Page 53 of Off-Limits

Disappointment seeps into my marrow, but I nod anyway, the little girl inside of me wanting him to love me and be proud of me. I tried to trick myself into believing that him being sickmight have meant he might have turned a new leaf, but I should have known better than to lull myself into this false sense of hope. Dad hated that I picked up and left home. How I wanted more for myself, and he made sure he voiced it so many times, along with the fact Nonna left me money and not him.

I look to my mum and find her head lowered, a clear indication she’s embarrassed. My eyes volley between them before I release a breath and say,

“How much do you need?”

Chapter Fifteen

DOTTIE

Igave my parents five grand.

I’ll never see it again, but I gave them the money anyway.

He’s sick after all.

But today is a new day, and I have a date.A fucking date with the Tin Man.

Just as I’m about to lock up, my phone chimes in my pocket.

Arrie.

Shit.

“Hey, Wench,” I answer.

“You’re the wench, wench.”

“Child much?”

She laughs. “What are you doing tonight?”

Double shit.

“I’m going to my parents for dinner,” I lie.

“How is that going?”

“Alright.”

“Liar.”

“What?”

“Have they asked you for money yet?”

I stay silent.

“Dottie,” she says, sighing.

“They’re behind in the mortgage repayments because the medical bills and shit.”

“Don’t lie to yourself or me, because we both know that’s alie.”

I sigh. “He’s paying me back when they get the insurance money. Look, Arrie, please, I don’t want to do this right now.”

“Alright. I’m here if you need me, and we are having a girls’ night next week, whether you like it or not.”

I smile.