6. Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Jemima
It’s been a week since Mom left. Each day feels like a struggle just trying to keep things together. The work is dull but necessary, just a constant effort to figure out where to begin with the mess she left behind. I take a deep breath as I step outside, the cool air hitting my face, when I hear it.
“Jemima,” a deep voice calls my name.
I look up and see a thirty-something-year-old with longish brown hair and sunglasses, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit. He’s leaning casually on the hood of a sleek sports car. Pushing off, he strides toward me, commanding my attention.
My heart skips a beat, panic clawing at my throat. How does he know my name? Is he someone my ex knew?
I straighten, even though my legs tremble. He doesn’t look like a guy here to collect money, but what do I know about debt collectors? The thought stiffens my spine even more. No, Butch will not ruin my life and make me worry about every stranger I come across. Not everyone is a bad person or a threat.
I relax slightly when he lifts his sunglasses, revealing his face, which I recognize from my search.
Harvey Lincoln.
Cute and cocky, with piercing blue eyes that sear my soul, causing a weird connection between us.
I blink away the lust-filled haze, remembering he’s here to try to take my business.
“What do you want, Harvey?”
He flashes me a megawatt smile. I ignore how hot he looks and focus on his purpose for being here.
“I’m here to talk to you,” he says smoothly.
“Stalking is illegal, you know,” I retort, crossing my arms.
“I’m not stalking you. I just need five minutes of your time.” A piece of his hair falls onto his forehead, and he brushes it away with ease.
“I said no…”
“You said no once, and then you hung up on me before I could finish.”
My lips twitch as I remember that phone call. “I gave you—”
“Less than five minutes and you've been ignoring my phone calls since.”
“You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.” My arms stay crossed as his gaze drops over me, and I try not to care about what he thinks. Who gives a flying fuck what Harvey Lincoln thinks?
“I won’t give up,” he says, with an unblinking stare. “Ms. Recaredo, let me help you.”
Help me? I don’t want help. “I’ve already got employees. I never put out a help wanted ad. I’ll be sure to let you know when I expand.”
“Don’t expand yet.” His words come out in a rush as he pushes his hair away from his eyes again. The intensity of his bright gaze makes me falter.
If I were ten years younger…and didn’t have a kid…but that’s not my life.
I shake my head. “It’s my business, Mr. Lincoln. I make the decisions.”
“But—” he starts. I turn and head to my car, not wanting to hear another word.
I don’t stop until I get to my car. His raspy voice calls out in the distance, “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Inside the safety of my car, I take a deep breath. I don’t need his help.
He can keep calling me every day, but I won’t give up my business. Selling Dad’s company feels like losing a piece of him, and the thought makes my stomach turn. I can’t help but remember the late-night calls we shared when he was in his office and I was at home with Chad. He poured his heart into this place, and I can still hear the pride in his voice whenever he got a new event. Letting go of Recaredo Events feels like I’d be betraying his memory—even if it’s failing. I just wish I had his strength and guidance to help me turn it around. But I refuse to let his legacy slip through my fingers and into Harvey’s greedy hands. I owe my dad that much, and I will fight for it, no matter what.
I thought my day would get better, but it didn’t. I hit the steps at home and see Jade and Pedro standing there with worried expressions. Jade has her short silver hair neatly styled, wearing a bright floral top, and her usual smile is replaced with a somber expression. Pedro stands tall with his arms crossed over his usual button-up shirt and slacks.
“I’m so sorry, love,” Jade says, extending a piece of paper toward me with a slight tremble in her hands. “I wanted to give you a heads-up as soon as I knew. It’s just too much work. I really think it’s time to retire.”
I take the paper from her hands and glance down, my heart sinking as I read the words “eviction notice” for six months.
“It’s probably the push I need to find a new place,” I say, putting on a brave face to not upset her. The building is falling apart, peeling paint, cracked plumbing, and barely functioning heating. It’s not her fault they want to retire and give it up.
My fingers grip the papers tightly, the edges bending under my grip. This means I have six months to turn the business around, make enough money to pay the overdue rent, and find a new, affordable, and safe apartment for Chad and me.
Suddenly, I feel lightheaded, needing to sit down. Dizzy spells have been hitting me a lot lately. I need to get upstairs and eat something. I don’t remember the last time I had anything to eat today.
“I’m still sorry, love. I feel like I’m abandoning you,” Jade says, her voice thick and her eyes glassy.
It seems to be a common theme.
“It’s okay.” I force my lips to tip up. “I’ll be fine.”
I’m strong. I can get through anything.
“Chad, are you coming? Your mommy’s here,” Pedro calls out.
Chad runs to me, his small figure twisting with mine as he hugs me tightly. I brace myself for the impact, not wanting Jade to feel any worse if I fall over.
“Hey, honey. How was school?” I ask, rubbing his back.
“Alright, but after school, I played basketball with my friend Domenic,” Chad replies, his face lighting up with excitement.
“Did you win?” I ask.
Jade’s grinning from ear to ear. She has no grandchildren, and from what she’s told me, Haiden’s single.
“Yeah, he sucks,” Chad says with a grin.
“Chad,” I say, trying not to laugh.
“He does need some practice,” Pedro adds with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling at Chad.
Spots dance in front of my eyes, and I start to feel sweaty. I need to get upstairs quickly because I can’t stand here much longer without falling over.
“Come on, Chad, let’s go. We need to get ready for dinner,” I say, keeping my voice steady.
“Bye,” Chad says and runs up the stairs.
“See you tomorrow, Chad,” Jade calls out.
I force another smile, but it feels brittle. “Thanks again,” I say, but the words wobble on the edge of my breath. Gratitude barely covers it.
Her eyes narrow with quiet understanding. “Anytime. I love helping you.” Her gaze lingers on me a second too long. I bet she sees it… I’m barely holding it together.
I quickly turn and take the stairs on wobbly legs, gripping the brick wall for support. As I enter the apartment, the scent of last night's dinner lingers in the air, reminding me of how I had stretched the last few ingredients to make it. I head straight for the kitchen before I pass out, my stomach rumbling, and grab a piece of bread, chewing it slowly as I lean my hand against the counter. The weight of the eviction notice, the empty fridge, and Harvey’s words press down on me like a heavy blanket, making it hard to breathe but I push those thoughts aside and focus on staying strong, determined to get through the evening for my son.