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Allison grinned. “You don’t scare me.”
“Why should I? You’re a nursing mother with a toddler. It’s not like I’m going to beat you with a stick if you bring him up again, but I will take my pizza and wine and leave.”
“The adult equivalent of taking your marbles?”
“Yes.”
“I’d prefer your company so I won’t mention him again. At least not on purpose.”
“Thank you.”
“I have news,” Allison said. “I heard from Peter’s lawyer. He’s getting some money released by the bank.”
“That’s good.” Erica knew Allison worried about not being able to pay for things. She was happy to take care of her friend, but she understood the need to feel at least somewhat independent.
“There’s also a CD I’m going to cash in,” Allison continued, not meeting her gaze. “It’s not a huge amount but between that and the savings, plus the cash I still have from the ten thousand that guy gave me, I could probably pay up-front for a six-month lease on a small apartment.”
“No!” Erica blurted. “You’re not moving out. Why would you say that? You can’t live in a tiny apartment with two kids. Plus you’d be on your own. It’s a complete waste of the money.”
Her chest got tight and she found it a little difficult to catch her breath. Emotions swelled inside of her but she was unable to name any of them. Worry maybe. A strange sense of loss and abandonment.
Allison looked at her. “I can’t live with you forever.”
“Why not? You can stay. The house is big and we’re all here to help.” Of course Allison had to live here. It made sense. “We work. The five of us. Six if you count my mom. Jackson loves living here. Use the money for something else.” Her eyes began to burn. “Just don’t go.”
Allison stood and walked around the table. Erica rose and rushed toward her. They hung on tight.
“I love you, too,” Allison whispered. “You’re the sister I never had. I’m not trying to scare you because I know you have a whole I don’t love thing going on, but you have been such a blessing for me.”
Erica blinked away tears. “No. I’m the lucky one. I like having you around. I’ve been so lonely for a friend for so long, but I didn’t know how to break out of my shell and trust someone. I didn’t want you to move in, but now I don’t want you to go.” She swallowed. “You’re like my sister, too, and I do love you. I can love people. Just not, you know, men.”
“I’m sorry Peter did that to you.”
“Let’s not talk about him, either.”
They resumed their seats. Erica took a gulp of her wine.
“Moving to an apartment is a really bad idea. I can’t believe you said that.”
Allison raised her eyebrows. “Really? We just had that great emotional moment and you’re telling me I’m an idiot.”
“Not you. The idea.”
“I have to move forward with my life. I can’t sit around and do nothing forever.”
“You just had a baby. You get to take a breath.”
Allison leaned forward, then sat back. She put her hands on the table, opened her mouth, then closed it.
“Just say it,” Erica told her, fighting worry again. “Whatever it is, we’ll deal.”
“I want to go to beauty school. I want to be an esthetician. I’ve been talking to Emmy about it and I’ve done some research. I can apply now and start in the fall. I’d use the money from the CD and savings to pay for it and—”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Erica told her. “Why waste the money? There are scholarships. You can apply through the school. You’re going to qualify and you’re exactly who they want. You’re an older single mother with a clear idea of what it takes to be successful. Women like that do the work because they know they can’t afford to fail.”
Allison sagged back in her chair. “I thought you were saying going to beauty school was a waste of money.”
“No. It’s a great idea. I’d tell you that Twisted gives out scholarships, but I have a feeling you’d refuse that. But when you graduate, you can join our apprentice program. You’ll learn the right way to do things. When you’re licensed, you can stay with the company or go work elsewhere. Although I have to tell you, we’re absolutely the best place to work.”
