My mom was on her own two feet now, the withdrawals had finally subsided and she was eating normal food. She was also bustling around the house on her own without help. She seemed almost normal now. And since she could mostly take care of herself, James and I took advantage and began leaving her at home to go out on our own. It didn't even matter where we went. Some days, after work, we would just drive around aimlessly and listen to music with his hand on my thigh and a small smile on his lips. Other days we would visit his family and I'd get lost in the controlled chaos for a little bit and feel completely relaxed. It was like this for weeks leading up to James leaving and it was nice, but it didn't erase the fact that he would soon be gone and I'd be left by myself to deal with my mom. For now, now that she could walk and take care of herself, it was fine. She didn't bother me as much and would mostly stay in her room and watch TV. But some days it was like she was itching for
My eyes teared up and my stomach churned as we sat in the car at the airport. My mom was at home and his mom insisted on driving us, but I wish we had come alone. I didn't want to look like a giant baby after he left in front of her. James was getting his stuff out of the back and I couldn't stop my hands from shaking. Was it possible to get withdrawals from people? When all of his stuff was on the sidewalk ready, he opened the back seat door and looked down at me with red eyes. His bottom lip trembled slightly and he took a deep breath. "I love you." He whispered to me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek quickly. "I love you too." He wiped under my cheeks and took a shaky breath. "I'll call you when I get in. Keep your phone on you. And don't cry. I'll be back. I promise." I nodded slowly and sat back. His mom was on the verge of tears too and I realized belatedly that she was letting go of her first child. He was the first one to leave and be far away and
Getting a taste of just how much money I spent a month in bills had my blood pressure at an all-time high.My mom's health insurance was crap and expected high ass deductibles just to not pay for certain medications and treatments she needed according to her doctors. Groceries were at an all-time high because my mom sat around the apartment snacking all day and the electric bill was so much higher since she was home all day.Since it was summer and I had no plans on going to school, I began working double shifts just for ends to barely meet. I worked my usual six to two and then took on the full graveyard until nine. When I'd get home, I would shower, take my mom to her endless doctor appointments, and grocery shop, and then get home and take a nap before starting all over.I was running on fumes and the only thing that made me feel recharged was when James would call me in the middle of my first shift and we would chat for about an hour while he studied f
I hang up the phone and look down at the screen. I lean against the stool I brought to the counter from the back office and close my eyes. All I can hear is the girl yelling his name. I wonder if it's Sarah.A little while later, Kimmy and Hayley show up and my mood brightens a little. Hayley sits on the counter and Kimmy leans against her and eyes me with her flirty eyes."So, how's tonight been treating you?""Same as usual. You?""We got to dance for that rapper from California. The one with the gold teeth."I grin at her and shake my head. "And how was that?""Kimmy had him sign her ass for her. I took a picture. Do you want to see?"Before I could answer, she pulls up her phone and shows me a picture of Kimmy bent of the guy's knee with a marker in hand and a giant grin on his face. Kimmy is looking at the camera with her mouth open in a laugh.I smiled down at the picture and chew on my bottom lip. "That's
I held my breath as the phone rang and began feeling nervous. I didn't even know if I still wanted to do this, now that it was day time and I had all night to think about it. But as my mom emerged from her bedroom yawning with her legs looking more swollen than usual, I felt my resolve harden."Hey, baby." He said as he answered the phone. I smiled at the sound of his voice."Hey, did I catch you at a good time?""Yup. Just woke up. I have a few hours before we take off to go bowling.""Bowling?" He chuckled. "Yeah, you know where you throw giant heavy balls to a bunch of pins at the end of a lane and wear funny shoes?""I know what bowling is, smart ass." I rolled my eyes and he chuckled again. "I just didn't know you liked bowling.""I didn't. I mean, I only went as a kid, but it's not too bad.""That sounds fun. Not really, but you do you I guess."I smiled and he laughed. He sounded so happy, I won
My nerves were shot and I felt like I was sweating through every layer of clothes I was wearing. My hands were shaking and I couldn't stop jiggling my knee, no matter how much Kimmy kept telling me to calm down.I wasn't even dancing yet, I was just interviewing with Kade, but I was so scared and nervous. He was like a freaking millionaire running this place along with a few others throughout the United States.And his clubs were the epitome of classy. They were for businessmen and high-dollar guests. Yes, the average person could get in if they had the money, but he catered to the likes of celebrities and hotel moguls and such."What if he doesn't like me?"Kimmy snorted and shook her head. Today she was wearing a simple pair of jeans and a cute crop top but still looked stunning as hell. Her hair was made up in a messy bun that looked flawlessly perfect on her and her makeup was minimal. She had on a clear gloss and nude eyeshadow with some masc
I worked my ass off for the audition. I meant that as literally as I could get. Kimmy was a good coach at helping me with the dance moves and teaching me when and how to remove my top during the dance, which was kind of embarrassing, but I knew it was necessary.It was uncomfortable for the first few times, but after doing the dance routine over and over again, it became easier to let her see me half nude on the little stage of the studio where she and a few other girls practiced. Kade owned the building, and a few of the girls who worked for him would go and work out there and practice new routines and such.A lot of them were so supportive of me and helped Kimmy coach me for the audition that by the time the audition came, I felt pretty confident.That is until I stepped into the studio where it was being held and saw a few men and women with expensive-looking clothes milling around, watching the other women dance. Even Kade made an appearance, which mad
Now that my audition was done, I expected to feel less nervous about all of this, but my stomach wouldn't quit with the butterflies. We lounged around for the remainder of the auditions and when Kade stood up, everyone quite literally stopped breathing."Women! You all did amazing! I will get in touch with the lucky ones by tomorrow evening. Until then, have a great evening!"He clapped his giant hands together and I took a deep breath. So tomorrow evening. I closed my eyes, hoping that I didn't do all of this in vain. The girls took me out to an early dinner since I was due at my job right after and while we ordered, Marlene walked in with Justice. I don't know why, but I felt completely embarrassed to be seen by her and I think the guilt from what I did today had something to do with it."Kelly! How are you? You haven't come by to see us in a while! Hello girls!""Hello, Mrs. Starr!" The girls said in unison, grinning at