“Where do you live?"
Trinity turned her attention back to the Michael — another one of her problems. She wasn’t just in debt to the hospital; she was also now in debt to this gorgeous man for everything he had done for them. Again, she wondered when the obligation he felt to them would let up, and when his kindness would run out.
“You don't need to drive us home,” she said, hastily. They didn’t need any more of his help; he had done enough. “We will find our way home.”
She said the words with more confidence than she was feeling.
Oh God, what was she going to do? There was no way she was going back to the streets with her little girl — next time she might not be so lucky. She might never wake up again, and the thought scared her. It wasn’t so much about her anymore, she simply couldn't bear it if anything happened to her little girl.
She just wished she could bring her up in the way she deserved, in a stable home with love and laughter. Not cramped nights in a car while she spooked at every passing wind. She thought a moment about going to a shelter, but they were usually so filled up this close to Christmas.
But it would be better than sleeping in the unsafe car.
Maybe she could plead with Janaye for a place to stay, just for a little bit — even if it was on the couch, even if she had to clear out super early every morning.
Trinity sighed, raking her hand through her tangled hair. Her head throbbed at all the impossibilities and vague plans.
?MICHAEL?
“Where are we going to stay, Mommy?"
The question was innocent enough, and if Michael had not been notified that the car he asked his personal assistant to tow to the company's parking lot was filled to the brim with garbage bags he wouldn’t have paid much mind to it.
He had tried unsuccessfully to pry the information out of her… she had sidestepped all his questions and changed the topic.
Two days was enough time to realize that this woman was extremely proud and wouldn't buckle down.
It was also enough to realize how much she cherished her daughter — with the way her eyes strayed to the girl every few seconds. It was clear that she had not completely gotten over the traumatic experience of the past two days and who could blame her. She put on a brave face for her daughter. If only she would stop pretending that everything was alright with her and let him help her, just a little bit.
Even now she was trying to convince Miranda. "We'll just have to go back to cousin Janaye's place for a while," she was telling the girl.
He looked on as the little girl nodded, though she seemed unconvinced. Trinity herself seemed unsure of her own words.
Even after staying at her side for the whole day and then some, she was not going to ask me for help? He suddenly had an idea and he hoped he could convince her.
“Miranda, can you come over here please?” The girl skipped to his side, her trusting eyes on him.
Ignoring Trinity's questioning gaze, he handed Miranda his phone and earbuds. He had downloaded her favorite game on his phone when she requested. He turned up the volume on the game.
"Why don't you go play with that for a while, while I talk to your mom." He gestured to the couch and she headed there obediently, completely entranced and singing off-key.
"We need to talk," he started, and she glared at his high-handed manner. He placed his hands in his pockets and knew it probably wasn't the best start for his case, but he needed to know. "Are you going to truthfully answer my questions now?”
"What questions?" She hunched into herself, and he hated it.
"About your address," he prompted, waiting for an answer.
She only glared at him, stubbornly not saying anything.
"If not for yourself, then let it be for the kid. Please let me help you." Even he wasn’t above blackmailing.
"I think you've helped us enough and we’ll forever be grateful.”
She made it sound so offensive he could have smiled.
"I don’t want your gratitude,” he returned. She tried to cut in, but he didn't let her get a word in. "Think of Miranda,” he added.
It worked like a charm.
