Page 5 of Fractured Mind
“Watching your mother teach you when you were young are memories I’ll always cherish.”
Her words slice through me because it’s memories I don’t think I’ll remember.“Thank you for the clothes. You didn’t have to get me anything.”
Her nose crinkles. “You’ll get more than clothes while you’re here. You will have access to your trust fund as well.”
I freeze. It’s the first time I’m hearing about it.
“We have put aside assets and money for you. Your mother also has money, which is why I was surprised by your living conditions.”
Disbelief weighs heavy on my shoulders. “I had to pull extra shifts to pay for everything when Mom wasn’t there. It makes no sense.” I could have gotten better grades if I wasn’t working all the time.
She frowns. “I don’t know either. You can ask her when she gets out of rehab.” There’s a brief silence before she looks away and calls out, “Is lunch ready yet?”
“Yes, Carmen,” a deep voice replies. A tall man with black hair and stubble appears. He’s handsome and wearing fitted black clothes and an apron. He nods, greeting me with a smile before turning to Nana. “Where would you like to have lunch today?”
“Out on the terrace, please,” Nana answers.
His eyes flicker back to me. “Can I get you some coffee or tea, or do you have something special in mind?”
“Coffee, thanks.”
Nana gestures for me to follow her. The fresh air hits my face when we walk outside. We sit on two of the chairs and take in the spectacular view.
“Mom never told me about the piano.”
“I wanted her to take the piano when she left with you, but she refused. Your grandpa taught her how to play, so when he passed away, I think it was too much of a painful reminder for her.” Sadness coats every word.
My heart’s in my throat. “Is his passing the reason Mom drinks?”
The chef walks out before she can answer and places a platter of sandwiches, fruits, cheese, and crackers on the table.
Nana waits until he leaves. “It could be... It broke her heart. Then she almost lost you. In a way, she kind of did. We can only hope being at the rehab facility provides her with what she needs to get better.” She glances down at the food. “Now eat.”
I look down and cringe. I’m aware of how skinny I’ve become. Finally, I can focus on myself instead of constantly worrying about whether I can afford more than just noodles and canned food for the week.
My stomach flutters with nervous energy. I don’t know what she expects from me and if any rules apply to my stay. “I spoke to my friend earlier. Would you mind if he came and visited me?”
She smiles, and it lights up her face. “Think of this as your home. You’re more than welcome to ask your friends to come to see you, and you can go explore the town before you start school.”
I pick up my phone and type a message to Nick.
This is your invitation to come and visit me at my nanas. Are you free tomorrow?
Fabulous! That works out well. It’s my only day off this week. I’m looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about. Send me the address, and I’ll drive up tomorrow afternoon.
CHAPTER
THREE
MIA
“Your friend has arrived.”
“Thanks, Wayne,” I reply while staring at myself in the mirror. Nana didn’t just buy me clothes—there are shoes, jewelry, bags, makeup, and everything a girl my age would like, and it’s all luxury brands.
My tan ankle boots tap against the floor as I rush downstairs. By the time I reach the front entrance, Wayne has escorted Nick inside.
Nick’s eyes bulge as he catches sight of me, and then an ear-to-ear smile graces his lips. He gives a wolf whistle. “Oh girl,” he says with sass. “You look good enough to eat. If I batted for the other team, I would be all over you right now.”