The Millionaire Myth Read Free

I ran a hand over my frizzy hair.  Usually I flat ironed it and left it down, but today I'd let it air dry and thrown it into a messy ponytail.  I put on a little makeup, which consisted of eye shadow and lipstick, but I skipped the blush.  I wanted to give the impression that I'd tried to look normal, but failed miserably.
                  I walked into the room slowly, letting out a gigantic and way too over-the-top sigh and headed straight for the coffee.  I knew instantly that my effort was worth it, because Cathy immediately snapped to attention, her eyes following me like a hawk eying it's prey.  She knew a target when she saw one.
                  With my back to her, I started to make the coffee.  I couldn't held but grin when I heard her ask softly, “Hon, are you alright?”  Keep in mind, this is a woman who typically never speaks to me.  Not even to spread her much-loved gossip.  I'm simply not in the loop.
                  This was already a blast and I hadn't even started.  With a little tremble in my voice I said, “Um, yeah I'm okay...”  I hoped it was believable.  “I just uh, didn't have a very good weekend.” 
                  Cathy sidled up to me in an instant, and put her hand on my shoulder, gently cooing, “Oh, Estelle, I'm sorry to hear that.”  She tilted her head, looking at me with sympathy.  “You think it might help to talk about it?”
                  I knew she'd take the bait.  I didn't want to spill everything too quickly though.  I'm a red-blooded American girl after all; I know hard-to-get never fails.  I shook my head and grabbed a tissue, dabbing at my imaginary tears.  “No.  I don't want to get upset all over again.”  I smiled sadly at her.  “Thanks for asking though, I appreciate it.”
                  Cathy watched me closely for a moment before returning to the other side of the room. With another deep sigh I started to fill my mug with coffee.  It was about half full when I set the pot back down and leaned over the table.  I could sense Cathy watching me.  I shook my shoulders, pretending to fight back the sobs.  I heard her gasp and return to my side.
                  She rubbed my back, which made my skin crawl.  I could do without the touching.  “Estelle, you have got to tell me what going on.  Are you alright?”
                  It felt like I'd put up enough fight.  Time to let her know about my horrible-yet lucrative-weekend. 
                  I began with the words that would guarantee my news traveled through texts, emails, and word of mouth at lightening speeds.  “You have got to promise that you wont tell anyone about this...I can't have this news all over the office.”
                  Cathy nodded solemnly and used one of her fake, cherry red nails to cross her heart like she was a twelve year old girl.  “I promise.”
                  I took another deep, shaky breath.  “Okay.  Friday evening my grandfather passed away.”  I rubbed my eyes, hoping I could get that red-eyed, crying all night look.  “He and I were very close, and he was always spoiling me.”  I lowered my voice, “I'm going to miss him so...much.”
                  At this point I started breathing fast and leaned over, holding my stomach.  Cathy grabbed a chair.  “Here, sit down.  You poor thing.  That must have been just horrible for you.”
                  I had to admit, she talked a good game.  I was starting to think she really felt bad for me.  I began to feel guilty, maybe this was going too far. But then I peeked at her and saw the unmistakable glint of excitement in her eyes.  Seeing it erased my tiniest shred of hesitation.
                  “It was awful, but that wasn't even the worst part.  Yesterday the family met with my grandfather's lawyer.”  I paused