Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22420 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22420 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
But I don’t want Lynette to see how sad I am, even if at this very moment, I’m trying not to cry. Being so far away from my mother wasn’t easy, but when the opportunity to move to New York City appeared, I jumped on it. I thought living in Manhattan would be my dream come true. It would be bright lights, big city, and I’d have tons of opportunity to pursue my passions while getting a degree as well. I’d meet new people, frequent the hippest clubs, and take part in intellectual salons with cool people who wear striped turtlenecks and berets.
But instead, I’m a penniless student in NYC working part-time as a bartender. Yes, the gig pays well and I’m able to afford an apartment on my own because of it, but it’s not enough to cover four figures in medication every month for Lynette. I need to make more, and I grit my teeth. I’m going to find a way.
“Listen honey,” Mom says, interrupting my thoughts. “Don’t worry about me, okay? How are things going since Natalie moved out?”
I smile at the mention of my friend.
“It’s quiet and I miss her, but you know how small our apartment is. I kind of like not tripping over each other all the time.”
It’s true because this place probably isn’t more than five hundred feet. Even better, Natalie fell in love with her boss at work, and moved out to be with him. Even crazier, they have a kid now, so she’s a new mom, which is mind-boggling, seeing how my buddy used to be a party girl.
But at that moment, my mom raises her coffee mug to her lips, only for her arthritic fingers to tremble in a worrisome manner. Then, sure enough, the mug goes crashing down, and coffee flies everywhere. But Lynette isn’t concerned about the scalding liquid. Instead, her fingers spasm and clench together as pain etches lines all over her face. One thing is definitely clear: Lynette is not fine. Even if her new arthritis meds are more effective, they can’t work if she doesn’t have enough.
I stand up, alarmed.
“Mom, Mom, are you okay?”
She grimaces while still clutching her hands, quickly lowering them so I can’t see the gnarled fingers on-screen.
“Don’t worry about me, sweetie. I’ve got this under control,” she manages in a strained voice. But my eyes are wide and I’m alarmed.
“Mom, I know you’re not okay. You’re as pale as a ghost and your joints look like gnarled tree branches. I’m going to send you some money and I want you to use it to refill your meds so you can take them daily, like you’re supposed to.”
Lynette shakes her head, forcing that smile of hers back into place.
“Oh no, you don’t need to do that, Sierra. I’ll be just fine. Besides, you’ve got your own bills to take care of, and I know New York is expensive.”
I shake my head stubbornly.
“No, it’s fine. I’m not waitressing anymore, remember? I got a new bartending gig, and this job pays a lot better than the restaurant did.” Of course, I don’t tell her that I’m actually bartending at an underground sex club because Lynette would never agree to that. But my mom merely smiles before her lips twist in a grimace.
“No sweetie, I really don’t want to be a burden. I can manage.”
I frown.
“You’re not a burden, Mom. I’ve wanted to do this for a while, and I have the money now, so I’m doing it. Expect a wire transfer later today.”
Lynette smiles gently even as her eyes sheen with tears.
“Thank you, honey. You really are the best daughter a mother could ask for.”
“And you’re the best mom ever. Stay strong because I know you can get through this. I love you. I’ve got to go get ready for work, but I’ll call you later, okay?”
She nods.
“Of course, and I love you too, Sierra. Bye now, sweetheart.”
With that, I flick off my phone and drop my head against the back of the chair with frustration and rage. I close my eyes, squeezing the bridge of my nose with my fingers, willing the pounding at the back of my skull to go away. I haven’t totally lied to my mom because my bartending job does earn way more than waitressing did. It’s just that Club Z isn’t your average bar. But that doesn’t matter because so long as the patrons leave big tips, then I’m happy to whip up any drink that they desire. What they do in the play rooms of Club Z really isn’t my business.
At that moment, the alarm on my phone chimes and I start. Oh damn. My shift begins soon, so I need to get my stuff ready. Quickly, I run to my bedroom and then grab the duffel bag that’s already packed. Taking one last look around, I nod and head out into the night … to where sheer depravity awaits.