“Sit down, Kami,” her mother says.
She does.
“I’ve found a solution to our problem.” Barb grabs her hand.
“You have?” she replies eagerly, and I can see the hope flare in her eyes.
“Yes, Santos has agreed to marry you.”
“Marry me? Have you lost your mind?”
“Just listen, please.”
“No, seriously mother, have you been drinking?”
“It’s the only way, Kami. Otherwise you’re a minor and they’ll make you a ward of the state. They can’t take you away if you get married. It’s only temporary, until you come of age. Once you’re eighteen, there’s nothing they can do. Don’t you see? It’s the only solution.”
“No way!” she snaps, vaulting from her seat. “Even you must see this is insane, Mother.” Then she rounds on me. “And you! Surely you can’t want this.”
Something about the way she’s protesting is getting under my skin. I don’t like the fact that she’s so adamant about not wanting to marry me. It’s crazy I know, but my skin heats, my damn male ego rearing its head. I harden my jaw, determined to see this through. I just sat here and gave Barb my word. I owe her for everything she’s done for my family. If a marriage in name only will help her daughter out and ease her conscience while she sits in prison, its little enough I can do.
But even as I think it, I can’t help the niggling thought in the back of my head that tells me this could blow up in my face and get in the way of getting my patch—one I’ve worked hard at for almost a year now.
Kami folds her arms in a defiant pose, her hip canted and her brow arched, glaring at me. It brings home the difference between us. Nothing has come easy for me, and everything has come easy for her. Until now that is. It seems as though now the tables have turned, and I’m the one holding all the cards.
“Kami, please, its our only option.” Barb stands and lays a hand on her forearm.
“Well, mother, that option is very definitely a last resort.”
“Honey, look at me. It’s last resort time.”
Kami looks beseechingly at me, having apparently given up on reasoning with her mother. “Surely there has to be a better way than us getting…. married.”
“It’s not exactly a dirty word, shortcake.”
The nickname lights her fuse.
“Do not call me that.” Her arms come unfolded and she actually takes a step toward me. If there was something handy, I fear she’d be throwing it at my head.
I grin. I can’t help it. I love seeing her so animated, even if it is at her expense. “Babe, calm down.”
“And don’t call me babe, either.”
I stare at her, arching a brow, daring her. “Babe.”
“Why would you want to do this? It’s insane.”
“I owe your mom for all she’s done for my family. Right now you need help.”
“Oh, so I’m some favor, some debt to be paid. I suppose you think my family’s fall from grace is funny or maybe I’m something to be pitied.”
I come to my feet. “Like you pitied me?”
That brings her head up. Barb wisely intervenes before the two of us say something we’ll regret, and blow her whole deal apart. I’m sure she’s terrified I’m one second away from walking out the door.
She puts a hand on my arm. “Santo, please sit. I’m sorry. Let me talk to her. Please, just don’t leave.”
I relax back, dropping into the chair.
Barb grabs her daughter’s arm and hustles her out.
***
Kami—
We go up to my room, the one I’ve had for as long as I can remember. I sit on the bed and pout like a child.
Mother puts her arm around me. “Please. Do this for me. Prison will be hard enough for me without worrying about you in the foster system.”
I put my face in my hands and burst into tears, and mother holds me. Finally, I wipe my eyes. “What about Aunt Davina? Can’t she take me?”
“She’s traveling in Europe and doesn’t seem to want anything to do with us.”
“Can’t I stay with one of my friends?”
“Which one, dear?”
I realize she knows they’ve all abandoned me. “It’s so unfair, mom.”
“It is; horribly unfair. None of this is your fault. It’s all mine for trusting the wrong man. I’m so sorry, Kami. Please don’t hate me.”
“I don’t blame you.”
“So you’ll do it? For me? Please?”
I’m quiet because the words stick in my throat.
“Baby, I’m so sorry I didn’t protect your college fund. I’m sorry Drake took it all.”
“It’s not your fault, mom.”
“It is. I should have been smarter in whom I trusted. Don’t make the same mistake I did.”
“What about Santos? Do you trust him?”
“Yes. He was always a good boy.”
“He was trouble, mother.”
“He always defended you and looked out for you. Back in the old days when he would come and do the garden with his father, back before his father died, he always looked out for you.”
“But marry him, mother?” I stare at the carpet.
“It’s just until you turn eighteen and they can no longer put you in the system. It’s just temporary. He understands that, Kami. Baby, look at me.” I lift my eyes, and she continues. “He swore to me he’ll take care of you.”
“You really trust him?”
“Yes. He’s Maria’s son, and Raul’s too. They raised him right. He’ll treat you well. He’ll keep his word.”
“All right. Fine. It’s not like I have any other choice.” My mother’s shoulders relax with relief.
“Thank you, baby. Now dry your eyes.” She gets up, steps to my walk-in closet, and starts jerking hangers along the rod, eyeing every evening gown I have. “I’ve already contacted my attorney and she’s called in a favor and managed to get one of her judge friends to come and do the ceremony here. It’ll save the embarrassment of the courthouse. We’d only draw a crowd and reporters would show up. But it has to be now, this afternoon. They can get you the marriage license and luckily there’s no waiting period in Georgia.”
“Today?”
“Yes. The sooner the better, right?”
“But you don’t leave until Monday.”
“Baby, they’re coming to take you into state custody this weekend, it has to be now.”
“But, so soon…”
“Here, this one will do.” She carries a gown out. “I’m sorry it can’t be a proper dress, but this is one of my favorites, and you look so beautiful in it.”
She lays it on the bed, and my eyes drop to it. Its cream colored with tiny golden flowers embroidered into it in metallic thread that shimmers in the sunlight. They match the color of my hair. I’d worn it last year to some charity ball that I can no longer remember.
“Let me help you into it, darling.”
I stand and strip out of my jeans and shirt, and mom helps me into the garment. I feel nothing. I’m like a robot. Maybe I’m in shock.