Chapter 24
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
A n American Crow landed on the sand in front of me, cocking its head and staring at me with one brown eye.
“No treats.”
The crow hopped back and cawed. I rubbed the back of my neck, swaying back and forth on the rock I’d perched myself on.
A little sun broke through the blanket of gray clouds. “I am a magnet for success and abundance,” I said into the quiet around me. The crow flew away. I put my head between my knees and snorted. My bills were past due, I was homeless, and Gerry had destroyed my career.
My phone pinged with an alert, a new message from Dominic.
Dominic
I’m taking you out for dinner tonight. Will be in there in two hours.
Me
Lost my job today. I’m not sure what to do with myself. Can’t think. Probably can’t talk. Would you like a rain check?
I’m exactly what you need. No talking necessary.
Good luck with that. I’m a mess.
I’d like to see messy Kelsey. And I have a surprise for you.
Um…you don’t mean in your pants, do you?
That isn’t a surprise. It’s a reality.
Sorry. I’m sort of fragmenting…
You’re going to be fine. I’ll see to it.
It’s the breakup from hell. Maybe this is rock bottom.
Been there. That dickhead will be out of your life soon. Permanently.
Why did you lose your job?
I’m suspended because of a complaint that I’m indecent to work with. Gerry’s photos. He’s saying I sold them. Also he linked me to my online hobby. Under an alias, I write reviews for smutty romance books and do videos for readers. FYI so you can run the other way.
I’m intrigued. Will you recommend books to me?
Possibly
I’d like that. Try not to worry. Management will see through Gerry, your lawyer will make sure.
Thanks, I hope so. My online stuff doesn’t bother you?
No. It’s sexy.
Huh.
I want to hear about you.
Of course, that’s when the messages stopped. I picked up my bag and the stained glass bird ornament I’d taken from my work desk and trudged back to Maria’s.
My ears were ringing, and my legs dragged. The snarky internal voice that liked to point out my flaws was mostly silent, metaphorically curled into a ball with the blanket over her head. I’m screwed, repeated in my mind. Dominic was overlooking one key thing—my firm could use it as an excuse to bring in a new lower-paid employee.
My feet carried me into the bedroom I was no longer welcome in. I collapsed on the bed and wrapped the top blanket around myself. Shivering, I pulled my knees up to my chin.
On my phone, I checked for an email from my lawyer. I’d asked if I could delay payment, but she hadn’t responded yet.
There was a new email from my mother.
I’m praying for you, daughter. Your God-given partner contacted us with his concerns. He told us that you’re being tempted into terrible sin and won’t let him help you back into the light. Your father and I are very disappointed.
I don’t approve of how you’ve lived your life. Make yourself right with God. Your father and I are done with you until you set a better example for your sisters.