Page 2 of Ruthless Truths

There’s an auction date set to sell the house in just two weeks. They sent this over a month ago.

Seriously, Mom. What in the ever-loving fuck?

She never mentioned struggling with the bills. I would have helped her if she had. Though, in reality, I’m not sure what I could have done, considering I could barely make ends meet after paying for my student loans and other living expenses.

Working in accounts receivable at a medical warehouse doesn’t exactly bring home hefty paychecks, but I have plans—plans to save up and start my own accounting firm, instead of working under someone else’s thumb for the rest of my life.

“That’s not all,” Tori says, her voice tinged with further concern. “The power is scheduled to be shut off tomorrow, and the water is also on final notice, with most balances due in full.”

If my mother was still alive, I’d be tempted to strangle her myself.

God, that’s a fucked-up thought, but damn it. This house is all I have left of her and my childhood. Keeping this place for myself was always the plan. Now, I have no idea what I’m going to do.

“I can’t afford all this,” I admit, frustration building inside me. At least I’m not numb any longer. “The stupid thing is she has money in savings. She could have paid some of these bills months ago.”

A crease forms between Tori’s brows. “Do you think she knew she was…”

“Going to die from that blood clot?” I finish the sentence Tori is too sweet to say so bluntly. “Hell, I don’t know. My mother was a lot of things, but that seems a little farfetched.”

Then again, while all my friends were showered with love and sheltered from the harsh realities of the world, my mom and I were abandoned by my father. He left us when I was nine, with no notice or even a reason, according to Mom. That frustration forced me to grow up before I even had a driver’s license, and Mom learned to wear a lot of hats she shouldn’t have had to. Yet, being a psychic was never one of them. She couldn’t have known she was going to die. Not like that.

Thinking back to my childhood, I’m once again reminded of how angry I’ve been with my absent father over the years. He turned his back on us and never once looked back or wrote a letter. Searching this room is the only way I might find answers, but that adds to my dread. I think this is one thing better left in the past.

Mom and I did what we had to do to take care of each other, and we survived—until now. Nothing else matters. Well, except finding a way to make sure I don’t lose this house.

“How much is in savings?” Tori asks, bringing me back to the present conversation. “Maybe you can explain the situation, arrange payment plans, and buy yourself more time to decide what you’re going to do.”

This is why I love Tori. She’s my polar opposite. She believes in all the good in the world and the power of positivity.

Except her normal good juju vibes aren’t going to save me now. I need cold hard cash.

“I don’t know. Most of these say final notice, due in full,” I answer with a sigh, skimming some of the papers she’s already laid out. “I’ll figure it out. Why don’t you go home to Greg?”

She shakes her head. “He knows you need me. I’m not leaving you like this.”

I grab her shoulders and gently force her out of the hellish room. “Go home, Tori. I haven’t had a moment to myself in days. Let me process all of this, and I’ll catch you up tomorrow on whatever I come up with.”

“Are you sure?” she asks, still trying to resist my movements as I guide her to the front door.

“Absolutely,” I assure her. “I’ve got this.”

I use the three words I know will make her smile and it works like a charm. Her arms wrap around me in a tight embrace. “Yes, you do. Everything is going to be fine. If you have to come stay with me and Greg for a while, then you can do that, too.”

There isn’t a chance in hell of that happening, but it’s sweet of her to offer. I can’t stand her boyfriend, but Tori doesn’t know that. He makes her happy, and she loves him. I wouldn’t ever taint that for her, even if something about his domineering personality grates on my nerves.

Not when she’s pretty much the only person left in this world that I can’t live without.

* * *

It’s midnight,and instead of staying at the house to figure out a solution to my problems, I find myself at the bar with my co-worker Sandi. We’re not close friends like I am with Tori, but I enjoy Sandi’s company and the way she’s capable of making me forget my problems. At least most days. Today might not be one of those.

Sandi’s a brunette bombshell in her forties who kicks ass at work and is sexy as fuck on a stripper pole. Though, she doesn’t take her clothes off. It’s just a hobby that I’m slightly envious of but haven’t had the vagina to try myself.

As she slams her shot glass on the counter, a mischievous grin spreads across her oval face. “I have an idea. A great fucking idea.”

My brow arches, curiosity piqued. “Do tell.”

Earlier, when Sandi called me, I briefly mentioned my predicament, and she insisted that my sorry ass needed a drink. I couldn’t argue with her, and now, five drinks in, I have to admit she was right. The alcohol has temporarily whisked me away from the abyss of despair that consumed me earlier, a place I desperately hope to avoid returning to.

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