Page 49 of House of Soot

My stomach drops. I want to tell her that flowers won’t make or break a business deal or Ronan’s engagement. "Of course, Mrs. Kean. You've been so generous to us. I just… it's her heart surgery."

"Jenna." She stands, walking around her desk to place a manicured hand on my shoulder. "Your mother will have excellent care at the hospital. But we need you here. I’m sure you can arrange other transportation for her. You understand, don't you?"

Tears prick at my eyes. No. I don’t. I want to tell her that a garden and party aren’t more important than my mother’s health, but I can’t risk getting fired. This job keeps Mom and me sheltered and able to scrape by with her healthcare needs. "Yes, Mrs. Kean."

"Good girl." She squeezes my shoulder. "I'm sure your mother would want you to honor your commitments. After all, where would you both be without this position?"

I’m more than stunned. Her attitude is a harsh reminder of my position.

"That will be all," Mrs. Kean says, already returning to her paperwork.

I stumble out of her office, barely making it to the hallway before pressing my hand against the wall for support. The gardens must be perfect. The party must be flawless. And my mother… my mother, who's finally getting her chance at survival… she'll face it alone because I'm trapped here, arranging flowers and maintaining appearances for people who see us as nothing more than convenient servants.

But I can’t wallow in the hurt. I need to figure out how to be in two places at once because I can't risk losing our home, can't let Mom wake up from surgery to find us homeless and jobless.

I exit the house, but instead of going to the garden, I head to the cottage. "Mom…" My voice cracks as I enter. “Mom, they have a heart for you.”

Her eyes light up. “What? So quickly?”

I nod, sniffing away my tears. “You need to go to the hospital now, but I can’t take you. Mrs. Kean won't let me leave. Not without risking my job, our home.”

Mom's voice softens with understanding. "Listen to me. You've carried so much on your shoulders. Too much. I can call for a ride to the hospital. There won’t be anything for you to do when I get there, so you might as well stay here and work. It will be a good distraction.”

"But you shouldn't have to do this alone. I should be there for you.”

"We need a roof over our heads more than you need to hold my hand," Mom says firmly. "The doctors will take care of me."

My chest feels like it's being crushed. "It's not fair.”

"I know, baby. I know, but we'll get through this. We always do."

I hug her. "I love you, Mom. I'm so sorry."

"I love you too. Now dry those tears and go make those gardens shine. I’ll call for a ride?—”

“Maybe Blaise can take you.”

“Oh, I don’t want to bother him.”

But I’m already dialing his number.

"Jenna?" His voice washes over me like a balm.

"The hospital called. They found a heart for Mom and she needs to go now, but Mrs. Kean won't let me leave."

There’s a long pause. “Are you saying you’re not taking your mom to the hospital because of your job?”

I close my eyes because it sounds like I’m choosing my job over my mom. But even she understands that if I lose this job, we have no home and no way to afford her healthcare.

“It’s more complicated?—”

“What’s complicated about choosing to save your mom’s life?” His words come out harsh, making this difficult situation even worse.

"I–I can't lose this job. We can't lose our home.”

"There are other jobs. Other places to live. But there's only one chance at this heart transplant."

I can’t breathe. He’s not wrong, but hearing the judgment, the venom, even, in his voice is ripping me apart.

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