“I pay them off.”
Chapter 14
Kirsten
I peeled an orange and split the pieces onto a plate. I held them out for Jacey who took one. I took one for myself. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had fresh fruit.
For once, I didn’t have to skip the good stuff.
Because of Lucky.
Of course, I was also trapped in my apartment because of Lucky. And simultaneously pissing off the mob at the same time. I’d have to go in tomorrow, no matter what I’d told Lucky. It didn’t matter if I was breaking my promise. I owed Sal and I couldn’t give him any excuse to hunt me down and collect. That would be putting Jacey in danger and there was no way I would let that happen.
Lucky would be pissed but it didn’t matter. I didn’t want to upset him, but I knew it might be better if he hated me. Maybe he’d finally give up on me. It was better for him in the long run, no matter how attracted we were to each other. And the chemistry between us was off the charts.
I kissed Jacey’s forehead and smiled. My kid was the only thing that mattered. Tonight was a reminder of how much she needed me. And how much I needed her.
We were curled up on the couch watching TV. We only had basic cable, but they still showed some good stuff. I especially loved PBS. Sherlock was a favorite for us both. We tried to solve the crimes before Sherlock did. Jacey was way better at it than I was, though.
She was so incredibly smart, my girl.
I tucked the blanket around us both a little tighter and handed her another orange slice. The vitamin C was good for her, though I wasn’t so sure the acidity was good for her teeth. Either way, not getting sick was the most important thing with CF. I belonged to several online message boards and groups for CF parents. I even had an app. They had helped me so much, I felt like I knew some of them.
My phone vibrated and I picked it up. It was Lucky. I ignored the thrill that I felt when I saw his name. Instead, I focused on how annoyed I was. He was messing with my life. It was way too high-handed!
How are you Angel?
I’m pissed
At me?
You can’t keep me locked in here forever, Lucky. I’m not an animal!
Of course you’re not.
Not forever.
Promise.
Got to keep you safe.
I chewed my lip, waiting to hear what he had to say. I was expecting him to say he’d take the boot off tomorrow. But he didn’t.
Just until I take care of this situation.
I sat up, staring at my phone. Oh my God, what was he up to? My anxiety levels went through the roof in an instant. If Lucky was messing with Sal, he could get us both killed!
What are you doing, Lucky? Don’t be stupid!
Nothing. No response. It was like he just wasn’t hearing me. I wanted to scream!
What are you doing????
Don’t you worry, Angel. I’ll take care of everything.
Please do not get yourself killed.
I won’t. I have too many plans for that.
I stared at my phone, not at all reassured by that. I knew he meant plans with me. But if he was dead, we weren’t going to be doing anything together, were we!
“Who are you texting, Mom?”
“It’s nothing, sweetheart. It’s about work.”
“Are they mad at you for not going in?”
“No. It’s not a problem at all.”
“Okay good. You work too hard, Mom. Do you mind if I go to sleep now?”
“Of course not. You go on and wash up. I’ll get everything set up.”
Jacey nodded and headed for the bathroom. She stopped and ran back to me, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.
“I love you, Mom.”
I kissed her head, hugging her against me.
“I love you too.”
There was a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I headed into her room to turn off the air filter and sanitize the humidifier. You had to be so careful with them with a CF kid. They collected bacteria really easily and could cause more problems than they solved. But a clean mist was really beneficial, sometimes with essential oils. I just took extra precautions and replaced the unit every six months.
I turned down the covers and grabbed a clean set of pajamas for her. I had to do laundry soon, I thought to myself as I smoothed the fresh PJs on her bed. I stopped, thinking how normal that was.
For the first time in forever, I wasn’t worrying about Sal or the Margarellis. I wasn’t worried about getting jumped at the Garage or standing on my feet for ten hours or being constantly on guard. I was just being a mom.
It was nice. Seductive. And I knew it was all because of Lucky.