I already hated the idea of him taking care of us, which is exactly what he was doing. I felt even worse knowing I’d done nothing so far to earn everything he’d given us. Then again, it was kind of scary. What would Sebastian consider adequate payment for everything?
“I’m sorry, Kyle.” I said with a thick throat. “I’m so very sorry.”
“No worries,” he smiled, before going into his room.
I heard his music start to play softly from his old radio before his door clicked shut.
An hour later, the bank card Sebastian had left behind, caught my attention. I’d forgotten all about it. I didn’t want to spend the money on the card. I especially didn’t want to spend it on myself like Sebastian had requested, but I wanted Kyle to be happy.
I called the number on the back of the card, only to find the account had five thousand dollars in it. My jaw dropped. It was fate. It was so much more than fate. I had the money to send Kyle to the art program. Even if it meant not having anything for myself for the entire summer, he was going.
I called his school and made the payment over the phone, telling the administrator I was an anonymous benefactor. Kyle already had questions about the condo. How would I explain suddenly having five grand for his program? It was easier to lie.
I could hardly wait to see the happy smile I was sure he’d be wearing when he came home from school the following day. I missed his smile—the special one he used to have before he began to understand the cruelty of the world. I planned on basking in his smile, and letting it fill me with happiness while secretly knowing I was the one that put it there.
Later, I dressed in my sexiest bra and panties—which of course were still cotton—and my nicest clothing, including the shirt Sebastian had bought me. He would know everything wasn’t new, but I’d deal with that, if and when he brought it up.
I met him out front. He arrived in the black car Mr. Martin chauffeured. I liked it better when Sebastian drove because it was more comfortable. I didn’t have to worry about what Mr. Martin could hear from the driver’s seat.
Plus, all the drivers and expensive restaurants weren’t for me. I wanted so badly for him to take me to a burger joint and a movie, but I kept quiet.
“Hi, Mr. Martin,” I said when I slid into the car.
“Hello, Miss.”
I turned to find Sebastian angrily staring at me.
“Why aren’t you dressed to kill?”
I looked down at my outfit. Plucking at the front of my shirt, I acted seriously confused. “I thought I was dressed to kill.”
He didn’t find that comment as amusing as I did.
“Answer the question.”
I sighed and gave in.
“I didn’t have time to shop.”
“You’re lying,” he said. “Let’s try that again. Why aren’t you—”
“I’m broke,” I cut him off.
“How is that possible, Jessica? You had five thousand dollars in that account. I know this because I’m the one who opened it. Where did the money go?”
“I spent it.”
“On what? I swear if I find out you’re into some crazy shit, the deal’s off.”
“No. It’s nothing like that.”
“Then what?”
“Kyle. He got into this art program for the summer. Only thirty people were invited from around the state, and he made it in,” I rushed. “I’ll show you his work. He’s really good. I just… I didn’t want him to go without again.”
“So now you’re going to go without?”
“No. When he’s happy, I’m happy. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Kyle has a good life. If that means going without, then so be it.”
“And what about your life? Don’t you think you should have a good life, too?”
“My life is just fine.”
“I disagree,” he turned away, looking down at his expensive watch. “I’ll put more money into the account.”
“No!” I said too loudly. “I mean, please don’t do that. I haven’t done anything to earn it yet.”
“Yet?” he lifted a brow and grinned.
A hot blush covered my cheeks. “You know what I mean. I just don’t understand why you’re doing this when I haven’t… you know?”
“What would you say if I said I’d do whatever it took to make sure you had a good life?”
“I’d say you’re nuts.”
“Then I guess I’m nuts,” he moved closer. “Very soon you’ll pay me back, and I look forward to that kind of payment.”