Two years later…
“I never said I would have to fuck them all.” Anna rolls her eyes dramatically as her hands plant on her hips. “It’s a dancing job, Sofia. Not a prostitution gig.” The cupboard slams as she pulls out a glass and pours herself wine to the brim.
“It’s not a lifestyle I want to be around with Maeve.” Picking up a pink elephant and a babydoll, I toss them into the toybox before turning back to Anna. “That isn’t the best environment for her.”
Anna flops onto the couch, her long lean legs draping across the tattered arm. “You know what’s good for her? Food. Housing. Clothes. Clean water.” She waves her arm around our tiny two-bedroom apartment. “This is becoming unsustainable. They’re jacking the rent. Again. Do you have another idea?”
Chewing on my lip doesn’t magically pop anything into my mind. “No. If I could finish my degree, it would help. But my scholarship money ran out.” Every penny disappeared into medical bills.
Who knew having a kid would be so expensive?
Anna’s long blonde hair splays out over the stained cushion as she stares at the peeling ceiling. “Maybe you should find that Jax asshole and make him give you more money. That sounds like the only solution.” Her fingers balance her drink on her flat belly.
“He isn’t an asshole,” I say quietly. He’s the best memory I have from the last few years. I see him in Maeve’s eyes every time I look at her. “Besides, I have no idea where to find him.” I’ve looked. A lot. I don’t even know his last name.
But what would he say? I bet he has girls all over. Even other kids.
He wouldn’t care.
That’s what I keep telling myself.
“All I’m saying—” Anna waves her hand in a lazy circle, “—is Vegas, baby. It will be good money. I’m even getting a moving bonus. You’re welcome to come with me, but I think, either way, I’m going.” She props herself up onto her elbow and takes another long swallow before batting her big blue eyes at me.
“Maybe I’ll find some rich gambler and he can be my sugar daddy.” Her white teeth flash as she falls back into giggles.
Glancing at the stack of overdue bills on the coffee table, I think I know what the answer needs to be.
“I’ll start packing.
