“Want me to read you a story, bug?” I asked as I kissed her temple. She shook her head softly, radiating a giant smile.
“I would take a hug and you tucking me in.”
“Gladly, baby.” As I tucked her in, I rubbed her hair.
“I love you, Sophie. I love you to the moon and back and all around the universe. You are the best and brightest thing in my life.”
“I love you too, Mommy.”
“It’s going to get better, Sophie. I’m going to make things better.”
“You always do, Mommy,” she whispered as sleep took her over.
“I love you, baby.” As I left Sophie’s room, I was full of determination to do better, no matter what.
“Now, how about that tea, Mrs. Miller?” I looked around, and Mrs. Miller wasn’t in the living room. Just as I was about to panic, she came back into the apartment with a plastic grocery bag that seemed to be full to the brim. As soon as I realized what it was, I started shaking my head frantically.
“No, Mrs. Miller. I can’t take your groceries. I know money isn’t plentiful for you either.”
“Hush, child. You know I believe the Lord always provides. Besides, what kind of woman would I be if I let my family go hungry?”
“Then you better be coming here for dinner every night.” I took the bag from her and put away the groceries.
“You know I will. Truthfully, you are doing me a favor. I can barely chop and peel anymore with this damn arthritis in my right hand.” Mrs. Miller sat down, her hands slightly shaking as she put two cups of tea on the table.
As we drank tea and chatted about our day and her health, the conversation went from lighthearted to a more serious subject.
“How bad is the money situation, Holly?”
I averted my gaze to the floor, and a wave of shame poured over me.
“Bad. I can barely cover rent as it is. Sophie is growing. She needs things, and I just can’t afford them. Her winter jacket has been mended so many times I am afraid it’s going to disintegrate. Maybe I should just drop out of school. That tuition is money that can go to my child.”
“No, dear, you will not drop out of school. That tuition may make you feel the hardship now, but in another year, you will be done. And with your grades, you will finally be a social worker. You will be able to give Sophie and yourself a much better life. Quitting school will mean you will be living paycheck to paycheck forever.”
She was right, I knew that, but it didn’t help my guilt.
“I have a two-bedroom. Why don’t you and Sophie move in with me? It’ll save on rent, and you can use that money to provide for Sophie.”
I burst into tears. All my fears, my failures, my worries, and my love rushed out of me in the form of wracking sobs.
“Hush, child. You know I love you and that little girl as if you were my own. I was so miserable until the two of you came into my life. Now my life is full of joy. Having you and Sophie with me is a godsend. That reminds me, Holly, I remember seeing something in the paper this morning. Maybe you should look into it.” Mrs. Miller pulled a newspaper out of her purse and handed it to me. “I circled it. Looks like they want to hire someone. They are offering $40,000. I thought that would cover your tuition.” I wasn’t sure what kind of job would dish out that sum of money.
I looked at the ad and seemed kind of shocked that Mrs. Miller would bring it to me.
A sweet, down-home girl to attend a work function.
Must pretend to be in love with male lead, be affectionate and sweet. Must be presentable and attractive. Please do not apply if you are not pretty. The role is for one night, and the pay is $40,000. Please be aware that you must be available in the evenings for rehearsals.
“Whoever wrote that seems like a pompous asshole,” I muttered under my breath. “And it sounds like they want an escort.” I was shocked and a little hurt that Mrs. Miller would think I would stoop to such a level to become a hooker.
“Read the fine print, dear.” I looked down at the bottom of the advertisement, and at the very bottom in minuscule print, it read:
No sexual interaction involved.
“I can take Sophie in the evenings. The audition starts tomorrow morning at ten. If you don’t have a shift at the diner, I think you should go and see what this is all about.”
I was hesitant to take Mrs. Miller’s advice, but the lure of $40,000 was too much for me to ignore. Christmas was just around the corner, not to mention paying off my debt so I could actually breathe again.