Page 93 of Beneath the Surface

“What do youmeanI have thirty days?” Panic grips my throat as I stare at my apartment manager, the eviction notice crumpled in my hand.

“Lily, I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do. The orders came directly from the big boss.”

My stomach drops to the floor. “There has to besomething,Alice, please.”

She shakes her head, her lips turning down in the corners. “Honey, you’re three months behind on rent.”

My cheeks flush from the shame that surges forward at her statement. “I know, it’s just... it’s been slower than usual at the diner, and...” I trail off.

I was supposed to be at work fifteen minutes ago, but honestly, I’m having a hard time caring since without a place to live, there’s really no point. Not to mention that nowhere else is going to rent to someone like me, especially not with an eviction on my record.

My fingers scratch at the scab on my wrist. “I get it, Alice. I’m sorry, I know it’s not your fault.”

She smiles, her eyes softening. Her hand reaches out and squeezes my arm. “I really wish there was something I could do, Lily, but you know there isn’t.”

“Yeah.” I sigh. “Thanks, anyway.”

Three hours later, and I feel worse than I did before. My stomach is tossing like a ship in stormy waters, and there aren’t enough customers coming in to keep my mind occupied. Still, I serve the ones who do with my biggest smile, hoping my friendliness might solve the issues their one-dollar tips won’t.

“So what are you gonna do?” Annabelle asks as we roll silverware in the corner booth.

I groan, resting my forehead against the table. “I have no idea.”

“Well, I’d let you move in with me, but I don’t have enough space for youanda kid.”

Lifting my head, my gaze catches hers, and I smile softly, warmth surrounding the hollow hole in my chest, thankful for her friendship.

The bell above the front door rings, and I twist to look as Chase and Jax walk in. Their faces light up when they see me, and I turn back around, finishing my roll up and moving to stand.

Annabelle’s eyes widen as she takes them in.

“Oh no.” I wag my finger. “They areoff-limits.”

Her bottom lip sticks out. “What? Why?” she whines.

“Because that’s my brother.”

She glances back at them. “That’syour brother?”

I nod, popping my gum. “Yep.”

“His friend looks familiar.” She cocks her head as they reach the table, her eyes sliding down Jax’s frame. “Is he off-limits too?”

“Taken, I’m afraid,” he pipes in, a blinding smile spreading across his face with a wink.

I roll my eyes at his flirting, wondering what kind of a woman ends up snagging a man like Jackson Rhoades. The two of us were never close, by the time he moved to town I was already wading the murky waters of drug abuse; lost in the manipulation of my ex, Darryl.

My stomach curdles, dread racing through my veins at the thought of him.

Chase leans in for a hug. His embrace is strong and I find myself sinking into his hold, allowing the little bit of comfort in an otherwise cold and unforgiving world.

This has been ashittyweek. But I’ve endured a lot of bad days in my life, and comparatively, this one isn’t even close. I have air in my lungs, my baby boy by my side, and for all of the times I’ve been sad over losing Chase; now I have him too.

My chest aches when I think of him leaving—of not knowing when I’ll see him again.

“Thought we’d come and see where you work.” He grins.

Annabelle clears her throat. “Don’t berude, Lily. Introduce me.”

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