Chapter 6: Thirty Grand

The man jumped up, hugging Natalie tight—like she was his last hope. “Once I make money, I’ll take you away. New York, Miami, wherever you want. I’ll marry no one but you.”

Natalie melted into him. “I’ve been waiting for this day. I can’t go on living like this.”

“Don’t worry, once the money’s in, I’ll be rich overnight. Believe me.”

“That’s my dowry and savings. Don’t let me down. I’ll go to the bank tomorrow. Come get it.”

He got dressed and left. As he was leaving, Natalie called after him, “Tyler.”

Hank had given all the savings to Natalie, but she wanted to use it to please a client. I needed $18,800 to marry Lillian. I was jealous of Tyler, and a dark thought crept in.

Early next morning, Natalie left with Hank, coming back near noon with a bulging bag. Thirty grand—she split it into three manila envelopes and hid them under the old freezer by the door. The freezer was Hank’s for storing ingredients; there was a bigger one in the diner. This was probably the old one.

The money was in plain sight if you knew where to look. My palms sweated as I watched her tuck the envelopes away, her hands trembling, her eyes darting like she was afraid of being caught in her own home.

As soon as she finished, the phone rang.

“Natalie, I made new dishes. Come try them.”

“Okay, honey, I’ll be down in a minute.”

Natalie left. I slipped in through the window, took the envelopes, and hurried back to my place.

I knew it was a crime, but I bet Natalie wouldn’t dare say anything. If I won, she’d be punished and I could marry Lillian. If I lost... I didn’t want to think about it.

I sat at home, hiding the envelopes under the stove, every car backfire outside making my heart leap. My hands shook. All afternoon, Natalie didn’t come back.

Late at night, Natalie and Hank came home together.

“I’ll take a shower. Get in bed and wait up for me—leave your clothes on, okay?” Hank said.

Natalie, in skin-colored tights and leather boots, looked as sexy as summer. She scrolled her phone, not checking under the freezer.

Tonight’s passionate scene, I couldn’t watch. I just hoped they’d finish fast and turn off the lights.