possible. Tightening every time I try and actually reach it.

Seeing Jude last night stirred up every unwanted memory. Reminding me no matter how much I think I’ve moved on, a piece of me was always his.

After everything fell apart, I somehow managed to finish high school. I got into college, I made friends, I finished my degree. I had plans of building a business on my own and finally doing something with my jewelry.

But even if I took all the right steps in that direction, there was always asomedayon the horizon closing in.

Someday I’d prove myself without my family name.

Someday I’d believe I can make it.

Someday I’d forget him.

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