Chapter 2 - Maya Hides More Than Shoes
Marcus crouched in front of Maya.
Her sneakers were worse than he first realized. The sole on the left
shoe had separated near the toe. A strip of clear tape held the side
together.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Maya looked toward Vanessa.
That glance answered before she spoke.
“I did.”
Marcus slowly stood.
Vanessa crossed her arms. “She’s exaggerating.”
Maya shook her head.
“I told her after school.”
“When?”
“Last week.”
Marcus looked at Vanessa.
“You said you took her shopping Saturday.”
“I did.”
The expensive bags surrounding Vanessa suddenly looked different.
A boutique employee quietly approached.
“Sir?”
She held a receipt.
“These purchases were made on the family account about forty minutes
ago.”
Marcus read it.
Three pairs of designer heels.
A handbag.
A silk scarf.
More than six thousand dollars.
Then he noticed something handwritten at the bottom.
The employee had added a note after Maya asked about the white sneakers.
CHILD’S SHOES DECLINED.
Marcus looked up.
Vanessa’s face tightened.
The sneakers cost eighty-nine dollars.
This was not about money.
Then Maya whispered:
“She said Daddy would be mad if I wasted his money.”
May you like
Marcus went completely still.
He had never said that.
