Page 15 of Allure

“You will answer my calls?”

“Not if they’re during class or when I’m studying or doing homework.”

"Or at a party." She nods a few times as if this is acceptable. "You'll at least text every now and again, so I know my daughter hasn't left me entirely?"

“I’m not going anywhere, Mom. I’m not dying.”

“Hmm. I never thought your father would die on me, but…”

I’m so grateful that our soups come so we can eat and stop talking.

Only Mom still talks. “Two karate classes two days in a row. A new passion, hmm? Are any of the students who attend close in your age?”

“Maybe some are. I’ve made one friend. Her name is Jackie.”

The light in my Mom’s eyes that perked at the beginning of the sentence fades as she learns my friend’s a female.

“What’s the big deal?” I ask bluntly. “What’s wrong with making female friends?”

“Nothing at all. I just don’t want you to be alone.”

"That's why I'm making friends." I sip more of my Pasta e Fagioli soup. It's delicious, the pasta tender, the beans creamy, the herbs perfectly seasoning it. I almost wish I could just eat a larger portion of this.

“Yes, but I don’t want you to be alone your entire life. You need to put yourself out there and find love. Start dating already. I didn’t want to say anything to you about this before because you always made it clear you wanted to go to college far away. What would be the point of dating a boy in high school if you’ll just break up because of distance? But now, now you need to date.”

I offer her a wan smile but make no comment.

I need to date like I need a hole in my head.

A hole in the head.

That’s how my father died.

He had been shot between the eyes.

CHAPTER6

The next morning, I honestly don’t know what to expect, but I have a feeling that’s exactly how all of the other freshmen feel. For me, though, it’s opening a huge can of worms.

Because I really do want to curse my father.

I want to spite him.

He hurt me, and yes, he’s dead, but that’s not good enough. I want to destroy his legacy.

When I turn twenty-one, I'm going to take over his business. I'm going to work hard and even take courses over the summer to ensure that I'll graduate before my birthday.

And I’ll bring his business up.

At first.

My goal is to make it worth twice as much as it is when I take over.

And then I’ll sell it.

I’m not going to keep a single cent, and no, not one penny will go to my mom.

I’ll donate every penny. Not sure where, though.

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