Page 53 of Off-Limits
Disappointment seeps into my marrow, but I nod anyway, the little girl inside of me wanting him to love me and be proud of me. I tried to trick myself into believing that him being sickmight have meant he might have turned a new leaf, but I should have known better than to lull myself into this false sense of hope. Dad hated that I picked up and left home. How I wanted more for myself, and he made sure he voiced it so many times, along with the fact Nonna left me money and not him.
I look to my mum and find her head lowered, a clear indication she’s embarrassed. My eyes volley between them before I release a breath and say,
“How much do you need?”
Chapter Fifteen
DOTTIE
Igave my parents five grand.
I’ll never see it again, but I gave them the money anyway.
He’s sick after all.
But today is a new day, and I have a date.A fucking date with the Tin Man.
Just as I’m about to lock up, my phone chimes in my pocket.
Arrie.
Shit.
“Hey, Wench,” I answer.
“You’re the wench, wench.”
“Child much?”
She laughs. “What are you doing tonight?”
Double shit.
“I’m going to my parents for dinner,” I lie.
“How is that going?”
“Alright.”
“Liar.”
“What?”
“Have they asked you for money yet?”
I stay silent.
“Dottie,” she says, sighing.
“They’re behind in the mortgage repayments because the medical bills and shit.”
“Don’t lie to yourself or me, because we both know that’s alie.”
I sigh. “He’s paying me back when they get the insurance money. Look, Arrie, please, I don’t want to do this right now.”
“Alright. I’m here if you need me, and we are having a girls’ night next week, whether you like it or not.”
I smile.
