30. Kylie

Chapter thirty

Kylie

" M om, let me treat you." I try to grab the bill, only to have her snatch it out of my hand.

"Absolutely not. I invited you out today and I want to spoil you. It's been so long since I've been able to do that, it feels good." She digs in her purse and pulls out her wallet.

"Mom, please, let me get this one. I know you and Dad must have a lot of medical bills left to pay." I don't dare bring up the mortgage.

"Actually …" She leans in to whisper, "the hospital charity paid all our bills. All of it. Wiped clean." She slashes her hand through the air. "Can you believe it?" A bright smile lights her face and her body is practically vibrating with happiness.

Stunned, I don't even know what to say except, "What? How? Who?"

She shrugs. "Your dad and I were just as baffled. We had an appointment with the billing manager to see about getting on a payment plan. As soon as we sat down with the guy, he informed us that our balance was paid in full." She looks down to rifle through her wallet for her credit card.

"But how does that happen?" All I can do is stare at her, baffled by what she's telling me.

"You're just like your dad. He was suspicious as well and grilled the guy." She shakes her head. "He informed us the hospital works with charities who donate to struggling families who are overwhelmed with unexpected medical debt. He said that your dad and I having professions that serve the community was most likely the deciding factor in selecting us for the grant." Mom's eyes gleam with unshed tears. "Isn't it wonderful?"

My shoulders sag, the tension leaving my body as the news sinks in. "Oh Mom, that's fantastic. I had no idea this was a thing."

"Neither did I. Oh, honey, those bills were weighing so heavily on your father and now all that weight has been lifted. And the best part is, since we took out a second mortgage to pay medical bills, they paid that off too!" She whispers loudly in her excitement.

"Holy shit." This explains why a payment wasn't due when I checked in with the bank.

"Right!" Mom squeals, snapping me out of my thoughts.

She's losing her battle with her tears, so I move to give her a hug. "This is wonderful news, Mom."

"Thank you, honey. I needed that." She pats my shoulder before pulling back.

I return to my seat, my mind racing with this new information. If I only waited a month—a freaking month—I wouldn't have needed to become a sugar baby.

As the news sinks in, I can't help but realize my sacrifice was all for naught, and I don't know how I feel about that.

The server appears and Mom hands him her credit card along with the check. She waits until he leaves before dropping another bomb on me.

"Honey, you took that year off and worked your butt off to give money for your dad's bills. Since our debt has been paid off, we want to buy you a car."

And the tension is back.

"Mom—"

"No. Don't argue. Your Dad hates you're using an Uber and it will give him peace of mind. Plus, he feels guilty you put your education on hold for him. Let him do this for you."

I blow out a breath and brace for my own shocking news. This wasn't how I wanted to tell them and it's still too soon, but I feel I have no choice now .

"I really appreciate that mom … but I have a car." I grip my hands in my lap, trying not to fidget while I wait for Mom's reaction.

She waves her hand, dismissing it. "Your father hated that you bought that car. Even if you did have it fixed, he wants it replaced."

I shake my head. "No Mom. I have a new car. Luca got it for me."

Mom's jaw drops, and she sits back, staring at me. After a second, or two, or five, she blinks. "He bought you a car?" Lowering her brows, she leans back in. "A new car?"

Wincing, I nod. "I get it. It sounds crazy since we're so new, but he's like Dad." I lift my shoulder in a shrug. "He's protective, and he hated that car as much as you guys did. When my car had issues, he arranged for it to be towed and a new one delivered to my apartment. I tried to argue, but he wouldn't have it."

"Oh. Wow. When you said empire, you meant it." She still looks shocked.

"Yeah. I don't know how much he's worth, but I don't think a car will set him back." I lift my shoulder again.

"Well, this will be interesting to explain to your father." She frowns down at her empty plate.

I wince again. "I'd rather not be a part of that conversation if that's okay with you."

A laugh explodes from her. "It seems we all have fairy godmothers looking out for us."

The server breaks in at that moment, bringing my mom back her credit card and wishing us a good day.

After thanking him, she pulls the receipt to her. "If you're not in a hurry, I'd love to go shopping with you. I need a few things and if we can't buy you a car, then we can buy you some new clothes …" She looks up from signing the merchant copy and trails off after looking at my face. "What's that face for?" She asks, pointing the pen at me.

"Uh, well … I kind of already have a new wardrobe, as well." I scratch behind my ear while scrunching my nose. Mom's eyes drop to what I'm wearing and she frowns .

I follow her gaze and realize why. I'd purposely worn an older pair of jeans and t-shirt so she wouldn't question my new clothes. "Uh, I didn't wear any of the new clothes. I wasn't sure what you would think." I bite my lip and gauge her reaction.

Mom blinks. "Let me get this straight. Your new boyfriend who you've only been seeing for … what? Three months? That you keep saying is casual. Has bought you a car and a new wardrobe?" Her stare is direct, making me want to look anywhere but at her. Instead, I nod.

I'm a little scared.

She tilts her head and squints. "Did you go out and find yourself a sugar daddy?"

My eyes go wide, blood draining from my face.

She laughs, shaking her head. "Oh, honey. I'm sorry. I couldn't resist teasing you. You'd never be with a guy for his money. I know you better than that." She chuckles, looking down to put her credit card back in her wallet.

I swallow down my panic and try to respond as if I'm not guilty of what she just accused me of. "Jesus, Mom."

Shame sneaks its way in, making my eyes water. While mom is distracted, I try to get control of my emotions. No, I'm not with him for the car or the clothes, but I'm still with him for his money. The only thing I have going for me is that if you take that all away, I'd still date him.

I try smiling when Mom looks up from putting her wallet away, but I'm not sure how much I succeed since she stills.

She places her hand on mine while studying my face. "Honey, I'm sorry. It was just a joke. I'm sure you tried to argue against the expensive gifts, but if he really is anything like your father, he would've brushed it aside." She retracts her hand and reaches for her espresso. "Just be sure to show him in other ways that you aren't with him for his money. If he's as wealthy as you say he is, he's probably used to buying his girlfriend's expensive things." She shrugs, then drinks the last of her coffee. "It may be how he shows his affection. Just try to remind him that his time is more important than his money. "

"I will. Thank you, Mom." My voice comes out hoarse. Sighing, I move to follow her out of the restaurant and vow to myself I'll do as she advised. Just because we have a contract doesn't mean I can't take care of Luca in my own ways.

When we climb into her car, she glances at me. "Do you have time to keep me company for a bit of shopping? You can help me pick out a few things for your dad—he's lost so much weight—and I could use a couple of new dresses for work."

"I do and I'd love too," I say as I buckle myself in.

Mom beams as she does the same. "I'm so happy to spend time with you today."

"Speaking of, what do you say to going to yoga with me? I haven't looked into where or how much it'll cost, but it's something I would like to try."

She eyes me speculatively. "Is this for Luca?" She wiggles her eyebrows.

"Mom!" I yell, surprised at what she's implying. Even though she's right.

She laughs. "I'd love that. Just let me know when and where and I'll be there."

***

"Thanks for today, Mom. I had fun." I unbuckle my seat belt and lean over to give her a hug.

"Not so fast. I want you to show me this car and your new clothes your boyfriend showered you with." She leaves me hanging and steps out of the car.

"Okay …" Resigned, I drop my arms and exit the car.

I dig through my purse for the keys as we meet on her side of her car. "It's this white one across the street" I nod to the Range Rover and wait for her reaction.

"Oh, wow." She crosses the street, not waiting for me. My nerves are on edge. It's not like this is any old car and I'm not sure how she'll feel about it. "Unlock it, sweetie."

I press the fob and move to stand by the door as she climbs in. "If I knew you had this, I would've made you drive."

"Yeah. Sorry. I wasn't sure how you'd take it." I fidget with my keys .

Mom smoothes her hands over the soft leather steering wheel. "It has all the bells and whistles. Plus, your dad can't argue it isn't a safe car for you."

I shrug. "I don't know much about cars, but it drives smoothly."

"Alright, now to the good stuff. Let's see what else he got you?" She climbs out of the SUV and follows me inside the apartment complex. The first thing I notice is the weird neighbor is at his mailbox shuffling his mail. His eyes immediately go to my mom when we walk in. I narrow my eyes at him—not that he notices.

Mom doesn't smile, but does nod to him. When we climb the stairs and stop at my door, she turns to look down and waits for him to come into view. Using my keys, I unlock the door then put my hand on mom's arm to get her attention just as the guy looks up at us over his shoulder as he leaves the building.

As soon as I shut us inside my apartment, my mom walks to the window and looks out.

"Mom?"

"There's something off about that guy," she says with narrowed eyes.

I sigh. "Yeah, I feel it too." Setting my purse on the kitchen table, I walk to her side in time to witness him climbing into a beat up white van that has a logo peeled off enough that you can't read it.

"When did he move in?" Her eyebrows furrow in concern as she watches the van pulling away from the curb.

"I'm not really sure. He was walking out of Mr. Thompson's place a couple of weeks ago. I asked Miss Tabby, the older lady across the hall from him. She said he introduced himself as Mr. Thompson's nephew. She also said he was rude and walked away when she tried asking more questions."

Mom sighs. "Maybe it's just paranoia, but living with a cop has that effect. Just be careful." She turns away from the window when the van is out of sight. "You still have the pepper spray your father gave you?"

"Yes, it's in my purse."

"Good. Make sure you put it on your new key chain and have it ready as you come and go? "

Luca and Rafael's warning about being aware of my surroundings pops into my head. "I'll be careful."

"What does Talia think? Have you talked to her about him?" Mom crosses her arms.

"About who?" Talia asks, coming into the living room.

"Hi, dear. How are you?" My mom moves to her and pulls her in for a hug. Talia awkwardly pats her back, but she's smiling.

"I'm good. How are you?" she asks as mom pulls away.

"I got to spend time with my beautiful daughter today," she smiles at me over her shoulder, "so I'm happy as can be." She turns back to Talia. "You should come with us next time. We've found this cute cafe that serves great espresso."

"Thanks, Mrs. Davis. I'd love to come sometime." I hold in a laugh at Talia's grimace that she probably thinks is a smile.

"None of that Mrs. Davis. You call me Kathy." Mom steps back, giving Talia room. I've told her about Talia's situation, and Mom has been good at giving her space while still trying to make her feel welcome.

"Of course, Kathy. So what about this guy?" Talia looks between us with one eyebrow raised.

Mom crosses her arms again as she tilts her head at Talia. "I just saw the young man staying with your downstairs neighbor. What do you think of him?"

"I've not really run into him much. He's not the friendliest." Talia shrugs. "So I haven't spoken to him."

"I didn't get a good vibe from him, so I want you and Kylie to be careful." She holds her hand up. "Just until you get the lay of the land. Okay?"

"You don't have to worry about me, Kathy. I'm always careful."

"I'll always worry about you two—comes with the territory of being a mom." Mom turns back to me, missing Talia's reaction to her comment. "Come, show me your new wardrobe and then I have to get going to make dinner for your father." She turns back to Talia. "I've just found out my daughter has a very generous boyfriend. Have you met him yet? "

"Not yet. School's kept me busy, so I'm rarely here these days. But I can't wait to meet him." Talia smirks at me and I respond with big eyes.

"I can't wait to meet him, either." Mom turns back to me. "Kylie, your dad is going to insist on dinner with him soon." Now Mom is smirking at me.

I narrow my eyes on her. "You mean, you are going to insist on dinner soon? I'm sure dad would prefer to pretend he doesn't exist."

Mom and Talia chuckle.

"Well, it was nice seeing you again, Kathy."

"You too, dear." Mom squeezes Talia's arm before walking toward my bedroom.

Talia grabs her purse off the hook by the door before shifting her gaze to me. "I'll see you later, Kylie."

"See ya." I give her a small wave before heading to my room and bracing for Mom's reaction to my new clothes. When I step into my room, she's holding a pair of heels, revealing their red bottoms.

"Are these Louboutins?" Mom's eyes are wide in shock as she holds out the heels I wore the night of the dinner with the mayor and chief.

"Is that what they are?" I wrinkle my nose cause I really don't pay attention to those things. Why should I, when I never imagined owning anything like it before?

Mom's shock turns into laughter. "Oh honey, he has no idea you couldn't care less about this stuff. I gotta say I'm impressed, though." She puts the shoes back on the floor where she found them before turning to my closet and gushing, "Oh, my!"