After we say our goodbyes, and I collect my belongings and head to the car, thirty minutes later, I arrive at my office. Promise greets me from her desk. “So, how was court? Did you make any grown men cry today?”
I plop down in the chair across from her desk.
“Sadly, no. But I did cause one to throw a temper tantrum, which resulted in him losing half his assets, his house, being forced to pay alimony, and the pleasure of spending the night in jail,” I relay while assessing the chipped polish on my nails, reminding me I’m in desperate need of a manicure.
“Damn, Lon, you’re brutal.” Promise giggles.
“I do try,” I say, batting my lashes.
“On that note.” Promise shakes her head. “How about lunch with your best friend to celebrate your victory?”
I sigh. “I’ll have to take a rain check. Mom’s facility called this morning and needs me to stop by.”
Promise’s face softens. “Is everything all right?”
I wave her off. “Yeah, yeah. They just have some paperwork for me to fill out. No biggie. Plus, her nurse said today was a good day, so I should stop in for a visit.”
“Want me to come with you? I don’t mind.”
This is why I love my best friend. She’s my rock.
Promise and I met years ago while attending law school, and we have been inseparable since then.
We have been by each other’s sides through the many ups and downs in recent years.
I was by her side when she made the horrible mistake of getting engaged to the world’s biggest asshole, and I was there cheering her on when she finally got rid of him after she caught him cheating with her stepsister.
Then, I was by her side when she met her now husband, Nova.
Nova is the Enforcer for the Kings of Retribution.
If you’d asked me a few years ago if my best friend would tie herself to an actual motorcycle club, I’d say you were out of your damn mind.
Yet here we are. She’s blissfully happy and in love.
The two have the most adorable little boy, and Promise gained a stepdaughter, Piper, who is all kinds of sassy and amazing.
“Okay. If you’re sure you don’t need me, I’ll just stop by the clubhouse and have lunch with Cain and Jaxson.”
“I’m sure.” I smile at Promise as she walks out of the office. “And give my Godson a kiss for me.”
Pulling into the lot of my mom’s living facility, I park and turn the car off.
Tilting my head back against the headrest, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and mentally prepare myself for a visit with my mother.
Three years ago, at the age of fifty-eight, Mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Though the diagnosis had been devastating, I was not expecting her to decline so rapidly.
When she was first diagnosed, we talked about her coming to live with me, but being the fierce, unrepentant woman she is, she was adamantly against the idea.
I understood the decision and respected it, but when Mom started forgetting her doctor’s appointments, I was forced to put my foot down.
She still refused to live with me, but she did agree to have a nurse come sit with her a few hours a day.
I always made sure to be there for her as well whenever I wasn’t working.
Then, last year, I was in the middle of court when I received a text from my mom’s nurse.
She had found Mom wandering down the street, and when she approached, Mom was disoriented and didn’t seem to know where she was.
That was the day I hired a full-time nurse.
Susan stayed with Mom during the day, and I temporarily moved into Mom’s house.
Something anyone with a loved one with Alzheimer’s is never prepared for is how rapidly the disease claims every aspect of their lives.
I tried so hard to give my mother the care she needed and deserved, but I soon realized I was ill-equipped.
I thank God every day for Susan. She helped me realize the decision to put my mom in a facility was what was best. Logically, I knew Susan was right.
It’s just my heart was telling me something different.
Most days, I felt like I was failing my mother.
I wanted her to be safe and comfortable, but I also wanted her to live with dignity.
This is why I researched and found the best facilities specializing in patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
Unfortunately, this facility comes at a hefty price, even with mom's shitty insurance.
Which brings me back to why they called me here today.
I’m a week late on this month’s payment.
It took all my savings to cover the first two months Mom was here.
And though I make good money at my job, it’s not enough to cover the bill and take care of my personal debts, along with a car loan, and other expenses it takes to help run a successful lawfirm.
Six weeks ago, I made the decision to get a second job.
To top it all off, I haven’t told Promise.
The secrecy is killing me, but I’m too ashamed to tell my own best friend that I’m drowning.
Because I know if I told her, she’d insist on helping me, and I can’t let her do that.
Promise has her own family to think about.
Not only that, but I also don’t want anyone to know what I do every night.
Opening my eyes, I shake my head. “Pity party is over, London.”
When I walk into the facility, I make my way to the director’s office.
The receptionist greets me with a kind smile. “Can I help you?”
“I’m here to see Roger Briggs. He’s expecting me. My name is London Monroe.
“Yes, ma’am. He said to send you in when you arrive.” The receptionist gestures toward the open door to her left.”
Mr. Briggs looks up from his computer and stands as I walk into his office. I take his offered hand.
“Thanks for agreeing to speak with me, Ms. Monroe. How are you doing today?” He motions for me to take a seat.
“I’m doing okay. Thank you.”
As soon as Mr. Briggs takes a seat, he gets down to business. “I called you down today to discuss your mother’s outstanding balance for the month.”
“Yes. I just want to say how sorry I am for being late with the payment. I’m ready to settle that bill today.” I reach into my purse and pull out a white envelope stuffed with cash. “It won’t happen again.”
Mr. Briggs takes the envelope offered, and I’m relieved he does so without judgment. “It’s not a problem, Ms. Monroe.”
My shoulders sag with relief. “Thank you and your staff for being kind to my mother. Knowing she’s in such good hands helps me sleep a little better at night.”
“It’s our pleasure, Ms. Monroe.”
I stand, and Mr. Briggs follows suit. “How is she today? I spoke with her nurse this morning, and she said today was a good day.”
Mr. Briggs smiles. “Indeed, it is. I checked on your mother about an hour ago, and she was in good spirits. I’ll walk you down to see her.
Today, we had some students from the hair academy visit.
One of the young ladies gave your mom a wash and curl.
And she’s looking forward to chair yoga later this afternoon. ”
“That sounds wonderful.” I beam as Mr. Briggs leads me into the rec room, where I spot my mom sitting by a window, chatting with one of the other residents.
The second her eyes land on me, her face lights up.
Nothing in this world can bring out the little girl butterflies in me like when my mom looks at me like I’m her whole world.
Growing up, I never had any doubt about how special I was to my mom because she not only showed me but also told me every day how much she loved me.
“Doodlebug.” She reaches for me, and I waste no time falling into her embrace.
“Hey, Momma.” I close my eyes and breathe in the familiar scent of her perfume.
“I didn’t know you were coming to see me today,” she says.
“Well, I finished with court and thought I'd come to see my favorite person.”
“Oh yeah.” Mom gets that sassy glint in her eye. “You kick some ass today?”
I throw my head back and laugh. “You know it, Momma.”