Page 59 of Sassy Love
I draw in a lungful and set my shoulders back. “How willwefind the money?”
“Do you have any savings?” he asks.
I press a hand to my hip. “Do you?” The tone comes out harsher than I intend.
Lawson rubs a hand behind his neck as he looks down at me, his gaze slipping to my mouth. “Yeah, sure. We can use mine.”
“Mr. Lawson, the problem must be solved by both of you.”
“Half can be covered by my savings?” Lawson says.
“You don’t sound so sure about that,” I say softly, closing the gap between us.
“I’m sure.” His hands hang by his sides. “What about you, you sure?”
“That I want to pay half of a bill?”
“Yeah, that,” he breathes.
“Absolutely.” The word is no more than a huffy breath.
“Yes! A successful outcome.” Manuel’s excitement propels us apart like Moses parting the Red Sea.
I drop my gaze to the floor.
Shit.
How the hell did we get so close?
“Next up, you are going to be your respective parent and role-play how they would solve something. Mr. Lawson, who do you choose, your mother or your father?”
“My father.”
“What is his name?” Manuel asks.
“Harry.” Lawson’s gaze hasn’t left me, but I can’t bring myself to look at him.
“Miss Carlie, who do you cho?—”
“My mom.”
“Oh, okay, great. Here are your slips.” Manuel hands us new colored pieces of paper.
I look at mine, studying it like it’s some ancient treasure map that takes years to decipher. Looking anywhere other than the man whose deep blues swing back to me every other heartbeat.
“Mr. Lawson, you may start.” Manuel nods.
Lawson moves closer. His feet parting a little, he dips his head. “Darlin’, I have some bad news.”
I look up into those deep blues tightened with sadness.
“What is it?” I whisper.
His jaw feathers as he takes my shoulders in his arms. “Ma’s gone.”
Ma? His mother? My mother? By the way he’s looking at me, I’m guessing it was mine. His Adam’s apple bobs, his chest plummets.
“Okay? Whe—I mean how?”
