Page 45 of Sacrifice
I wish.
I try to smile politely, frustrated that it’s taking so long and irritated that he would think I would sell mywedding ringfor avacation.I want to shout at him, lecture him on the ridiculousness of the question, but I don’t want to draw this process out any longer than necessary. Every question makes the pain amplify.
“No, sir. My daughter has been diagnosed with cancer and I’m broke.” My words come out clipped, yet I feel my bottom lip quiver.
He watches me for a moment and then picks up his glasses. He puts them on, bends down, and grabs a form from under the desk. “Fill this out, honey. I’ll be right back.”
I answer the questions and get out my driver’s license, trying to keep my mind blank andnotfocused on what I’m doing. I don’t want to think about it. I can see my ring off to my right and I have half a notion to pick it up and run out the door.
The man comes back and takes the paper. He notes a few things and slides my license back. I pop it into my wallet and watch him expectantly. The walls are closing in and I can’t breathe.
He hands me eight one-hundred-dollar bills.
“You told me five hundred dollars,” I say, looking up to him.
“Take it.”
“Sir . . .” I can’t say anything else. I can feel the heat in my chest, the burn in my throat, and I know the ever-present lump is going to interrupt any words I try to say.
“My wife and I will pray for your daughter. I hope she gets well, honey.”
I can only nod and smile, the tears streaming down my face. I allow myself one final glance at the token of love Gage placed on my ring finger one beautiful August day and turn and walk out.
SEVENTEEN
CREW
I tap my foot against the plank and it gives slightly. As usual, the landlord fixed it but half-assed. It’s a good thing they’re moving because I have an inkling that he and I would be going toe-to-toe if they were here much longer.
I move the toothpick around my mouth and watch the street. I’m not sure where she’s at and if Olivia knows, she’s not telling. She did let me see Ever, who was sleeping in her bed. She seemed a little pale, but it was good to just see her lying there. The dreamcatcher I gave her was hanging in the window and I hope to hell it works for her. She is living a real-life nightmare, whether she knows it or not. Her dreams should be her safe place.
Jules’s blue Toyota rumbles up the street and pulls up to the curb. She looks up before turning her back for a minute and then getting out of the car.
As she gets nearer, I notice her eyes are swollen. Her steps quicken. “Hey,” she says, sniffling.
“Hey.”
“Is everything okay? Olivia didn’t call.”
“Everything’s fine. Ever’s asleep.”
I see the relief settle across her. She balances her bag on her shoulder. “Where ya been?” I ask.
“I had a few errands to run.”
“Like?”
“What are you? My keeper?” she bites out. I know I’ve hit a nerve but I’m not sure why. All it does is make me more determined to figure it out.
I eye her, warning her to tread carefully. “Maybe.”
“Go away, Crew.” She rolls her eyes and starts up the stairs.
I rise, peering down at her. Something has happened and she’s not telling me. Again. This shit’s gonna stop.
“Where were you, Jules?” My tone is harsher than I even intended, but fuck it. I’m done playing with her.
“I wastryingto pay my water bill,” she says, her hand on her hip. “If I don’t get it paid before I move out, they’ll hold the security deposit, and I could use that money right now. But, it was already paid.” She glares at me.
