Frank waved his arm around like he owned
the place.
“Hey, Hailey, Brenda didn’t mean anything by
it, she’s just looking out for you. But she’s
right, when it comes to buying a car, you
need a man to make the call. Did you talk to
Chris about this?”
Chris is my boyfriend, but it was my money
that bought the car. I pay everyone’s salary.
I don’t tolerate people walking all over me, no
く
matter how much I pay them.
“Enough!” I cut him off, frowning. “It’s my
money, I’ll spend it how I want. Brenda, just
do your job. Frank, are you supposed to be
drinking on duty? And that’s my wine. If you
do that again, you’re paying for it!”
“It’s my mom’s birthday. Anyone who can’t
remember what their job is can get out right
now!”
I’m generous, and I pay top dollar.
The others nodded, but Brenda and Frank
stood there, their faces red.
I knew I was hurting their pride, but if I let it
slide, they’d walk all over me.
Just then, Mom came back from her test
drive, grinning.
“Thanks, sweetie! I love it! Let’s go inside and
eat, I’m starving.”
Morn wrapped an arm around my shoulder,
ignoring the two who were standing there like
statues.
My mom is smart, of course she knows what I was doing. But whether it’s at the office or at home, she respects my decisions.
く
After that little scene, Brenda was quiet while
serving dinner. She barely spoke a word,
which was a far cry from her usual self.
The wine was taken off the table, replaced
with something else.
The only sounds were Mom and I talking and
the clinking of silverware.
“Hey, Hailey, Mrs. Davis! I’m sorry I’m late.
This is for you, Mrs. Davis, I hope you like it.”
Chris handed Mom a gift and flowers,
smoothly taking a seat next to me.
Chris didn’t have a lot of money growing up,
he was an orphan, but he’s never acted like
L
he had a chip on his shoulder.
We went to middle school together. When I
offered to help, he started coming over for
dinner and homework. It was natural that we
ended up together.
