“James, I can’t thank you enough,” I say.
“You’ve thanked me enough. Bellissima, what I don’t get is why you didn’t tell me. I would have helped you.”
“She was scheduled to have surgery next year, and…the money was too much to owe. I’ll pay you back. I will.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You don’t owe me anything.”
I’m shaking my head before he can finish talking. “You can’t do that.”
“I just did,” he insists. “Don’t you dare think of paying me back. Don’t, I won’t accept it.”
“But—”
“No. This is it, Paige… I’m telling you this is it. I’ll take care of whatever your mom needs, and I think it goes without saying that now I know why you took the job at the club, you won’t be working there anymore.”
My heart squeezes, and I cover my mouth to keep from crying again. I hug him, and he holds me, holding me close to his heart.
“Oh, James. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Stop thanking me, baby. I would have done it for you anyway if you’d told me.”
I know he would have.
He holds me, and I pray Mom makes it. I can’t lose her. I’m so frightened of losing her and never seeing her again.