Page 13 of Tempt Me

“I know.” She shrugs while collecting the pot of potatoes off the stove. “We’re not hurting, but if we have everything done before you graduate, it’ll make the transition smoother. So, what color?”

“What color will the lobby or your office be?”

“White.”

“Then white, it is.”

“Honey.” She marches over and grasps my upper arms. “We know you’re the creative one so don’t choose white because you want to fit in. Feel free to spruce it up a little and put some color in your office.”

If I was actually planning on working there…. Shit. My heart drops to my feet. Am I really thinking about not working with my parents? If I’m questioning things already, I should say something.

“I....” The words get lodged in my throat. I cough and say, “White is fine. I can add color through accessories.” If they have to hire someone else, a white office space wouldn’t hinder the deal. “I need to go. The girls are expecting me in thirty minutes.”

“All right, dear, white it is. We’ll get on it next week. Your father and I can’t wait until you join us at the office.” She beams,causing my stomach to clench. “To have one of our kids follow in our footsteps will be amazing.”

“Right.” I cringe as dread weighs down on me.

“Don’t forget. If you earn over $13,850 this year, even if it’s in cash, you have to pay taxes for your earnings.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“I’m so proud of you,” she sighs behind me. “Keeping up with your studies, helping around the house, and making money through your business. You should be proud of yourself.”

When I was twelve, I started doing my friends’ makeup, hair, and fingernails and picking out their outfits. And I never stopped.

The only difference is that back then, I’d get a soda or a rubber band friendship bracelet for payment. Now, I get paid by the hour for my services and spend two to three nights a week working. A hair color here. A new eyeshadow design there. You name it, I can do it.

“Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Don’t stay out too late. You have class in the morning.”

Jesus. I growl under my breath as I playfully roll my eyes.

Chapter Seven

A Couple of Days Later

Bella

“Sorry I’m late.” I slide into the booth across from Ruby at Callahan’s Bar. Even though it’s a drive from Brookhaven, Callahan’s is a better option than the Rusty Nail Tavern.

Our bar in town is filled with loser drunks who creep on younger girls. Age-gap might be good in a romance novel, but these guys are not quality candidates in that department. Think 45-year-old pathetic men who should be at home with their wives and kids, but instead, they’re perched on barstools, craning their necks to see that extra inch of flesh when a girl leans over the pool table.

Ruby glances at her watch. “It’s about time you showed up.”

I sag into the cushions and sigh, “It’s been a long day. I don’t have time between studying and doing hair and makeup on the side.”

“You should drop this college thing you’re trying to do and go to Cosmo school. You’re an artist when it comes to clothes, makeup, and hair. I don’t understand why you think you’d disappoint your parents. They’ve supported Ben in his culinary arts school every step of the way.”

“I know.” My heart pounds against my ribs until a pang of pain shoots across my breast. The second the twinge happens;I exhale and will my stress to dissipate. “I appreciate your support, but I’m still figuring things out.”

“While you’re getting into more debt. How does that help anything?” Ruby motions the waitress over with her finger and grasps the glass in front of her. The drink is a pinkish orange over ice cubes.

“You know my parents are paying for most of it.”

“But not all of it.” She sucks down on the straw as the waitress takes our order–two Sex on the Beaches.

When we’re alone, she eyes me over the top of her glass like a disapproving librarian. “You’ve been going to college for three years, and if you don’t use any of it, you’ll be paying for nothing for twenty years.”

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