Page 7 of Something Forever
All I ever wanted was to create that same sort of space for other people, but life got in the way. I ended up taking an office job for the benefits a cosmetology career couldn’t offer me, but I always missed it. Always dreamed of having my own little haven. The picture that Abbi paints is almost too good. It’s the things I never thought would be possible, especially not all at once.
It’s the possibility of my dreams finally coming true.
“It’s crazy that I’m even considering it.”
“Even crazier not to. It’s a million dollars.”
I shake my head. “I can’t get married. I’m not even dating.”
“It’s not like you’d actually be getting married. It’d be more like a business arrangement, right?”
“I guess so, yeah.”
She shrugs. “So, it’s not even a big deal. Sign some papers and bam, you get a million bucks. Honestly, this sounds like every girl’s dream. Or maybe the plot to a Hallmark movie.”
“It gets paid out in installments over the three years, so I’d have to stay married for at least that long. I wouldn’t get all the money at once.”
“Still, it’s worth it. I mean, come on, Whit. You’ve always made excuses for why it’s not the right time for your salon, but now you’ve got the money, so just get over your scaredy cat shit and do it!”
Abbi always has a way of making the most difficult tasks sound like a walk in the park. It’s very annoying.
“It’s not that simple,” I mutter.
“Yeah, well, it ain’t rocket science either, babe.”
I chug the rest of my drink and sigh, resting my head in my arms with a moan. Abbi pats my back. “Cheer up, champ. You’re basically a millionaire. You can get any guy you want to marry you.”
If only that were true.
When I get home from the bar, my plan is to go straight to bed. Even though I spent all day on the couch, I feel completely drained. I’m sure the multiple margaritas didn’t help, but at least I’ll be able to fall asleep without my thoughts distracting me.
After speeding through my skincare routine, I lay down, exhausted, but I’m distracted by the buzz of my phone. I check it and find an email from Trent, reading through it quickly to see that he’s attached the terms of my inheritance and a letter from my grandmother. Curious, I click on the attached document and zoom in so that I can read it:
To my granddaughter,
If you are reading this, it means that I never had the pleasure to meet you. I do not know what your mother has told you about us, but it is my hope that despite our distance and separation she has shared with you some of the fond memories we shared during her childhood. The day I gave birth to Caroline was the happiest day of my life. Every mother knows that their greatest gift in the world is their child, and that losing them is the most terrifying horror imaginable.
Your mother was always a bit of a wild child. I never understood why she so resented the life we led. At the time, I chalked it up to teenage angst and tried not to let it get to me, but your grandfather was more sensitive to her attitude. He believed it was my job to keep her under control and was angry when I failed to do so. When she came to us at sixteen and told us that she was pregnant, I couldn’t believe it. Joseph demanded that she marry the father of the child immediately, but she refused. He told her that he would not have a bastard raised out of wedlock in his home.
I think of that night quite often, mostly with regret and shame. Regret that I did not speak up. Shame that I allowed my husband to throw our only child out into the streets. A few days after your mother left, I begged Joseph to reconsider. I heard she had been spending the night at a friend’s house, but I knew that couldn’t last long, and I feared that if she left town, we would not be able to reach her again. He told me that she was no longer our daughter and forbade me from contacting her. I obeyed, though the pain was unbearable. After a few months, I couldn’t take it anymore. Without Joseph knowing, I managed to find out where she was staying and went to see her. I begged her to come back home, but she refused. She told me that she was leaving town, and that she never wanted to see me again.
Over the years, I endeavored to stay in touch with her, sending letters often. I told her how dearly I wanted to meet you, and always sent her money, which was often returned to me with a note to leave you both alone. For years, I tried to convince your mother to bring you home to us, but every attempt was unsuccessful. Eventually, I started to lose hope. Then Joseph passed, and I was alone. I hate to admit it, but the truth is that in the end, I simply gave up.
I am sorry that I never had the chance to meet my only granddaughter. My wish is that this gift bestowed onto you may help you in your life, wherever you may be. As for the matter of my condition, I desire a different path for you than your mother. I am hopeful that these funds will assist you in raising your own child with the support of your marital partner.
Very sincerely yours,
Agnes Rhodes
I set my phone down, reeling. Licking my lips, I taste a familiar salty flavor and realize that I’m crying. I wipe at my face, taking a few deep, steadying breaths. I’m surprised by my intense reaction, but I think the events of the past two days are starting to catch up with me. I feel tired all the way down to my bones.
Closing my eyes, I fall back against the pillow and hope that life doesn’t have any more curveballs to throw me.
3
LIAM
“Can I get two rum and cokes and whatever IPA you have on tap?” The lanky skater boy in front of me slams his hand on the counter, a fifty peeking out from under it.