'Yes, sure. Of course I wil.'
He eyed me, then leaned back into the car and fumbled
around before puling out a checkbook. He scribbled
hastily and tore it off, then pressed it into my hand as
though he was afraid he might change his mind and take it
back. I didn't look at it, just tucked it in half inside my
palm. My dad could be generous, but I didn't want to
know, just then, if he'd made me proud or disappointed
me.
'And tel her…tel her I was asking about her. Okay?'
'Yes, Dad.'
'How about you? You need anything?' He held up the
checkbook, but I waved it away.
'No. I'm fine. I'm going to be getting a new job.'
He looked impressed. 'Oh, yeah?'
'Yeah. I'm going to be in a new marketing program.'
'Wil they give you a raise?' He didn't wait for an answer.
'It's about time they recognized your potential at that
place. Gave you a step-up.'
'Nobody's giving me a step-up. I interviewed, I'm
qualified. It's not a favor, Dad.'
'Of course it isn't.' He tucked the checkbook into his
jacket pocket. 'I didn't mean that it was.'
I straightened my shoulders. 'I'd better get inside.'
My dad held open his arms as if he expected a hug. I gave
him one, stiff armed as it was, and he kissed my cheek. He
squeezed my shoulder.
'I'm proud of you, Paige. You should know that.'
I shrugged and smiled and left before he could get
sentimental. When I gave my mom the check, she stared at
it for a long time before she unfolded it. She blinked
rapidly when she saw whatever he'd written, then folded it
tight again and handed it to me.
'Would you put that in my purse in the drawer, there, hon?
I'l have to get you to run it to the bank for me later.' Her
I'l have to get you to run it to the bank for me later.' Her
voice stil sounded hoarse but her color was better, and
she was sitting up. She'd brushed her hair and held it back
from her face with a pretty headband.
'Aren't you surprised at al?' I put the check inside her
walet and closed the drawer.
'At what? That you were able to shame your dad into
helping me out? Or at how much he gave?'
'Both?' I didn't ask her how she'd known I'd been the one
to force his hand.
My mom smiled and patted the side of the bed. 'Come
here, Paige.'
I did.
'I never told you why your dad and me never made it.'
I sighed. 'Mom, I realy don't care. I know al the experts
