Page 111 of Three Ring Heat: Part One
“Do you have any idea when I’ll get paid?” I asked, embarrassed heat crawling over my skin.
Because I don’t have money to eat.
I hated the thought of having to admit it, and I hated the worried look that crossed Bobbitt’s face even more. She knew I ran away from home with nothing more than a backpack, but I didn’t want her to think I was some useless burden the way the troupe alphas did. I didn’t want her to think I was desperate—even though I kind of was.
I just wanted to earn my keep, perform, and make enough money to get by.
That would be enough.
“I’m not sure,” she said softly, picking at her leftover sweet potato fries. “We normally get paid every Friday, but I can ask Hallow.”
Friday.That was still three days away.
I could hardly survive on two dollars until then.
“Is something wrong?” she asked when I didn’t say anything.
My insides churned, and my cheeks burned even hotter. I might as well tell her—she’d find out anyway if I started skipping meals.
“I’m… uhh… kind of broke,” I admitted. “Okay, really broke. And I’m… uhh… not sure what I’m going to do.”
Her mouth opened in a silent O, and I braced myself judgement to follow.
It didn’t.
“Ya should have said something, doll!” she whispered sharply, thankfully keeping her voice down. There weren’t many people eating around us, but I didn’t want any eavesdroppers. “Don’t worry about it—we’ll take care of ya.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t exactly understand.” I chewed the corner of my mouth uncertainly. “Is there like a pantry of food on one of the trailers or…”
I felt like a complete idiot for not knowing what she meant, but Bobbitt only smiled softly.
“Let’s get out of here, and I’ll explain.” She shoved away from the small, hand-carved table and gestured for me to follow. I did without a word. We weaved our way back through the tiny restaurant and past the hostess stand near the door.
It wasn’t until we were back on the sidewalk that she said anything.
“Sorry, I was getting a little claustrophobic in there.” She giggled and turned to lead us farther down the strip of shops. “Anyway, you don’t have to worry about food, or anything else, before you get your first check. The sideshow will cover it.”
I cocked an eyebrow at her, still confused.
“I had no idea. No one said anything about it,” I said, thinking about Daze paying for my food. Why hadn’t he brought it up if it was an option? Did he forget or not think it was important at the time?
“That’s something Hallow started when they took over the circus,” she explained. “Some people have what they need when they join the troupe—savings, or enough cash to get them by—but that’s rarely the case. Most people come to us broken,afraid, and destitute. We take care of them.” She nudged me affectionately with her elbow. “You’re family now, doll. We’d never let ya starve.”
My lip wobbled, but I immediately scolded myself. I wasn’t about to cry in the middle of sightseeing in this beautiful city, especially not where Bobbitt could see.
“That’s amazing.” I cleared my throat. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
“Ya don’t have to say anything.” She smiled sympathetically. “As soon as we get back, I’ll talk to Hallow; don’t worry, it’ll stay between us if you want.”
“Please.” I forced a dry chuckle. “I’d rather not give Zero anything else to lord over me.”
Bobbitt zipped her lips and threw away an invisible key.
“Although, if Zero is saying fucked up things to you, I can probably bring that up to Hallow, too,” she offered. “I know it’s hard with him being in charge half the time, but?—”
I shook my head. “Nope.” I didn’t want to open that can of worms and make Zero resent me more than he already did. Who knew what he would do if I tried to turn Hallow against him? “It’s fine, really. But yes, please, keep this between us.”
“No problem, doll.”
