The Baller's Baby Read Online Free PDF

“My parent's had both lost their jobs and my brother and sister and I became like ropes around their necks, dragging them down. They wouldn't leave us, though. My parent's families didn't get along and fought constantly about who should take care of us while my parents got on their feet. Thankfully, my grandfather stepped up and took all five of us in. He said he was tired of living alone, although I doubt he knew quite what he was in for with all of us underfoot. My father helped him build an addition onto the house for my sister and I to share as our bedroom. Before that, though, when my parent's missed their first rent payment, the owner kicked us out. I remember standing in line to get free bean soup. I hated bean soup, but I remember eating it as if it were filet mignon.”
    “Wow. I can't imagine what that must have been like.”
    “I didn't suffer the worst of it like some kids have, but I knew I never wanted to go back there again.” Stacey continued, “In school I tried to focus on what I excelled at. I used my grades to get a full ride through college and then worked hard to get a 4.0 gpa. I worked my way through my Masters and the rest, as they say, is history.”
    “What about your parents?” Cole asked, intrigued now.
    “They're doing well, now. Staying with my grandfather allowed them to get really solid jobs. My father is now the assistant supervisor of the nuclear plant down in Bronson and my mom stays home now. She spends most of her time freelance writing so that she and my dad have spending money for the flea market or a small day cruise or something simple. She also has one account that she lets fill up all year. Then she transfers the two or three thousand dollars she collects into their savings and she and my dad take a long trip somewhere.”
    “That's inspiring.”
    “How do you mean?”
    “Well they could have simply just remained homeless without asking for help with you and your siblings. Instead they took the help and turned it around into a really positive outcome,” Cole explained, appearing moved. It wasn't long before Stacey pulled up to her driveway. She stepped around the car and smirked when Cole offered his arm. “I was too slow to open your door for you.”
    She shrugged. “That's okay. I drove so it's no biggie.”
    “So how'd you decide on a townhouse near the Bixby Center?” Cole asked, admiring the architecture while Stacey unlocked her front door.
    “It sort of called to me, I guess,” she replied with another shrug. Cole wondered if her confidence in her career was a front. She didn't seem all that confident in any other aspect of her life. “I was out shopping with some friends and saw the For Sale sign on the lawn. I'd been saving up for a home for about four years. I was fresh into my Master's certificate and ready with excitement. When I heard the asking price I jumped on it.”
    “How long have you lived here?”
    “Almost six months now.” Stacey smiled brightly, proud Cole would say. “I still have some of my stuff in the attic, but I figure if it stays there another six months I'll go dig it out and sell or donate it. I hate clutter and despite having a great place to store stuff, I don't want my attic to be full of useless garbage I'm never going to put to use.”
    “I'm horrible at house cleaning.” Cole chuckled. “I'm twenty eight and still have no idea how to run a dishwasher.”
    “Don't worry. When you're old and decrepit in two or three years, you can retire and learn to be domestic.”
    “Domestic huh?” Cole laughed, reaching out and snagging Stacey's hand. With a gentle yank, she came to him on a laugh.
    “I was going to go change.”
    “Now why would you want to waste all that time when I'd just be taking whatever you changed into right back off?” Cole smiled, his eyes growing dark with desire. Stacey thought fleetingly that she could easily live in those eyes for at least a year or two.
    “Well there is that.” She grinned,