I Was Done Begging novel · Chapter 22 of 24

Chapter 22: Twenty-Two Years

Simone stood on the Everhart drive in a plain grey coat.

The baby slept against her shoulder, and a diaper bag hung from her arm.

She had no makeup on.

Her hair was tied back in a rubber band, and her eyes were swollen.

I stopped three steps from her, and Lucas stayed at my shoulder.

"I'm not asking you to like me," she said. "I'm asking for work. Anything."

"I can type, and I worked a front desk for four years before I met him."

"Simone."

"The Lacombes have cut me off. The apartment is gone, and my mother says I made my bed."

"I testified against all of them, and no one will hire the girl who did."

"You walked me to the garage door."

"I know."

"You smiled at me the whole way."

Her face crumpled.

"I know. I did it. I'll say it for the rest of my life. I'm not asking you to forgive it."

I looked at the baby.

He had one fist curled against her collar, and his cheek was squashed flat.

"No," I said.

She flinched.

"You won't work here. I won't pass you in a hallway every morning and wonder what you're thinking."

"But my father's foundation places women in front-desk jobs at other companies, and you'll apply like anyone does."

"I'll pay the first two months of rent on a small place, in your name, and that's all."

"Why?"

"Because he's a baby," I said. "And because I'd rather my money went to him than to the people who hurt me."

She stared at me.

"That is not forgiveness," I said. "Don't mistake it. I will never forgive the stairs. But I'm done being cruel to people who have already paid."

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