Making His Baby(172)
“It’s my father. I’m so worried about him.”
“What’s wrong?”
“He’s in trouble with some really bad men.”
I start to wonder if I should have asked. But I listen intently, just the same.
“He has a bit of a gambling problem but always knew when to stop. I don’t understand what happened this time. He was invited to a private game in some guy’s basement, some friend of a friend. Stakes got high and he got in over his head.” She stops and looks at me. “Ya know, I think I’ll take that drink now. Anything with alcohol.”
I raise my eyebrows at the curtness of her request and got up from the couch to retrieve one of the three beers I have in my refrigerator. When I return to hand it to her, she continues her story.
“I went home to visit my parents last weekend and I overheard my mom talking on the phone. She is sick with worry. That’s why I took on a third job. I need to help him.”
“The restaurant is your third job?”
“Yes. I still don’t think it’s enough.” She starts to sob and my heart breaks for her.
“How did he let himself get so far in debt?”
“I don’t know. I try to be strong and give what I can, but it’s not enough.”
“Maybe if he talks to them…”
“He has. They want their money. If they don’t,” she swigs a few big swallows of her beer and sets it down on the stand. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here. I didn’t mean to bother you with my problems.” She gets up and starts to leave but I can’t let her walk out.
“Nancy, wait. Please. Maybe I can help you work out something.”
“There isn’t really anything to work out. He needs to pay this by the end of the week. I can’t even begin to make a quarter what he needs. I’m going to quit my job tomorrow and go back to Minnesota. I was selfish to leave.”
I hesitate, then I reach up and touch her arm. “Let’s talk first. Come, sit.”
She wipes her tears from her face and walks back to the couch to sit.
“Keep your job.”
“Why?”
“You’ll need it to pay me back.”
“What?” Her face dropped. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No. I’ve been through hard times too. It’s nice to have someone in your corner. I want you to help your father.”
“You don’t have that kind of money. How can you.…”
“I have some savings built up. I can loan it to you, if you promise that you will repay me.”
“I… don’t know what to say.”
“I want to talk to your parents first, if that is okay. But I trust that you will do the right thing and make this right.”
“Oh, my God. I can’t believe this.” She lurches at, hugging me tightly, crying hysterically. “I will call my father tonight and set it all up. Thank you so much. I knew you were a good person. I’m just so sorry I tried to get you fired before. I was so wrong.”
“That is all behind us now. Let’s just get through this next hurdle. I’ll go to the bank in the morning. I can get you fifty thousand.” I watch her face as her smile dissipates.
“Fifty thousand?” she repeats, troubled.
“It’s almost all that I have. Nancy? What’s wrong?”
“It’s not enough. It’s not even close!” She stands up and looks around, confused and bewildered.
“How much does he need?”
“Two,” she says, barely audible.
“Two-hundred-thousand dollars?!”
“I’m sorry.” She covers her mouth and runs out before I can stop her.
Chapter 12
ROCCO
I walk into the restaurant and I see Joanne working diligently at her desk as I pass by her office.
“Good morning, Rocco” she calls out.
“Morning,” I reply as I step back to poke my head in the doorway.
“You’re here early.”
“Thought I would get a jump on the inventory.” It’s a lie. My main hope is that I run into Maddie, even though I know it is her day off. “Want some coffee?” She doesn’t answer, which tells me she is already absorbed back into her work. I smile and continue down the hallway.
A few hours later as I am counting inventory in the stockroom, I am engrossed with thoughts of Maddie; the way she kissed me, her perfect silhouette as she peeled her top off her body for me, her eyes as she craved for me to touch her. I was stupid to turn her away, but I didn’t want it to be like every other encounter. Maddie is special. She needs to be loved, made love to and admired. I am not sure if I can give that to her but I sure want to try.