Stay- Book One The Full Circle

Money Talks

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Chapter 21

Money Talks, Bullshit walks

Maggie

We can't stay cooped up in Trent's apartment all the time. Zoe needs to get out, she needs to enjoy the last few days of summer that she has before school starts. Trent is enrolling her this morning then meeting with a caseworker for her while we run over to the beach house so I can pick up some things. I only brought a few days worth of clothes with me and a few necessities when I initially went there. I didn't think I would be there for more than two weeks.

I know he wants me there, I know Zoe needs me, so does Trent but there is a part of me that wonders if he wants me, needs me, because I'm convenient. Trent's busy working and I know he has a good heart but I spend more time with Zoe than he does. I'm not a babysitter, I don't want to be a babysitter. I've only agreed to watch her because I know how it is to have a mother that doesn't want you. I know she needs someone who cares. Trent does and is really trying to do the right thing by her even though she isn't his. I have to admire that about him.

And even fall a bit deeper for him too.

Not to mention I love Zoe. I fell for her the first night. She's such an amazing kid, so sweet and caring. I understand why Trent wants her. I do too, if I'm to be honest with myself. I've enjoyed being at Trent's, acting like a family, getting to see what it would be like to be a mom and wife. That's what it feels like, but then reality does set in and I see that all this is just a dream. I'm not his wife, or Zoe's mother. I'm just me. I need to get back to it.

Gathering our things for our outing, Zoe and I head out for my house. We walk, just because I don't have my car and it's such a nice day out. I figure we could both use some fresh air. Holding her little hand in mine, we wander along the street, looking in the shop windows, smelling the yumming waffle cones getting made. That sweet smell of vanilla and sugar fill our senses and I know we will be stopping for ice cream on our way home.

My little beach house is waiting for us. I haven't been here since we picked up Zoe from her visit with her grandparents last weekend. She had so much fun with them and I can honestly say that feeling was mutual. Zoe seems to take the years right off them and make them seem younger somehow. Opening the door we walk into the empty living room and I watch Zoe run to the window to watch the waves.

"Can we go down to the beach and collect shells like I did with Gramma?" Zoe's bright eyes look back at me with an eager pleading smile. "Please!"

"I don't see why we can't. Let me get what I need together first, then we'll get a bowl for the shells. We can take them back to Trent's and I'll show you how to glue them to a picture frame. We can make it a surprise for Trent." It's been a long time since I've done arts and crafts but I always enjoyed it.

Zoe bounced excitedly up and down then plopped herself down in front of the glass door while I went into the bedroom to pack a bag. I was only in there for a moment when a knock came at the door. As I hurried back into the room it was too late, Zoe had already opened the door.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my daughter's home?" The angry voice of my mother rang through the walls as I raced forward to block Zoe from her harsh words.

"I'm Zoe. Maggie is helping my daddy out. She's gonna be my new mama. That's what Daddy said." I ran over tucking Zoe behind me.

"Zoe, you shouldn't answer the door alone, honey." I push her gently from my mother's reach.

"You're getting married, to whom?" I watched my mother's nose rise high in the air. She looks down at Zoe then at me disapprovingly. "Of course, you wouldn't share that information with me. I'm only your mother afterall."