One
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$203.38.
The number looked so little. Even in bold print.
I wouldn’t get paid for another two weeks. At least I’d already paid rent. The other bills had to wait. I had to eat and take the bus to work. I crumpled up the receipt. I shoved it in my jacket pocket. I pushed open the door and stepped out of the bank.
Spring brought an overcast sky to Melbrooke City. The ground was wet. The air was fresh from the rainfall this morning. Cars rumbled along the street. The sidewalk was busy with pedestrians.
My stomach growled for coffee and a cream cheese bagel. You’re too poor to afford that. I scowled and set off for the coffee shop anyway.
There was a time when I never had to worry about money. When a cup of coffee was a given and not a luxury. There was nothing to gain reminiscing on my past life. It only stirred up the anger. The sense of betrayal.
The bottomless disappointment.
I walked faster, willing the memories away. I didn’t like them crowding my brain.
The door to Timmy’s Coffee chimed when I pulled it open. The warm air greeted me, chasing away the chill on my cheeks. There was a damp smell from the soggy carpet. Everyone had wiped their wet shoes on it. But the delicious flavours of coffee and baked goods overwhelmed the air.
I joined the line. When it was my turn, I stepped up to the counter.
The cashier squinted. “Hey, do I know you from somewhere?”
I smiled, but it felt tight. “Not that I can remember.”
I paid for my order. My phone rang as the cashier prepared to ask another question. I dug it out of my pocket. I glanced at the caller ID to make sure it wasn’t hidden. Debt collectors liked to call from private numbers. The number was strange, but it beat fielding nosey questions from the cashier.
“Hello?”
“Is this Angela Ellis?”
Damn. Was it Recognize the Mayor’s Daughter day today? The voice was smooth and feminine. I didn’t recognize it either.
“Who’s asking?”
“I’m Eva Whittaker. If it’s you, Angela, we used to attend University of Melbrooke together. We had the same art class.”
“Oh. Hello.”
“Don’t remember me, huh?” She laughed. “That’s OK. I liked being by myself so nobody knew I existed. But you were one of the popular crowd. It’s a shame you left. We missed you. Professor Gregory spoke about your extraordinary talent. Did you ever return to finish out the year?”
I cleared my throat. “No.”
“Ah, I see.”
A short uncomfortable pause settled between us. Did she know why I’d left U of M? My dad had covered up the news. Though a few tinier papers still ran it. He’d made sure I never forget how much I fucked up. How hard he worked to fix it too.
“Anyway,” Eva continued in an upbeat tone, “the reason I’m calling is—”
“One medium coffee and a cream cheese bagel?” asked the coffee store worker, interrupting her.
“One sec, Eva.”
“No problem.”
I wedged the phone between my ear and shoulder. Smiling in thanks, I grabbed the proffered food and moved to a table.
“I’m back.”
“Great. So, Angela. You still paint, right?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“I’ve got a job and you’ll be perfect for it.”
I gripped the phone. “A painting job?”
“Yes. But I’d prefer to discuss the details face to face. When are you free?”
“I’m free today.”
“Today’s no good for me. Tomorrow?”
“Before 4pm is fine.”
“Great! Where would be convenient for you?”
“This coffee shop where I am right now is OK.”
“Perfect. Text me the address and we’ll meet at 1pm.”
She hung up before I could respond. Excitement raced through me. After a long string of bad luck, some good luck was coming my way. A job where I could use my actual painting abilities at that.
I’d dropped out of college. It had nixed any chances of me working in the field I loved. Even if I was Mayor Daniel Ellis’ daughter. Sure, I could go back to college. I could finish out the year. But I wasn’t ready yet to do that. It would only sink me into more debt.
But, this was my chance. If this job came through, Eva might hire me again. I was getting ahead of myself. I had to text Eva the address of this place.
I left the coffee shop. I’d never paid attention to its address even though I visited often. I turned to face the building and searched for the number. When I found it, I walked away as I typed the address to Eva.
I hit send at the same time I bumped into someone. I grunted in surprise. My coffee sloshed around. Some of it spilled onto my hand, scalding me. My phone slipped and clattered to the floor.
“Shit! I’m so sorry,” I said to the man I bumped into.
I bent to grab my phone, but he got there first. He straightened and extended the phone to me.
“Don’t worry about it.”
I took it with a smile of gratitude. My smile softened as I took in his handsome face.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.”
His gaze swept over me, interest in his dark brown eyes. His hair was light brown, his skin fair and healthy. He was so tall. His broad shoulders encased in a soft black jacket.
“Sorry I bumped into you.”
“Sorry you spilled your coffee.” He nodded at my cup. Precious caffeine dribbled down the side to the floor. He jerked a thumb at the coffee store. “I can buy you a new one.”
I smiled. “That would be—”
“Sorry.” He held up a hand. “One second.”
He took out a beeping pager from his jacket pocket. Is he a doctor?
“Rain check on that coffee? I have an emergency.”
“OK… but that’s if we see each other again.”
He smiled. “I’m sure we will.”