Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Right, like you have that kind of money.
“Hello.” Maria’s voice sounds way better than mine.
I straighten. “Maria, I’m so sorry I haven’t called you back, but I’m working on trying to get you over here. Don’t you worry about anything. I have everything under control.” I say all this so fast my face heats up.
“What are you talking about?” she snaps, and I can almost see her frowning at the phone.
“Well, I heard about Jett, I mean Mr. Powers, dumping my mom…”
“It’s so wonderful, right?” She snickers, and this time I look at my cell. Did the phone cut out? Like is this bad reception?
“Raven? I’ve been worried. I expect you to return my calls.” Her voice sounds like it did when I was a kid.
“I’m sorry.” I sigh, looking up at the ceiling. “I just wanted to find a way to support you. Did my mom fire you?” When I say the last part, I shake my head, knowing she did.
“Of course.” Again, Maria’s voice sounds better than I’ve heard her… ever.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Raven, what is going on? Your mother is a sicko. And don’t you worry about Maria. I’m working for Mr. Jett. He said since I’m the one who raised you, I deserve my own house. And he set up a retirement plan for me.”
After swallowing the dark chocolate, I shout, “He did what?”
“He bought me a house, and—”
“Oh my God.” I look around my room as if my yellow walls can actually talk and tell me what to say because I’m at a loss. He bought Maria a house? Because she raised me?
“I can’t wait for you to see it: two bedrooms, so you always have a home.” Her voice brings tears to my eyes.
“That… I… that’s very kind of him,” I croak out.
“Yes, it was. I figure I’ll hang around, and then when you and Mr. Jett have babies, I’ll help.”
I bite my lip. This is so surreal that I’m going to start laughing. It’s like he’s Mr. Wonderful, except he’s not. If Maria knew what he did…
“Raven?” she snaps.
I jump. “I need to go. I’m not feeling well.” I close my eyes. It’s like in a matter of a week, he’s completely turned the tables and made himself the good guy.
“Okay, but you call me sometime.” She laughs.
“Maria, I need you to know, I’m not with Mr. Powers, no matter what you heard from my mom. I just… there won’t be babies.” I laugh, but it sounds bitter. “Jett doesn’t want babies, and I can’t forgive him.” There, at least I said it. Now next time I call, I won’t have to hear that ever again.
Silence greets me. “Maria?”
“Yes.” She sighs. “He didn’t tell you?” And goose bumps appear on my arms.
“Tell me what?”
“Are you talking about him with your mother and her assistant?”
My hand goes to my mouth, and I nod even though she can’t see me.
“Oh dear.” She sighs again. “He didn’t touch them, Raven.” She laughs. “Men. So stupid. Why didn’t he tell you?”
“Maria? What are you talking about?” I hiss, preparing for the inevitable panic attack as that horrible night replays.
“Look, I don’t particularly like Mr. Jett, but he loves you, so for that I give him a second chance. As for that night, your mom and that woman were together. Jett didn’t touch them.”
“How do you know this?” I demand.
“What? Are you kidding me? I know everything that goes on.” She tsks.
I shake my head. “I saw them.”
“You saw what he wanted you to see. That man has been a mess since the first day you stepped foot in his house. I knew he would be. It’s why I tried so hard to keep you away, but…” Her voice drifts off for a moment. “Who am I to interfere with destiny?”
“Is this because he bought you a house?” My head is spinning. Everything is crashing around me, and if this is true, and Jett didn’t sleep with my mother, can I forgive him?
“Raven.” Maria sounds like she’s getting mad. “Let me spell this out for you. Actions speak louder than words. Is Mr. Jett perfect? No. But I can see when someone is in love. I’m not stupid. Now I need to go.” And before I can stop her, the line goes dead.
“Wow, Raven, you really are on a roll.” I snort and drop the phone onto my bed. Looking at the envelopes, I pick one up and open it. At least it will distract me from having to deal with the truth that he didn’t fuck my mom, that he never did since I came around, that he never wanted us to happen, but somehow we did…
We did. Slowly I open the first one.
Raven,
I was running this morning and stopped by a small shop. A man, a chocolatier, said he could make magical things happen if you eat his chocolate.