Page 34 of The Grand Duel
I frown. “What do you mean every time?”
“Like with them all?”
“All?” I repeat in confusion. “Jove, I slept with one man.”
“Oh,” she says, surprised. “Oh,” she says again, sounding disappointed now. “That’s a bit…PG.”
“I can assure you it was not. The motherfucker tipped me!”
“How much?”
“Five grand—two of which wascash. He’s like a bent cop or something.”
“Oh, she BOUNCED.” She cackles down the phone, and I grin up at the ceiling as I listen, the sound like medicine for my soul.
I miss her so much.
“You’ll be off Ginny’s sofa in no time with a few nights like that.”
“I found a hotel early this morning. I’ll only stay a night or two. I get paid a decent wage to work the bar, and it’s an extra grand a night just to work the rooms. If Bronwyn will let me, I’ll pick up the odd night here or there.” I smile. “We should be good, Jove.”
Heat spreads in my chest. Pride, I guess, and knowing my baby sister and niece will always be okay for as long as I have a job under my belt.
“Lissie, you know you don’t have to do this for me, don’t you? I mean, I knew you’d cave the second you told me you got the job there, but if you’re sleeping with men for my benefit alone, I don’t know how I feel about it.”
“It’s not for your benefit alone, Jove. I need a place to live. And I chose to support you.”
“I know. I just don’t want you working yourself to the bone because of me. It feels less exciting when I think about it like that.”
I chuckle at her use of words, and she tuts before laughing along with me.
“Wait…” she says, her laughter easing. “He tipped you five, and you get a grand just for working the rooms…did you get paid six grand last night?”
I did. “As soon as the rest hits the bank, I’ll transfer you half.”
“Lis, you don’t need to. You do enough already, and I’m doing alright.”
“And now you’ll do even better. With the cost of childcare, you’re basically working to pay for those costs. You barely have anything left for you at the end of a month. I know what it’s like to hold down a job and study at the same time, and that’s sans the child.”
She could come home and let me help her, but I don’t say that because I know she doesn’t want to.
“You’re an angel, Lissie. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too. Maybe if I keep saving, I can book a trip out to see you.”
“Focus on finding somewhere to live first. We’ll figure out seeing each other then. Have you heard anything from Mum recently?”
“Mum?”
“Yeah, I was thinking…”
My phone starts beeping, and I pull it away from my ear to see the call coming in. “Crap, Jove, I need to get this. It’s that place I interviewed for. I’ll catch up with you later.”
“You bet you will. I want details. How have I not had any details?”
I laugh. “I love you, bye.”
I end the call and accept the incoming one. “Hello?”