“Do the Hawthorne’s know why I’m doing this?” Mia asked hesitantly.
“Yes, Victoria knows. It was actually a big part of the reason she picked you,” Ms. Lambert said.
“Oh good. I didn’t want to have to explain myself, but I also didn’t want them to think I’m just someone after money or a shoo in. Did you just say Victoria knows?”
“Yes, I did. This is an unusual contract, which is why I wanted you to come see me so I could explain in person,” Ms. Lambert said. “Victoria purchased your contract for her son Dr. Hawthorne. Part of the agreement is that she wanted you to come early so she could prepare you for life as a wealthy, busy doctors’ wife. There are a lot of social events, and you will be in the spotlight at times.”
“Okay, but the money is transferred today, right?” I asked. Twisting a strand of hair in my fingers “I don’t mind being here early to be prepared, but Sophie needs the money today.”
“The money is already in your account,” Ms. Lambert said. “Take a deep breath. Sophie can get her surgery, and you are a wonderful, selfless person.”
“Thank you,” I said as tear after tear slid down my cheeks. “I’m ready.”
“Great, let’s bring Victoria in and get the introductions going.” Ms. Lambert buzzed Victoria into the office.
* * *
I wasn’tsure of a lot of things in life, and I damn well had no idea what my life was going to look like for the next year, but I did know Chloe had the money she desperately needed.
We exited the building with hundreds of people bustling in every direction. The smell of peanuts roasting nearby reminded me I hadn’t had anything to eat since breakfast. The sun had decided to show its face, which was a blessing since I was still in shorts. I had crossed my arms rubbing vigorously to warm up. Then I noticed Victoria looking at me.
“Mia, where is the rest of your luggage, dear?” Victoria asked. “Do you have it stored somewhere that we can pick it up easily?”
I twisted my hair around my finger in my habitual nervous tick.
“I only have this one suitcase and my purse. Did I get that wrong? I thought the contract stated everything needed including wardrobe would be supplied,” I said, pacing back and forth on the sidewalk waiting on the valet guy.
“I guess we should stop somewhere, and I could get a few things. I saw a Walmart when I was on the train, although I’ve no idea where that was, but that should work.”
“Everything all right?” Victoria asked, handing her valet ticket over for her car. “You seem a little rattled.”
I nodded without speaking. I knew I was babbling like an idiot to this rich, sophisticated lady.
“Mia, please relax. You are safe, and if you’re not happy at any moment, you’re free to go,” Victoria said, moving to stand face to face with me.
“Thank you, Victoria,” I said. “I’ll settle in and give it a fair go, I’m sure. It’s just all so new and crazy right now.”
“You were right,” Victoria said. “You won’t need anything, but most girls I know would still have arrived with three suitcases….minimum.”
“Oh, yeah, I see now,” I said still twisting my hair. “My sister would have been one of those girls, but I’v never been very needy.”
Okay, shut up, Mia, because you may have just insulted your future mother-in-law.
I wasn’t sure why we were just standing on the sidewalk. It was freezing out here.
Does she not realize I’m in shorts?
“Are all these people always walking all over like this?” I asked, not really expecting an answer.
My mouth watered from the smell of hotdogs sizzling on a grill that wafted past us. I turned to breathe it in deeper. I could almost taste the ketchup, mustard, and relish.
I turned back to Victoria. “My laughing gear is practically watering.” I said
“Mia, are you hungry? Perhaps you would like to try your first New York hotdog?” Victoria asked.
“If you don’t mind, yes, I really would,” I said, a little surprised this well put-together woman would know or understand my need for a simple hotdog from a street vendor.
“Can I get you one too?” I asked, but she had turned to speak to the valet.