Page 65 of The Heartbreaker

Sigh.

I’d fallen asleep last night with my laptop next to me, my mail beside it. A calculator. A printed spreadsheet that was helping me keep track of everything. I traced my finger over the trackpad to check the time on my home screen and saw it was a few minutes past six. My alarm would be going off in a few minutes anyway, so rather than try to force myself back to sleep, I rubbed my eyelids, stretched my arms over my head, and reached for my cell.

Morgan

Hi! I miss you!

I can’t even remember the last time I slept. Why did I decide to become a doctor again? I swear I’ve been at the hospital for the last 4 days straight. Or maybe it’s been 5. Actually, I think it’s been 6.

Good Lord.

I’d call you, but it’s way too early. I think. Or are you up? I’m delirious … clearly, LOL.

Me

I’m up, but I need coffee before you call, or I’ll literally turn into a bear.

But hi! I miss you too! LOL!

Morgan

I wish we were going for coffee right now.

Me

You need sleep, LOL. The last thing you need right now is caffeine.

Morgan

Truth.

So, the second payment is due next week. Just wanted to give you a heads-up in case you forgot.

Me

I’ll have the money. I’ll be sending it over, don’t worry.

Morgan

Full-time teacher, bartending at nights. I don’t know how you’re making it all happen and not sleepwalking from being so tired all the time.

I’m so proud of you, Addy.

My stomach ached as I read her messages. It killed me that I couldn’t tell her the truth about my second job. But if I told her what I was really doing, she’d beg me to quit. She would never ever want me to take my clothes off for money. And that would result in her not accepting a single dollar from me.

So, I kept my mouth shut and continued to lie.

Even though it hurt.

And even though I hated liars and I was going against everything I believed in.

Me

Love you. Talk soon.

Morgan

XO