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The unfairness stole her breath. She’d gone online looking for the cheapest one-bedroom apartment she could find. It was a piece of crap, with hardly any room, but she still couldn’t afford it. But in less than two months, she had to move out of the leased house. She had no money, no home, nowhere to turn.
Nothing about the situation was fair or reasonable or right. Desperate didn’t begin to describe her circumstances and the worst part was, she couldn’t figure a way out.
Jackson was busy playing with his farm. She figured she had about five minutes until he demanded attention. She shut the computer and closed her eyes, willing herself to stay strong. After she played with him for a bit, she would go back online and look at other options for housing. Maybe there was some organization that could help or—
The doorbell rang. Jackson looked up expectantly. Immediately the door opened and Summer stepped inside. Allison held in a groan of dread. While she loved Peter’s daughter, today was not a good day for a visit.
“It’s me,” Summer called, then spotted Allison on the sofa. Her smile faded as she walked inside. “You’ve been crying.”
“I haven’t.”
The lie was automatic. Allison wiped her cheeks. “I’m good.” She glanced at the clock. “It’s barely eleven. Shouldn’t you be at school?”
“We don’t have school today, so I came by to talk to you. I’m worried.”
“You don’t have to be. Jackson and I are fine.” She faked a smile. “Really. It’s all good.”
Summer didn’t look convinced by the statement, but just then Jackson squealed, waving his arms. Summer dropped to the floor and pulled him close for a hug.
“How are you, little man? Is that your farm? I love playing with the farm.”
He reached for one of the sheep and handed it to her.
“For me? Thank you. That’s so nice.”
Summer’s tone was upbeat and friendly, but she kept glancing over. Allison told herself to rally—that the teen wouldn’t stay long. She could fake being okay for an hour.
“When are you going to visit Dad?”
“Saturday.”
He’d given her his register number, so she’d figured out when she was allowed to go see him. Her application had been approved and even though all the Saturday appointments were full, the warden had given her permission because she hadn’t seen Peter since his arrest.
She’d also been given a detailed list of clothes she could and couldn’t wear, and what she could bring. Basically she was allowed to carry in her car key, a small amount of cash for the vending machines and her ID, along with a diaper and toy for Jackson. Lockers were provided for her handbag. Everything else stayed in the car.
“I’m off work so I can drive down and spend the full two hours with him.”
Summer’s large brown eyes widened. “Are you nervous?”
Yes, she thought. Visiting her husband in jail had never been part of her life plan.
“I’m sure everything will work out,” she lied. “I need to see Peter and he needs to see me and Jackson. I’ll get a lot more information.” At least that was the plan.
“You have to be so scared.” Summer’s voice was thick with concern. “You should talk to my mom.”
Allison wasn’t sure if she should bolt or laugh hysterically. Talk to Erica? That was never going to happen.
“Why? She has nothing to do with this.”
Given how horrible Peter always said his ex-wife was, she was probably gloating. A depressing thought, but most likely an accurate one.
“She can help. She’s really good with business and all that. She’ll have ideas.”
Spoken with all the earnestness of a sixteen-year-old who had never had to deal with the real world. Allison fought against exhaustion. There was too much going on. She wasn’t sleeping, she could barely bring herself to eat. Everything about her situation was hopeless and she didn’t see a way out. The last thing she needed in her life was quality time with Erica.
Allison drew in a breath. “I know you’re trying to help, but I’m not going to talk to your mom.”
“But what about Dad’s clients? You don’t know what to do with them.” She pressed her lips together. “I’m not badgering you—I want to make things better for you. Easier. Mom knows what she’s doing and she’s family. She wants to help.”
