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“Your mother is settling in so well,” she said sweetly. “You’re welcome to visit her any time you like, although we recommend letting us know in advance so we can ensure your visits don’t overlap with any activities your mother chooses.”
“I understand.” I held out my glass, and Bianca topped it up as I spoke. “I wanted to discuss payment because I don’t want her to stay there.”
“Well, as I said, your account is down as the primary bill payer, and while another party took care of the first month, the second bill will be more expensive due to upkeep and the like. Especially if you’re thinking of changing facilities so soon.”
“And if I want to leave immediately?”
“It’s ill-advised this early. Changing facilities again this soon will be detrimental to your mother’s health.”
“But what would it cost?”
“Given how slots work here, we will require three months’ payment as well as the leaver’s fee.” The voice turned a little more snippy. “I’m sure you understand, given that this facility is for long-term care, not a holiday resort.”
The call ended and the tears welled up once more. Bianca was right by my side to hug me through it while I dialed the number of the old facility to see how willing they would be to take my mother back.
They had a similar reaction to my questions and told me to discuss things with my husband before they’d be willing to even consider allowing my mother back.
I was completely lost.
It was hopeless.
Luckily, my glass was empty by the time I sank into Bianca’s arms and sobbed my heart out. Any plans I had didn’t have any substance to them and no matter which way I turned, I didn’t have the money or the support to dig my way out of this.
Eli was right; money and power were everything. I had none.
Once again, I contemplated talking to Sawyer but deep down I knew I couldn’t face him. I didn't want to lose the only good thing currently in my life, not him or Liam or Kane. I had to solve this myself, and until Eli revealed what he wanted in exchange, I would just have to suck it up.
Bianca held me until the tears dried and there was nothing left inside me but the occasional dry sobs and gasp. She poured me another glass of wine and tucked my hair behind my ear.
“I know it feels hopeless but I’m here for you, okay? Hell, I’d even take your mother here and care for her myself.”
“I could never.” I shook my head. “I couldn’t ask that of you. You have your own life. This is my mess.”
“That may be so, but you’re not alone, okay? We’re going to fix this.”
I drink deeply, savoring the fruity taste that seeps past my dulled, cried-out senses. Bianca was my rock and already I was asking too much of her just putting up with my absences.
“You know,” Bianca continued, pointing at me with her glass. “Maybe we need to look at this differently. As an opportunity more than anything.”
Rubbing my eye, I yawned. “What do you mean?”
“Well, Eli clearly has some weird, fucked up reason for doing this and whatever that is, it’s beyond both of us, right?”
I nodded.
“So, maybe you need to take advantage of it. Your mother is getting the best possible treatment right now which is a godsend for all of us. And he’s taking care of the bills which means you’re free to save up to pay him back. Letting her stay there can’t hurt.”
“Maybe. But what about what he wants in return?”
“Well, granted, he could ask for anything, and given his track record, I can’t even begin to guess what it is, but…” She took my hand and squeezed. “Your mom is getting care, and he’s taken a debt off your shoulders for now.”
“So I should focus on the positives?”
Bianca shrugged, laughing dryly.
“I don’t know, chick, but maybe, yeah. After all, what’s the worst he could ask for?”
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