I open my mouth to protest, but she’s not done yet. “I know what I’m about to say will hurt, but most days he doesn’t even know who you are, so he’d be peacefully oblivious to your temporary absence.”
As awful as hearing that is…it’s the sad truth. I’d be missing him far more than he’d miss me.
However, I’m terrified of not being here for those moments when he does remember me.
I don’t want him to think I abandoned him.
“But—”
“All a good parent ever wants for their child is for them to figure out what makes them happy. Music is that thing for you, Lennon.”
Looking ready to throw down the gauntlet, she stabs the table with her finger. “Despite Phoenix being there, it’s still a great opportunity to be around what you love. Not to mention, doing this means you won’t have to struggle financially anymore. Being able to provide for yourself is something your father would also want.”
My chest caves in because she’s making it harder and harder to say no with every point she makes. “Mrs. Pa—”
“For heaven’s sake, it’s eight weeks, not eight years, Lennon. You will be back. In the meantime, I will take care of everything while you’re gone. Physically he’s fine, so you have nothing to worry about. Plus, Richard and I enjoy his company so it’s really no bother.”
It’s not that I don’t trust Mrs. Palma to take care of him, I know she will. It’s the thought of leaving that makes me feel guilty. Along with inconveniencing her.
“I appreciate it, but I can’t ask you to do this.”
“You’re not asking. I’m offering.” Her expression softens. “Richard and I weren’t lucky enough to have children, and I know I’m not your mother, but I care for you as if you were my own. So, please, let me do this.”
My throat prickles. She brought out the big guns.
“I’ll think about it,” I settle on, because I need to take some time so I can weigh the pros and cons.
That said…there’s an important motive Mrs. Palma failed to mention.
One that’s urging me to turn my maybe into a yes.
Revenge.
CHAPTER 25
LENNON
My gaze ping-pongs between my empty suitcase and my phone, unable to bring myself to make a decision.
As luck would have it, my dad remembered me earlier…and Mrs. Palma spilled the beans.
Not about Phoenix stealing my song, but that I’ve been given an opportunity to join a band on tour and make some money.
He seemed happy for me.
It should probably make it easier, but it doesn’t.
I’m going to miss him so much.
But eight weeks’ worth of my time means I’ll no longer be so strapped for cash. I’ll also be able to quit my job, spend more time with him, and relieve Mrs. Palma from the hassle of watching him four nights a week.
I hate to admit it, but temporarily being in Phoenix’s orbit again will solve some major problems.
I just hope it won’t cause a whole set of new ones.
As if on cue, Mrs. Palma walks into the room. “You still haven’t packed?”
“I still haven’t called.”
For all I know, Chandler might have found someone else after he left my house yesterday.
She pinches the bridge of her nose. “Lennon, honey.”
“I know.”
My wishy-washiness is not only annoying her, it’s annoying me.
It’s time to put my big girl panties on and do this.
Make Phoenix pay for what he did and get the money I deserve in the process.
Picking up my phone, I punch in the number on the card Chandler gave me and hit the speakerphone button.
He picks up on the second ring.
“What?” he barks.
Yup. Working for him is going to be fun.
“It’s Lennon.”
“Go on,” he drones. “I haven’t got all day.”
Mrs. Palma and I exchange a glance because rude.
“I’m in. Under one condition.”
“Which is?”
Here goes nothing. “I want five hundred thousand.”
“You must be on drugs, too,” he exclaims before expelling a sigh. “Three hundred thousand. That’s my final offer. Take it or leave it.”
My gut tells me he’s probably right. That’s an insane amount of money.
Money I deserve.
“Three hundred and fifty thousand.”
“Christ almighty. Fine. I’ll make it work. But you have to get here tonight. The concert starts at eight.”