“Mom, what did the doctor say?” I took a seat and leaned closer.
“Everything’s about the same,” my dad sounded behind me.
I twisted my neck and watched as he stepped into the room. “Hi, sweetheart.” He came over and kissed my cheek, then sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed my mom’s hand.
“I thought you were going to call me when you left,” I scolded.
“I had to get your mom settled in bed first and I just got off an important call. The doctors say the tumors are still there but they have shrunk a small amount, not enough to operate but they’re hopeful,” he let me know.
I sighed. It didn’t relieve the tightness in my chest though.
“So that means she has to keep up with the treatment plan?” My eyes bounced between my parents.
My dad gave me a stiff nod. “Yes, for now at least.” I frowned.
“What do you mean for now?” My mom began coughing again, instantly gaining our attention. I jumped out of my seat and hovered over her.
“I’m fine,” she struggled out.
“Let me get your medicine.” My dad hurried off the bed to the cabinet in the room. I stood there watching as he went through the meds, getting what she needed.
“Here, sweetheart. I’m gonna get you some soup so they don’t upset your stomach. Azeira, come with me,” my dad demanded. I wanted to protest, not wanting to leave Mom’s side, but decided against it.
“Is she getting worse?” I rushed out as soon as we were out of the room. I didn’t like the sound of my mom’s cough. It didn’t sound as rough the last time I saw her and that was two days ago.
“Chemo is taking a toll on her body, making her weaker. Not to mention the cocktail of meds she’s on. She’s fine though, just feeling weak now.” I scraped my teeth across my bottom lip.
“What about the nurse you were gonna hire to help? Did you find one?” We walked into the kitchen.
My dad sighed. I took the time to notice the worry lines on his face, along with the exhaustion. It almost matched my mom’s. “I did. I’m just trying to get everything settled with the insurance company.”
“Do you need money? Because I can—”
My dad cut me off and raised his hand. “No. I’m handling it.”
“But, Daddy.”
“I said no.” This time his voice was sterner and rougher.
I swallowed hard and balled my hands at my sides. The whole reason I had gotten the job as an escort was to help my parents with bills. They had fallen behind with all the household and medical bills coming in. I hated to see how stressed my dad was. He was such a proud man and half the time hated accepting my help, but I refused to see my mom suffer even more than she was because he wanted to protect his ego.
“I know you want to help, but I’m handling it, Azeira. I promise everything’s under control.” He moved to the pantry door while I stood near the kitchen entrance. I wanted to protest, but I knew he wouldn’t budge.
“Now tell me about your classes. How’s school?”
I stared at my dad, watching him move around the kitchen almost robotically. I hated how he brushed me off, but I knew my dad was hurting. He felt hopeless when he was used to fixing problems. I didn’t want to bring more stress his way so I let the subject go for now. Instead I planned on doing what I always did, sneaking into his office, seeing what was past due, and handling it.
“Your picture doesn’t do you justice.” Frank, my date for the night, grabbed my hand and lifted it, bringing it to his mouth and kissing the back. “You’re stunning and that dress is beautiful on you.” Blushing, I gave him a small smile.
“Thank you.”
I was wearing an orange, satin, spaghetti strapped midi dress with an asymmetric hem.
I handed the valet my car key and Frank led me to the doors of the restaurant where the other valet opened them for us.
“Now all I need you to do is sit next to me and look pretty, which you should have no issue with.” He glanced at me with desire burning in his deep brown eyes. A lump formed in my throat and a knot in my stomach, but I kept the forced smile on my face.
“I’m aiming to score this deal for a merger with my company and the man insisted on bringing his wife. You keep her occupied and I’ll handle business.”
