Page 26 of Judge Me Not

Cee Cee shrugs. "If a man wants to pay me what he's paying you, I'd be okay with it."

I tilt my head.

"Jeez. You don't have to give me the look of death. Not everything taboo has to be off-limits."

"What do you mean?"

She pushes my hair off my face. "Sweetie, I don't know anyone who's been through what you have. You deserve a break and some fun. Maybe you should treat this as such and forget about the minor details."

"Minor details being that he's paying me?"

Cee Cee smiles. "Yes."

"What does that make me?"

"What does it make him?"

"Since when did you get so loose on your morals?" I would never have expected Cee Cee to be on board with any of this.

She glances toward the door. "Since life showed up. The important things were put into perspective. And you have nothing to feel shameful about. You're doing everything you can to save your daughter. If anyone wants to judge you, who cares? And if a man like Colton wants to give you his money to solve your problem, why should you not accept it or feel bad about it?"

I'm not sure how to answer her, or even what I believe anymore. I rise. "I'm going to spend some cuddle time with Abby."

"Good idea." Cee Cee hugs me tight. "You're the best mom. Keep your head up."

"Thanks." I go into Abby's room and crawl into bed with her. For a half-hour, I listen to her breathe, thinking about how much better her medical care can be now that we have better insurance. I make a mental note to schedule her surgery and get a cashier's check for the five-thousand-dollar deposit. I try again not to cry.

She slowly wakes up, tilts her head, and smiles. "Mommy."

I kiss her. "Did you sleep well, sweetie?"

"Mm-hmm." She snuggles closer.

"How do you feel?"

She yawns. "Okay."

I stroke her head. "My work schedule changed today. I won't be home tonight, but I don't have to leave for a few hours. How do chocolate chip pancakes sound?"

She sits up. "Can I have extra chocolate in mine?"

I laugh. "Sure."

She jumps out of bed. "Okay."

At least she wasn't upset I won't be home tonight.

I spend the morning cooking and playing dolls with Abby then I quickly shower and get ready. When the car pulls into the driveway, I pull her into my arms. I kiss her forehead and put my hand on it. "Honey, do you feel okay?"

"Yes."

Cee Cee is working at her desk. She convinced her employer to allow her to work remotely. She's a graphic designer, and it allows her to be at home during the day with Abby. My job doesn't have the option of me working from home, so it was a saving grace her employer agreed. Worry fills Cee Cee's face. "What's wrong?"

"I think she might have a fever."

"I'll get the thermometer."

Abby's immune system is still compromised. Any sickness could be life-threatening or derail her ability to get treatment.

---