Free Clarity 3 by Loretta Lost

envelope? You’re just going to have to open it and tell me what’s inside,” I say with frustration. I hate the fact that I need to depend on him like this.
    “I know what’s inside,” Liam says quietly. “It’s a check for five hundred thousand dollars.”
    I am motionless for a moment, and then I burst out laughing. “No, seriously,” I tell Liam, pressing the envelope back into his hand. “You have to open this and read it for me.”
    “Winter, I’m being dead serious here. Your dad gave me that check for you, and told me to let you know that he hopes you’ll use it to stay in the neighborhood.”
    I stare at Liam with my mouth slightly open in surprise. “Really?”
    “He says he can get more if you need it . Just give him a call.”
    “Are you—no way—are you kidding me?” I mumble, tripping over my words. I pull away from him slightly and wave the envelope between us. “Do you seriously mean to say that I am holding half a million dollars in my hand right now?”
    “Yep,” Liam says cheerfully.
    “Holy crap,” I say in wonder. “You’d think the envelope would be heavier.”
    “I was hoping you’d be more excited,” Liam says in disappointment. “If half a million dollars can’t impress you and make you speak in capital letters, then I doubt that I can ever make you excited about anything.”
    “You want capital letters? Just give a minute.” I sit up in the bed and prepare myself as though I am getting into character. I stretch my shoulders and neck and take a deep breath. “HOLY CRAP!” I say again with all the enthusiasm I can muster. I hold the check up with a surprised look on my face. “Ohmigod, ohmigod! I’m rich!”
    Liam erupts into a fit of laughter at my performance.
    “Do you find me more attractive now?” I ask, bringing the envelope to my chest and smiling mischievously at him. “Does my big check make up for the fact that I don’t have big boobs?”
    “You were already devastatingly beautiful,” he tells me in a low voice, “but the money doesn’t hurt.”
    “ Yeah, sure,” I mumble, skeptical at his compliment. But somehow, acting excited actually did make me feel more excited about the situation. “How was that?” I ask Liam. “Capital letters and even some exclamation marks.”
    “It was perfect,” he says , shifting his body so that his head rests in my lap.
    “Any thoughts on what you’ll do with your newfound wealth?”
    “Breast implants,” I answer immediately.
    “What?” he responds in shock. “But…”
    “I’m kidding,” I assure him. “I probably won’t even cash it.” I pause for a moment, running my fingers through his hair. “What would you do if someone handed you a check like that?”
    “I’d pr obably put it toward starting a private practice with Owen,” Liam answers quickly. “It’s our biggest dream, but it might be a while before we can get there.”
    “That sounds really nice,” I tell him. “It must be great to work with your best friend—especially someone as fun as he is.”
    “You’d be surprised. Owen is actually very professional in the workplace. Speaking of which! I have some more good news for you.”
    “Hmm?”
    “Owen and I pulled some strings and called in some favors, and we were able to move your surgery dates up. So if you come in tomorrow for prep and some tests, you could have some vision by the end of the week.”
    “Wow,” I say softly. “That’s very soon.”
    “I figured I have to work quickly to impress you. I only have two weeks, after all.”
    “That would definitely impress me, but I don’t know if I’m ready.”
    “Just trust me,” Liam says. “Things are going to get better from now on—in every way.” He pauses. “You should cash that check. Your dad really loves you. He doesn’t want you to leave.”
    “Yes, well… I’m not sure this is the way to get me to stay,” I say awkwardly, leaning over to place the check on the bedside table. “Although it would