The FAFSA Bride. ||| on hold |||

Chapter 10: The Counter Offer

The next morning, Michelle woke up and made her way to the diner. Three of her regulars were ordering their breakfast, and she smiled as she walked inside.

"Hey lady," Magda called out to her. "You look happy. Did someone have a good night in with your husband?"

"You have no idea," Michelle said. "So, what's going on today? Any customers I need to watch out for."

"Unfortunately, yes," Magda said. "Monster in Law is drinking our 'Finest cappuccino" right over there. She is waiting for you."

"What? Why is Britain here in my diner? God, I've avoided her since she embarrassed me so much in front of Bryce's folks."

"Well, she clearly wants something. Note the tapping of the shoes and the clicking of the monster nails. Good luck with her," Magda said.

"Ok," Michelle whined. "But hey, in good news, I want to you come to a party this weekend. Bryce's old house is throwing a big party and I was told to bring my 'hot friends' by his friend. Well, his friend told Bryce to tell me. But you and Sierra should come with me!"

"A party sounds good. I need to get Sierra out of the house. She's been texting Doug, you know."

"Wow, yes, make her come," Michelle replied. "I have a stepmother to see."

Michelle walked over, her pen pad in hand.

"Hello Britain," Michelle said. Her stepmother looked up at her and pasted on a smile.

"Hi sweetie," Britain said. "You know, your menu doesn't have any Paleo friendly diet options."

The book about The Paleo Diet, a stringent plan where you eat basically meat and green vegetables, was probably the only book Britain had ever read.

"Well it is a diner," Michelle said. "We serve grease and fat here."

"I can see that," Britain said as she sneered as she looked Michelle.

"What do you want, Declan?" Michelle often called her by her maiden name, because it made Britain roll her eyes. If only they'd get stuck like that, maybe Michelle's dad would leave her and all the drama she brought with her.

"Well, see, your father has finally accepted that you've left," Britain replied.

"I've been gone for a year," Michelle said.

"Yes, but now that you're married, he's letting me renovate your room. We're going to turn it into a home gym!"

"There are six spare bedrooms, why not use one of those? Even if I am married, that is still where I grew up. My mom used to tuck me into that bed..."

"I'm not here for your permission of to hear your sad 'my mother is dead' stories. I just came to tell you that if you want your stuff, get it or I'll throw it out. My decorator is coming at two, so better get a move on it dear."

"But it's already 9, and I have to work and then go to class."

"Not my problem," Britain said. Michelle turned around and walked up to Magda.

"Cover me," Michelle said. "I have to go and gather up my childhood."

"Good luck with that," Madga said.

***

Bryce was working on his homework when he heard a knock on his door. He closed his book, and looked throw the peephole to see an unexpected face. He opened the door and cocked his head, unsure what to do.

"Mr. Silas," Bryce said. "Hello. Michelle isn't here right now."

"I'm here to see you, we have some things to discuss."