You Make Me Whole

“Ray?” her father patted her on the hand, encouraging her to talk. She slouched back in her chair.

“I just got my dates mixed up. My rent is due in two days. I don’t get paid for another week,” she said with eyes glued to the floor, heat rushing to her face in embarrassment as she waited for her parent’s reaction.

“Oh Ray…” her mother started to sigh.

“Honey, I’m sure we can cover you until you get back on your feet,” Ed gave her hand another squeeze, and Ray looked up to see a warm smile on his face, although his eyes squinted in concern.

“But Ed, that’s the third time this year! How is she going to learn if we keep bailing her out?”

“Mama, I’m right here,” Ray said rolling her eyes. “Look, it’s just for a few days until I get paid.”

“We can help her out, Tanya, She just got her dates mixed up.”

“You see what I mean, though, Ed?” She said throwing her arms back in exasperation. Ray set her knife and fork back onto her plate, her appetite lost as the familiar onslaught of her mother started.

“Tanya, it’s fine.”

“Ray, sweetheart, this is why I wish you had a man by your side to support you. It’s too much for a young –well, youngish- girl to live her life without some help.”

“Mom, please…”

“I want you to meet Barbara’s son, Carter. He’s just moved back to the area. He’s an accountant, Ray! Doesn’t he sound wonderful?”

“Just because he’s an accountant?”

“I mean he’s obviously found his way in life, honey! I just think he could do you some good, help you find a bit of balance in your life.”

“I’m not interested, Mama. I don’t need a man to pay the rent.”

“Tanya, let her think about it,” Ed piped up quietly.

“I don’t need to think! I’m capable of finding a man on my own!”

“Well,” Tanya said with a smug smile as she folded her arms, “maybe we can’t help you with your rent.”

Ray stared in disbelief; even Ed took a sharp intake of breath. He looked back down at his pasta and continued to eat. The conversation had clearly taken a turn he didn’t want to be part of.

“Mama, are you serious?” Tanya sighed once again and leaned over to stroke Ray’s cheek.

“My sweet girl,” she said soothingly. “I want to help you, but I need you to meet me halfway here, you understand me?”

“Mom, it kind of sounds like prostitution…”

“Watch your mouth!” she got up and started fussily collecting plates, practically wrenching Ray’s from her hands. “I would be more willing to help you out, Ray, if I thought you were at least trying to find someone. The clock is ticking, my girl.”

Ray looked to her father for help, but Ed continued to look at the table, offering only a half-shrug as he felt Ray’s gaze on him.

“I’m only asking you to meet him, Ray,” her mother added in a sweeter, most likely false tone of voice. “What’s the harm in that? You don’t like him, fine. As long as you just try.”

“Fine!” Ray agreed, resigned. She tried to ignore her mother’s smug smile, and just concentrated on the relief of the money they were lending her. She looked up and her father winked encouragingly at her. She managed a weak smile back, trying not to think about her upcoming night with Carter the Accountant. What they were going to spend the night talking about, she had no idea.