I sat on my bed, already changed into my soft cotton nightwear, my knees tucked under each other. The dim glow from my bedside lamp barely lit the small room, but it was enough. I didn’t need light right now. I needed clarity.
I sighed and stared at the ceiling, chewing my bottom lip.
I had to find another job. Something that paid well...maybe not like Lucian’s job, but enough to get by. The restaurant wasn’t perfect, but at least it sustained me through the month. Personal care, groceries, just enough… it helped, even if just barely.
I picked up my phone from the nightstand and stared at the screen.
Six missed calls.
All from Karen.
I pressed the call button, and she answered almost immediately. “Finally! I was starting to think you ghosted me, you little brat.”
A weak smile tugged
