Chapter 2

Catherine:

The old lady rolled her eyes at me, “Whatever…” She shrugged her shoulders, before stepping inside, seeming a bit annoyed about my decision.

I kind of felt bad for turning down such a great opportunity, I mean I was really that desperate to get money, but the thought of mom finding out about this?

I took a deep breath as I continued to walk away from the nasty place, watching a few other men stepping in. Just the thought of the reason they were going in made me disgusted.

I paused when my phone suddenly started ringing, my hand instantly reached for it inside my purse. I frowned before my eyes spotted the caller ID.

I rolled my eyes as I decided to pick up. “Guess who’s back to town?” Kim said, her high pitched tone made me force a smile.

“You? I thought you said you’re coming next week!” My surprised tone made her silent for a few moments before she finally laughed nervously.

“Well, not anymore…especially when my best friend is going through a hard time,” She said, reminding me of my mom.

“Cat? Are you there?” Her tone held concern as she waited for my response.

“Yeah…” I said, my voice barely audible.

Kim has been my best friend since high school, she knew about everything I had to go through…

“I’ll be waiting for you at Sol's,” Kim said, but I shook my head. “I don’t think food is what I need right now…” I sighed.

“Alright then…what is the closest bar near to you?” She questioned, seeming worried all of a sudden.

My eyes scanned the buildings surrounding me. “I guess the dime?” I answered her, still unsure.

“Alright, I’m on my way, just wait for me inside” She hung up before I even responded to her.

Kim has already lent me a lot of money, asking her to lend me more won’t be right! I took a deep breath and started to make my way toward the closest bar, The Dime.

Half an hour passed  since I got inside The Dime, I even ordered two drinks, two strong drinks. However, Kim was still nowhere to be seen.

I checked my phone for the ninth time since I got into this place, wondering if my best friend had forgotten about our meeting.

“Hey you…” Kim’s voice suddenly attired my attention. My head snapped toward her direction, and it wasn’t only a matter of a few seconds before she rushed toward me, and pulled me into the tightest hug.

“I’m sorry I’m late, it’s kind of late and it was so hard to find a cab!” Her apology made me realize I’d put her through so much. ‘Isn’t she the nicest friend?’ I thought to myself back then.

“Come on, I’ll buy you a drink!” She invited me to sit on the chair beside her, I didn’t even realize she was already sitting, I frowned, realizing it must be the drink!

“I’m not sure if I can…” I pointed toward the two empty glasses on the counter.

“Oh…” I laughed sarcastically at her reaction. “Come on, don’t be silly…” She turned her head toward the bartender anyway.

“Do you remember how much we used to drink at parties?” I said, and she only stifled a giggle.

Kim and I continued to drink, but that didn’t last long, because her fiancé appeared all of a sudden and took her to the hotel they were staying at.

He offered me a ride, but I refused. I couldn’t interrupt their first night together in that beautiful city…

I sighed, taking another drink, thinking of everything… 

Even my father decided to show up, showing he still cared about my mother. I just know I can’t accept his help.

I’d rather sell my body before accepting his help! Do I need the money? Yes! Am I that desperate? Hell yeah! But am I ready to ask for his help? No fucking way!

“Miss?” The bartender suddenly interrupted my internal thoughts. “What?” I said annoyingly, shooting him a deadly glare.

“We’re closing…” He said with a sad smile. I stood from my chair, a deep breath escaping my lips. “Can I at least take this with me?” I said, raising the bottle high.

The bartender stared at me for a few seconds before nodding. “Do you need me to call anyone? Maybe a cab?” He offered, but I only chuckled at him, “I’m not that drunk!” I said with a loud laugh before stepping outside the bar.

I continued to walk down the street, some guys started whistling as I was passing by them, but I didn't even bother or react. Instead I laughed very hard at their stupid taste, they didn’t even know who I was, they didn't know I was a mafia boss’ daughter…

My eyes suddenly were blinded by the sudden red lightening on top of my head, the same sign I’ve passed by earlier. ‘For Gentlemen Only’ I smirked, remembering the old lady’s offer.

I started laughing so hard this time, not at the lady’s offer, but at my stupid decisions, and my huge stupid pride! Why didn’t I just do it? Why didn’t I say yes to that lady?

My phone started to buzz again, the ringtone made me even more annoyed and pissed. I panicked as soon as I glimpsed  the hospital’s number on the screen.

“Hello? Miss Moretti, we’re calling you at this late hour because your mother needs an urgent surgery, but unfortunately... You still haven’t paid for our previous services yet” The nurse on the  other line explained.

I let out a deep breath, closing my eyes, a tear falling down…”I’ll pay tomorrow…” I said, my eyes staring right at the old lady who was out of the brothel, after I knocked on the door.

She stood right in front of me, a wide grin showing her yellow teeth, welcoming me inside, and after that everything went blurr…