Page 95 of Breaking Point
“No, she didn’t, but you just did.” My mom’s smile is small, tired I realize. “Just tell me, Bella.”
Taking a deep breath, I move into a seated position, Layla doing the same on the couch she’s sitting on beside my mom.
Rip the Band-Aid off, Bella.
Just rip the Band-Aid off.
Steeling my spine, I say, “I acquired the funds needed for your treatment. I spoke to Dr. Stewart and you start the medication and the lengthy treatment program on Monday.”
My mom’s eyes are no longer dull and meek. They’re round and wide, open with surprise as her jaw unhinges. My gaze slides to Layla’s and back. We’re both waiting.
“Mom?” I probe. “Did you hear me?”
Of course she heard me, what a stupid question to ask. It’s why she’s gone into shock. She says nothing, only blinks at me slowly as if she’s trying to figure out whether this is a dream or not.
Her lips move but no sound escapes. Did I break her?
“Trisha?” Layla says softly, worry etched across her forehead.
Now I’m certainly glad Layla is here for this.
Finally, my mom rights herself and asks, “How?”
“That…is where I need you to take a deep breath and let me explain.”
She leans forward, moving into a seated position herself. “Do not give me a heart attack, Isabella Rose Stratford.”
Wincing at the use of my full legal name, my fingers tap on the couch in a pattern of three. Swallowing thickly, I take a deep breath and explain, “My new boss, Grayson Crawford?—”
“The hockey player,” she states flatly.
“Yes. He and his agent offered me a deal that paid enough to cover the treatment, so I took it.”
She gazes at me warily, not missing a beat as she asks, “What was the offer, Bella?”
Despite the churning in my stomach, I steel my heart for an argument. “A PR relationship.”
If I thought my mother’s eyes were wide before, that was nothing compared to how large they grow now. She jumps to her feet, suddenly fast in her movements. “I will not sell my daughter to a hockey player for treatment!” she explodes.
“Oh, Jesus Christ,” I mutter under my breath.
“Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain!”
I look at her dubiously. “Mom, you’re not religious.”
“Maybe that’s where I went wrong in life! I will not sell my child!”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Mom, you’re not selling me, and yes, I will continue to do it if it means it saves your life.”
“Not for this price.”
“It’s not all that bad,” Layla chimes in, hurriedly going on as my mother turns her wrathful gaze on my best friend. “All she has to do is appear to be in a relationship with him in public, nothing else.”
My mom’s chest is heaving, far too quickly for my liking. “Mom, please sit down,” I beg, softening my voice. “Please.”
“Why?”
“Why?Mom, you’re dying,” I say bluntly. “I will do anything to keep you here.”
