Free Surviving Love by M.S. Brannon Page B

I reply, looking over at Mrs. Fields on the couch.  
    Mia wiggles out of my arms and walks over to her lap, tapping her on the knee before she leans forward, laying her head on her legs. She looks over to me then back up to Mrs. Fields, “You sick, Nanny?”  
    “Oh, sweet girl, yes, Nanny is sick, but I’ll be all right.” She runs her fingers through Mia’s hair, brushing it away from her face then kisses the pad of her finger and places it on the tip of her nose. Mia giggles and comes back to my arms.  
    “Well, we’ll get out of your hair. I’ll see if I can get someone else to watch Mia tomorrow so you can get some rest. I know how impossible it is to recuperate with a two-year-old to care for.” I am really worried about her, knowing she doesn’t have anyone to care for her. She’s alone here and has been for awhile. It’s probably no big deal to Mrs. Fields because she’s been taking care of herself for a long time, but I want her to know she can count on me for anything. She’s done a lot for me and my family. It’s the least I can do for her. “Please call me if you need anything. It’s not a bother, okay?”  
    She gives me a weak smile and stands up from the couch. I stand as well, towering over her tiny frame, and then she wraps her arms around my waist. I hug her back gently as she whispers, “You’re an amazing young man. You know that?” I nod, not in agreement, but to acknowledge her statement. “Drake,” she moves her hand up to my cheek, eyes filled with water, making my insides ache with hurt, “you are such a wonderful person. No one can go through what you’ve gone through in life and still be walking on their own two feet. I know you’re mad at everything and everyone, but you have so much life left to live. This is your chance, live it.” Mrs. Fields breaks our connection and bends down, kissing Mia on her cheek.  
    “Bye, Nanny!” Mia shouts and runs to the door.  
    I pick her up in my arms and look back to Mrs. Fields, burning her face into my memory. She gives me the slightest smile then waves us off.  
    When we exit the apartment, I get the sickening feeling in my gut that’s telling me my time with Mrs. Fields will be cut short. Like so many people I’ve connected with, my time is always cut short.  
     

Chapter 9  
    Zoe  
     
    Today is my second night at The Slab . I started last night, and it went pretty well, however Darcie has informed me the crowd is always a little bigger and rowdier on Saturdays. This will be my final test, I guess. It was definitely busy last night and I was seriously excited about making two hundred bucks in tips alone. I may not need a second job if this keeps up.  
    My audition went pretty well. Two hours into it, it was clear to me why Darcie said they’d be the hardest customers to wait on. Every single one of them were obnoxious, even Reggie. Jake was hitting on me right and left, making the need to take a cold shower more and more immediate. Delilah, who started out happy and giddy when she started drinking, became a lunatic, and the next thing I know, she’s snapping at me and shooting death glares in my direction. I finally discovered Jake and Delilah are a couple as they started screaming at one another again then, in a flash, were both kissing savagely, reciting their love for one another. Darcie just rolled her eyes and said they are always like that. I suppressed a laugh.  
    Earlier today, Reggie called, telling me I need to be at work around five and to be prepared for a large crowd. Apparently, there is some big race, and lately, the crowd has been coming to the bar once it’s over. All I see are dollar signs as I think of the massive amount of money I will make in tips if it’s going to be busier than last night.  
    I discovered Darcie is a lot like me, meaning she doesn’t bullshit and calls it like she sees it. The three of us divided the bar into three different stations. Gavin handled the right side, I was