Chapter 3 - ELEVEN DOLLARS AND SEVENTY CENTS
Tommy returned with a bag of baby food.
Six jars.
Three boxes of crackers.
Two bottles of water.
And a stuffed elephant.
I stared.
Reed looked at the bag.
“Why the elephant?”
Tommy shrugged.
“Seemed appropriate.”
Ava squealed.
Reed looked at her.
Then at Tommy.
“Fine.”
I laughed.
I couldn't help it.
Both men turned toward me.
I immediately covered my mouth.
“Sorry.”
Reed studied me.
Then said, “You apologize a lot.”
My smile faded.
“Habit.”
He nodded slowly.
Then asked, “Why didn't you call in?”
I looked down.
“Because I already missed two shifts.”
“And?”
I swallowed.
“Elena said a third absence meant I was finished.”
Reed's expression hardened.
“Elena said that?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
He leaned back.
“Why?”
I stared.
“Because I'm unreliable.”
Silence.
Reed looked at Ava.
Then back at me.
“Are you?”
My eyes filled.
“No.”
He studied me.
“Then why are you telling me what Elena thinks instead of what you know?”
I swallowed.
“Because she decides whether I keep my job.”
May you like
Reed was silent.
Then said, “Not anymore.”
