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CHAPTER 1

Mia

I TAP MY pen against the top of ue Thea hand around, while the little boy on her hip kicks his tiny feet to get down so he can run around with his two sisters currently playing a ga with Annie and Sale week, they come in, ask me to take them for a test drive, and have me run numbers on the minivan Annie has her eye on, and every week, they leave after arguing for twentyhome today in her new car If Sa him for a new car and be happy with the hooptie she currently owns, and then she’d hand over the down pay

If I were Annie, I would tell Saet myself a new car and maybe a new man

“What do you think the chances are they’re going to buy today?” ainstthe couple across the room

“She won’t pull the trigger unless he gives her the go-ahead So I’d say it’s not going to happen,” I ad at her dream ruby-red hybrid minivan on my computer screen I wish she would put her foot down and tell him that she deserves a new car She’s the one in the relationship whoa mom If the roles were reversed and he was the breadwinner, she would tell hiet a new truck or whatever he wanted

But that’s the difference betweento take care of the people we love, and that isn’t always reciprocated Maybe in another hundred years things will actually change

A hand rests on ive her three thousand toward her down pay off ?”

“No, thanks I brought lunch withaway I watch hiht I’d be selling cars, but then again, I never thought I’d be living in Tennessee Iand she kicked hi I’d be here for a feeeks, I’d help o back to Montana That was six o

The first s, because Cece was behind on bills, and a roof over your head, electricity, and food are kind of a necessity My second month, I knew I needed a job, but my CNA license wasn’t easily transferable, so I applied anywhere and everywhere Back ho facility and had no sales experience whatsoever Still, Ken took a chance on ly, I’ve done okay for myself

The sound of thunder pulls et up froe Annie’s mind, but it won’t hurt to let her know about Ken’s offer I head across the tile floor and cringe when I hear Sa such an expensive car “Annie? Sam?” I cut in, and they both turn to look at me—Annie with a forced smile, Sa “My boss just wanted ive you three thousand toward your down payhters as she uses me to protect herself from her sister