Lennox never imagined that her life would turn out this way. Or that one night could lead to so many events that would change her and her sons' lives. She never imagined going from rags to riches or in her case rags to leather. Or finding family and...
Lennox glanced up at the reflection in the mirror, wincing at the bruising under the makeup. "Not really," she sighed. But I'll live; I just have to hide this in the meantime."
"You can always call out and go in a couple of days. The bruising should be a little less by then."
"I can't do that. I'm just starting and can't miss my first day of work."
She heard Tig sigh from the bathroom doorway as she finished getting ready.
"Keep icing that to keep the swelling down, and the bruising will fade in a week. Besides, you can always quit and start at the shop. Gemma always needs help getting the office in order."
"So I've heard, but I'm not going to quit. The only reason I quit the diner was that I moved out here. Traveling back and forth would have been difficult, especially once the boys start school back up. Maria offered to drive out here to pick me up so I could continue working with her, but I can't have her doing that either."
"I'll get you a car," Tig nonchalantly stated as if it were no big deal. "That way, you can move around as needed, and you don't have to walk to work all the time. Besides, you need something to move around in. You can't walk from place to place, especially when it rains, and you're taking the boys to and from school."
"You don't have to buy me one. I'll save up and buy it myself," Lennox said, turning to look at Tig. "I already told you I didn't want to mooch off you more than I already am. By the way, as soon as I have enough money saved, I'll be paying you rent to help with the mortgage."
Tig groaned, shaking his head. "My mortgage is already paid off, so I don't need it," he shrugged, relaxing against the doorjamb. "And you're not mooching off me if I'm offering it like a loan. Only you don't have to pay it back. So it's more of a gift than anything."
"That's a very generous gift, but I can't let you spend all that money on something that, while yes, would be convenient and useful, is going to cost a lot of money, and I won't be able to repay you."
"Lennox, I'm your father. I already missed twenty-plus years of your life. You've been through hell and back in those short twenty-something years. Just let me make up for it."
Lennox shook her head, "If you want to make up for not being there, which isn't your fault because you had no idea I even existed. Then just be there for me. Be my confidant, be my father, give me love and affection," she paused staring at him, trying to get her point across. "But don't buy me a car or throw money at me. Materialistic things don't matter to me. I already had all of that, and it didn't make up for the emptiness of a loveless relationship."
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"Special order forms are kept here," Rita motioned towards the drawer under the front desk. "You'll find the receipt forms, printing paper, scissors, and other office supplies there."
