Chapter 37 Who It Is
Who It Is
Robert was sitting at the end of the bar, nursing a warm beer and glaring at her.
Heidi ignored his scowl. Obviously, she’d done something he perceived as a mistake—although she had no idea what—and he would no doubt tell her as soon as there was a quiet moment.
Her shift finished soon, and Luis was again coming in to take the more lucrative evening shift, when people were drunker and the tips were better.
Still, she was meeting Lula after work. That was something to look forward to.
She went across to Robert. “Another beer? That one must be bathwater warm by now.”
“No thanks,” he grunted. “Just a word with you after your shift.”
She leaned on the bar. “I have to rush off tonight. Tell me whatever it is now, while it’s quiet.”
“Strikes me you don’t do much on these afternoon shifts.”
“That’s because there’s not as many customers in the afternoons. Not as many tips either. Be nice if you rostered me for some of the evening shifts as well.”
He ignored her. “I thought as well as doing bar, you could handle the cooking. There’s nothing to it—most of it’s frozen, and you dump it in the fryer or in the microwave. Put a napkin in a plastic basket, and tip the food onto that.”
“You make it sound so appealing,” she said under her breath. Then louder, “It’s dangerous to leave the fryer unattended, and the bar is busy enough that I can’t be back there constantly.”
“I’m sure you’ll work it out. Precook the fries, then microwave them.”
“Soggy fries? Customers won’t be happy.”
Robert shrugged. “They’re not here for the food.”
She knew from the afternoon cook that tips on the food weren’t good. Under Colorado law, Robert had to make up the hourly rate to the minimum. “So do I get a raise for doing two jobs?”
“You’ll get the extra tips.”
“Which aren’t much. And if I’m serving microwaved fries, they’ll be even less.”
“Deal with it.” Robert drained his beer and banged the glass down. “I’ll have another.”
It was so time to find another job. She poured his beer and glanced at the clock.
Two minutes past five, and no sign of the nephew, of course.
She gathered her things and came out from behind the bar.
“Gotta run,” she said to Robert. “I’m sure Luis will be here shortly.
Everyone drinking right now is cashed out. ”
She left before he could object.
Lula was waiting for her outside Union Station in LoDo, and they walked to a brewpub for happy hour.
“So, what’s new with you?” Heidi asked.
“I’ve been promoted. I’m now the assistant manager. Means I get a salary and still a share of the tips. It also means I get the worse shifts—the late shifts—but that’s okay. I’m earning more.”
“That’s fantastic!” Heidi leaned in to give her a hug. “Remember me if the joint is hiring.”
“I will, but nothing yet. My old shifts have been picked up by the college kids who already work there.”
“As of today, I am officially job hunting.” Heidi took a mouthful of her wheat beer. “Robert finally pushed too hard.” She relayed what he’d told her.
“About time,” Lula said. “You’re too good to work there. Do what you’ve been saying you’ll do since you started and look for a job closer to home.”
“I held off, in case Morgan didn’t want me to stay. In case I ended up on the other side of the city. But things are more settled now, so I’ll start looking properly.”
Lula pulled across the happy hour snack menu. “You happy living with your uptight roommate? Because Sharlee’s moving out of where I am. Her room will be vacant from the end of the month, if you want a change. You’d share a bathroom with me, but the room’s decent.”
“Thanks. But I’m happy where I am. Morgan’s good. More than good, actually. We’re…” How to phrase it? More than roommates, more than friends. Not girlfriends. “We’re…friends-with-benefits, I guess.”
Lula banged down her glass. “No way! You’re kidding me? I can’t imagine your prissy roommate having sex.”
“Then don’t. But she does. And she’s not prissy—she’s loosened up. She’s funny and sexy and kind. We’re getting on well, actually. I really like her.”
Lula shook her head. “You’ve gone all dreamy. Didn’t see that coming. But if that’s the way it is, I’m happy for you. I was going to offer to introduce you to someone I work with. She’s smokin’ hot and loves the ladies. A bit like you.”
“I’ll pass, thanks. Morgan’s hot enough for me.”
“So, you need a job. I’ll keep an ear out.”
“You do that. Thanks.”
Lula tapped the menu. “Now, what about splitting some wings and sweet potato fries?”
~ ~ ~
Morgan browsed the job site. Two more financial planning roles available, one of which was at Mattingley, in what sounded exactly like her old job.
Maybe Javid hadn’t worked out or he’d moved on.
No point applying there. The other was a role in an “exciting new company” which, when she checked, was the unethical dick starting up after being let go from Blackstar. No way would she apply for that.
Her cell phone rang, and she glanced at it. Oh! The screen said Aunt Linda. She accepted the call.
“Hi, Morgan, honey.” Her aunt sounded tired, her voice flat. “I’ve been meaning to call you since Thanksgiving, but, to be honest, I didn’t know what to say.”
“I love hearing from you. How are you doing?”
“Between you and me, not real good. The specialist is pushing me to have surgery—he says it will result in a much better outcome, which translates to I have a much better chance of beating this.”
“Then have the surgery. Please, Linda.”
There was a long enough silence on the line that Morgan wondered if Linda had ended the call.
But then she said, “I can’t pay for the surgery.
The kids…they’re getting by, but only just. And your offer, your incredible offer…
It’s too much, Morgan. I can’t do that to you, honey. Especially not now.”
“What do you mean? I’m offering. Take the money, Linda. I’d rather have you in my life than the money.”
“I know, Morgan. I know you lost your job.”
She froze, and the ice of shame stole into her chest. “How do you know that?”
“I called you at work to thank you for your offer. They said you no longer worked there, and they couldn’t tell me where you’d gone. So I searched your name, figuring whoever was lucky enough to hire you would have an announcement, or at least you’d appear on their website. But nothing.”
“Do Mom and Dad know too?” she whispered.
“I didn’t tell them. They still seem to think you work at Mattingley. But if you’re not working, honey, I can’t take your money.”
“I was fired.” The words came slowly, dragged from within. First, she’d told Heidi, now Linda. Would it get any easier? “I made a mistake, a serious one. They walked me out.”
“Oh, Morgan. You’re so good at your job. It’s their loss. I hope that another firm will snap you up. One mistake doesn’t define you.”
Exactly what Heidi had said. “I’m exploring my options.” Her lips could hardly form the words. “But, Linda, I have the money to give you. If the surgery will make a difference…will keep you alive—”
Linda drew a sharp breath that echoed down the line.
“—for Nathan and Ellie and me, yes. But mainly for you. If you want to have the surgery, I’ll transfer the money today. Please, Linda. How much do you need right now?”
“I’ve been quoted thirty-eight thousand,” Linda said in a low voice. “That’s just for surgery and immediate aftercare. Then radiotherapy and associated care pushes it up. Maybe sixty grand. I have nearly ten of that.”
“I have money. I can get a job. Maybe not a job in finance, but I’m learning that’s not important.
I have a house, I have food. I have things, material things.
But they’re nothing compared to the people I love.
” Her breath hitched, her throat so tight she could hardly get the words out.
“Please, Linda, let me give you the money. Not as a loan; as a gift to you. Because I love you, and I want to love you for many years to come.”
A sob came over the line.
Morgan waited, and silent tears trickled down her cheeks. Please, Linda, take the money.
“I’m not crying,” Linda said, her voice thick.
“I am.”
“I’m totally crying. Morgan, honey, you’re the kindest, most generous person. Are you really sure?”
“I’m really sure. If you refuse, I’m going to call Ellie and offer her and Nathan the money on condition they use it to pay for your treatment. I don’t think they’ll refuse.”
“Then I accept. Thank you. Thank you a hundred million times over. From me. From my kids. And although it’s a gift, if ever I find I can, I will pay you back as much as I can.
But I want you to promise me one thing: that if you need that money, if you’re unable to pay your mortgage, lose your car—anything—you call me and I’ll find money for you somehow. Even if I have to sell a kidney.”
Morgan gasped. “Linda, no—”
Linda chuckled. “That’s a joke, honey. But I’d get the money for you.”
“Thank you, but I’ll be okay.” She so hoped that was true. “Send over your bank details, and I’ll make the transfer immediately.”
“I will. And, Morgan, honey… You have your home, and your car, and things you need to be comfortable, but I hope you find someone to love, someone who appreciates that big, big heart of yours.”
Morgan was silent. Would she find someone like that?
Heidi’s face, framed by her brown hair with the colored streak—currently turquoise—and her warm brown eyes and thick dark lashes.
Was Heidi her person? Could she love Heidi?
Could Heidi ever love her back? Could two such fundamentally different personalities make it work?
Heidi had a big and generous heart. Was there room in it for Morgan?
“Morgan?” Linda said. “Are you okay?”
“I’m doing great. I’m just thinking about love, and what it is.” She heaved a breath. “Maybe who it is.”