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But it’s the disappointment in their stares that eventually causes me to buckle.
If I agree to work for Logan, I can never tell them who I’m working for. That would be disastrous, given how Dad feels about his old friend Silas. Which means I’ll be lying to them. Again.
But if he was serious about doubling my pay, how long would I need to save enough money for a new place? Two, maybe three months tops? And I can suffer through the pain of working with my ex for my second family.
Once I’ve saved enough, I’ll find something new, and things will buff out just like they always do.
Right?
Right.
“Actually, I do have a plan, and have found a new job.”
Dad’s eyes light up the same way they had when the server delivered his crab legs. Then, as if remembering they were just berating me, he shifts in his seat and says, “That’s great, sweetheart. I want to hear all about it.”
“I accepted a position as the communications representative for um…” I search my memory for one of the enormous buildings surrounding the market I frequent. “Keerah Financial. Yup, that’s the one.”
Carrie nudges me under the table, and I nudge her back with a pinched smile.
“I don’t mean to brag, but the interview went splendidly.”
Dipping a stick of peeled crab meat in a dish of melted butter, I haughtily bring it to my lips.
And because I’m me, and being smooth is not a skill I possess, I promptly choke on the bite when Dad asks, “When do you start?”
Carrie pounds my back as I gulp mouthfuls of water, and I can sense Mom gearing up to hammer me with another question.
I open my mouth to say something, but before I can squeak out a word, a text pops up on my phone from Mr. Erikson. A reminder to get the rest of my belongings from the apartment as soon as possible, and a gentle push from my girl, Fate.
I bolt upright, eager to get as far away from here as possible.
“Speaking of work, I’ve gotta split.” My chair makes a break for it while my body slips into flight mode.
Avoid, avoid, avoid.
“Where are you going?” Mom pouts. “You haven’t even had any cake.”
“I’ve got some super important banking things to attend to, so…” I make a big show of waving my phone around, providing proof of said things while tripping over the chair. I laugh nervously before righting it. “Anyway, so great seeing you guys. Thanks for brunch, and sorry about the cake. We’ll have to do this again real soon.”
I give my sister a pleading look, silently begging her to keep them entertained, and her eyes narrow suspiciously before giving me a curt nod.
Yup. I’m definitely in for another lecture.
Blowing them all kisses, I promise to keep them updated on the new job, and then make a mad dash for the terrace exit.
They’re not going to question me. This is the flighty Penelope they know and tolerate. But the happy, carefree me slips a little further from reach by the time I reach my old apartment, where I take a hard look at its ruined, barren insides.
I trudge across the soaked carpet, gagging at the scent of mildew wafting from each step. Two boxes remain on the bathroom sink labeled ‘kitchen gadgets’ and ‘bathroom supplies,’ and when I gather them in my arms, I can’t meet my reflection in the mirror.
Waiting for the temp agency to find a new position will take forever. Hell, it took two months just to get an interview with Summit Estates. But if I’m not willing to rely on my family to bail me out, then I’ll just have to make some big girl moves.
Some very uncomfortable big girl moves, but thankfully, they’re only temporary.
I’ll work for Logan, get back on my feet, help the group home, and continue hustling side gigs while living my best fucking life.
I hope…
CHAPTER SIX
