Page 52 of My Heart to Find

I practically rip the apron off, pulling a few strands of my hair with it, and shove it at him. Mr. Richards’s nostrils flare even bigger.

Outside, the air is cool, and I take several breaths as I try to brace myself. Sacked? He’s actually sacked us. I stare at Lizzy. She looks close to tears.

“I’ve got rent to pay,” she whispers.

“I’m sorry,” the man—Marnie Wathem’s brother—says, and I jump and turn to find he’s standing just to my right. “I didn’t mean to get you sacked,” he continues. “But that’s got to be good grounds for a case of unfair dismissal.”

I sigh. “You don’t know the half of it.”

“The half of it?” He’s frowning, inclining his head toward me.

“He’s a sexist pig,” Lizzy says. “And racist.”

“And ageist,” I mutter. “Remember what he said when Collette wanted a job here?”

Lizzy nods. “Sexist, racist, ageist. And probably every other type of ‘ist’ you can imagine. We’ve been trying to collect evidence against him.”

The man takes a step back. “My brother works for the Fair Work Commission. I can put you in contact with him. I’m Trevor, by the way.” His eyes are sincere and bright as he looks at me.

“Jana,” I say, and I find myself looking deeply into his eyes—because some eyes just make you do that. “And this is Lizzy. But I doubt we can do anything, we’ve only worked there a couple months.”

Trevor raises his eyebrows. “Let’s see what my brother says before we rule anything out.”

“You really think we could get somewhere?”

He nods, surprisingly enthusiastic. “I can give my brother a call now, see if he’s free tonight. He’ll want to talk to you,” he says, his eyes on me for a few seconds longer than feels necessary—but it also feels good. Like he’s taking me seriously.

“Ah, I can’t do anything tonight. Got to look after my niece and nephew tonight.” I look to Lizzy. “You free?”

She shakes her head. “Studying to do.”

I look at Trevor. “Thank you—we’ll definitely arrange another time.”

He nods. “I hope so. And I’m sorry again.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

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