Billionaires Don’t Fall For Awkward Girls by Emma Dalton

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Mom’s doing much better this morning. She hums in the kitchen as she prepares breakfast, and I know she’ll be okay.

School goes by and Easton pulls me into his arms, telling me he’ll try calling people to help Mom get a new job. I kiss him sweetly and tell him I really appreciate it.

After dance practice, Easton and I enter my house and my eyes go big when I catch my dad and mom huddled in conversation.

Easton glances at me with furrowed brows. “Is your dad supposed to be home?” he hisses.

Shaking my head, I step toward them. “Dad? Mom? What’s going on?”

My heart sinks when Mom glances up, tears seeping from her eyes. Dad looks so defeated it nearly shatters me into a million pieces.

“Sweetie,” Mom whispers. Her eyes move to Easton and she gives him a sad smile. “Hi, Easton.”

He moves forward, face twisted with worry. “Is everything okay?”

Dad and Mom shake their heads. No, it’s not possible. My parents never admit that something’s wrong. They always focus on the positive.

“Dad?” I squeak. “Why are you home early?”

Easton backs away. “Sorry, this is a family thing. I should go.”

Mom shakes her head. “Easton, you’re part of the family and we want you to be here. Dani will need you.”

My heart pounds in my head so strongly I grow dizzy. “Please tell me what’s going on. Are one of you sick?”

“No, sweetie,” Dad says. “We’re both healthy.”

“Then what…?”

They gesture for us to have a seat. Easton and I settle down at the table.

Dad turns to me. “I’m afraid there’s no easy way to say this.” He pauses. “I was let go today.”

My eyes widen. “What? But you’ve been working there for years!”

He nods slowly. “I know. They claimed I wasn’t efficient enough. They’d like to hire someone younger.”

“But you’re not old.”

He just sighs. Easton slips his hand into mine and gives it a squeeze. Tears flash in my eyes and drip down my cheeks. “It’s not fair. First Mom and now you? Why? What have we done wrong?”

Easton sits forward. “Mr. Wood, Mrs. Wood, please if there’s anything I can do…”

Dad shakes his head. “I’m afraid not.”

“I can call people. My family has many contacts. And if you need some money…”

Dad lifts his hand. “I appreciate it, Easton, I really do. But I need to take care of my family. Thanks, young man. You’re a good person with a kind heart and I’m glad my daughter has chosen you.” He gets to his feet. “I’m tired and going to bed. Things will look better in the morning.” He kisses Mom’s cheek, then my forehead. “You’ll see.” He nods to himself, then leaves the room.

I bury my face in Easton’s chest. His arms come around me.

“Are you kids hungry?” Mom asks as she goes to the stove to mix the soup.

“No,” my muffled voice says. “I’m not in the mood to do anything.” Easton’s arms tighten around me and he presses his lips to my temple.

“Easton, my husband has a lot of pride, but I would really appreciate you helping us find jobs. You said your family has contacts?”

“Yes. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“Thank you.”

I lift my head and Easton gives me an encouraging smile as he wipes away my tears with his thumbs. “It’ll be okay, Dani,” he whispers. “I won’t give up until both your parents are working again.”

I kiss him. “Thanks. I love you.”

Surprise fills his eyes, and that’s when I realize what I just admitted.

“I love you too,” he says as he holds me close. I rest my head on his shoulder as Mom finishes dinner. Then we eat in silence, Mom giving us a brave face, but I know she’s crumbling inside. Both my parents have no jobs. I need to step up. Maybe Martha will give me my job back at Mikey’s? Maybe I’ll work more hours at the studio.

And I need to win that twenty grand. I don’t care what it takes—I’ll die trying. The check will be in my parents’ hands soon.

Later that night, Easton and I are on my bed, our arms wrapped around each other. Mom forced herself to go to the Reyes’s, even though she feels like crap. We need that money now more than ever.

Easton pushes some hair away from my face. “Dani, I’m dying inside. I just wish there was something I could do for you. You’re my girlfriend and you mean so much to me. And your parents mean so much to me. Why can’t you accept my money?”

I rest my head on his chest. “My dad doesn’t want charity and neither do I. I know we’ll pull through. We just need to get through it.”

He looks into my eyes. “Promise me one thing.”

“Okay.”

He waits a few beats. “If your family is desperate, if you’re starving or are thrown out of your home, tell me and I’ll take care of you.”

“Easton—”

“Promise me. Please.”

Tears flash in my eyes. “Okay,” I whisper. “I promise.”