Staring at the pile of bills on the table, I let out a slow breath.
This was getting out of hand.
I needed a job—and fast.
Positions everywhere seemed to be filled, and the company I had worked for had shut down without warning. One minute I had stability, the next… nothing. Now Liam's tuition was hanging over my head like a ticking clock, and I didn't know how much longer I could keep pretending everything was fine.
Joyce had already done more than enough for me.
She paid last month's rent, stocked up my groceries, and still checked in on me every single day. Ever since we moved to Los Angeles—Liam and I—she had been my rock. The only person I could truly rely on.
And that was exactly why I couldn't keep depending on her.
I had to figure things out on my own.
I rubbed my temples and reached for my phone. I had applied to countless job listings online—anything I could find. At this point, I wasn't even being picky anymore.
I just needed something.
Anything.
I had skills. I knew I did. I just needed someone to give me a chance.
A sudden noise from Liam's room pulled me out of my thoughts.
Frowning slightly, I stood up and walked down the hallway. As I pushed the door open, I found him with one of his classmates, both of them looking a little too guilty for my liking.
"What's going on here?" I asked, narrowing my eyes slightly.
Liam straightened immediately. "Uh… nothing!"
I raised a brow, clearly not convinced.
"Nothing?" I repeated.
He exchanged a quick glance with his friend before sighing. "We were just… working on something."
"With that look?" I muttered under my breath.
I shook my head, deciding not to press further—for now.
"Both of you, keep it decent," I said, already turning away. "I'm making lunch."
"Okay!" he called quickly.
I walked into the kitchen, letting out a quiet sigh as I began preparing something simple. Today was Saturday, which meant I'd be heading to the community center later. It wasn't much, but it helped keep my mind busy.
And today, I needed that.
Joyce wasn't coming over.
At the Community Center
"Mrs. Charlotte!"
My face lit up instantly the moment I saw her.
She turned at the sound of my voice, and her expression softened into a warm smile. "Freeda!"
I walked up to her, genuinely happy to see her. She looked just as elegant as ever—composed, graceful… familiar.
Mrs. Charlotte had been my former boss. The one who had believed in me before everything fell apart. But her company hadn't survived the economic downturn, and like many others, it had been forced to shut down.
"How have you been?" she asked, holding my hands lightly.
"I've been… okay," I replied with a small smile.
We talked for a while—about life, about the past, about everything and nothing at the same time. For a moment, it felt like things were normal again.
Until she asked the question.
"So… where are you working now?"
My smile faded slightly.
I didn't answer immediately.
I couldn't.
The silence stretched just long enough for her to understand.
"Oh," she said softly.
I looked away, a bit embarrassed. "Yeah…"
"Well," she continued quickly, her tone shifting, "I might have something for you."
My head snapped back to her. "Really?"
She nodded. "A friend of mine is currently hiring. And I believe they could use someone like you."
Hope flickered in my chest.
"Mrs. Charlotte, that would mean so much to me," I said quickly. "Thank you. Really… thank you."
She smiled. "Of course. You deserve it."
"What company is it?" I asked.
"It's called HC Group," she replied. "You might have heard of it."
I paused.
HC Group?
That sounded… big.
"I'll make a call right away," she continued, already reaching for her phone. "You could resume soon if everything goes well."
Relief washed over me.
Finally,
Something was working out.
But then she paused, her expression turning slightly serious as she looked at me.
"Just… be prepared," she added.
"For what?" I asked, confused.
"It's a white-based company."
I frowned slightly,
not fully understanding what she meant.
But later…
I would.