Page 36 of Escaping the King
“I'll think about it,” was all I promised her—all I could promise her for now.
She nodded and walked away.I felt her disappointment.
Then, for some reason, I wondered if Sheila's kids and grandkids ever felt her disappointment.I'd bet they did.
Sheila seemed like the kind of mother and grandmother who'd do anything to keep the people around her safe.And happy.
Then my mind rearranged my life, and I imagined growing up with a mom like Sheila.
Someone who'd care about me and look after me.Or die trying.
I thought about what kind of life I'd have right now if that were true.
“Momma, happy?”my little girl asked.
I gazed down at her and smiled.“Yes, baby.Momma's happy.”I leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
“And do you know why Momma's happy?”I sniffed the baby smell from her head.
“Because I'm with you.”I tickled her belly with my finger, and she gave me the cutest giggle.
And my heart nearly burst with love.
A bright sparkle caught my eye, and I looked at the rings on my finger.
They really shined brightly in the light of the diner's lights.
Carlo would think that I stole these from him.When I'd just forgotten to take them off.I bet they cost him more than what my house was worth.
“You two take care now, okay?”Sheila popped up again.This time, she had a check in her hand.“And just in case you do go to that motel, here's a half-off coupon.”She pushed the two papers across the table to me.“Tell them Sheila sent ya.They'll treat you extra good, then.Trust me.”
I swallowed over the dry lump in my throat.“Thank you, Sheila.For everything.”I blinked back tears.“Especially for your kindness.”
I swear her eyes were getting wet, too.“You know, Giselle.There are some people in your life that you meet for only a brief time.But they make such an impact, you never forget them as long as you live.”She nodded at me.“You and Daniella are that kind of people for me.I'll remember y'all long after you leave.”
I sniffled and lost my battle with the burning tears behind my eyes.“Right back at ya, Sheila.”
After that, I finished my sandwich and fries.
And Dani finished her ketchup.
And then we drove straight to the motel Sheila had suggested.
9
Giselle
“We require a credit card, ma'am.”The man at the motel counter said.
Again.
Of course, I knew this.
But I also didn't want to use the credit card Carlo had given me.
I was tired.And my stomach wasn't feeling all that great.
If I gave him Carlo's credit card, I could still pay with cash when we left.
