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Of course, on the other end of the spectru what scared her today often led to happiness to her life and finally having fun, she could put on her big-girl panties

She would go see her doctor toet on birth control--just in case--and then go to Brad’s shop Her stoan to twist into a thousand tiny knots of nervousness already

"My office, Brook Lynn" Her boss’s voice echoed through the ehts "Now"

Mr Calbert sounded gruffer than usual Was he going to yell at her for Jessie Kay’s absence or the plates Brook Lynn had broken or the orders she had screwed up--or all three? Yeah, probably that last one The knots in her sto their job, leveling out the noises around her while allowing her to distinguish certain nuances

"On rab her purse fro, she entered Mr Calbert’s office He was in his lasses as thick as her wrist and a build that suggested he enjoyed tasting the foods he served

His office was s for the space He was already seated, dru his nails impatiently When she eased into the chair across froht to the point

"Your sister was a no-show Again"

"I know And I’, she’d been hunched over a toilet, vouts out froht red cheeks

You going to be okay for work? Brook Lynn had asked

I’ll be there Jeez! I’

Mr Calbert shuffled papers around, saying, "Why do you put up with that girl?"

Because Jessie Kay had done whatever was necessary to keep Brook Lynn fed after Uncle Kurt had taken off Because she’d co Because her sister was all she had left

"That has no bearing on our conversation," she said, raising her chin

"Actually, it has everything to do with our conversation" He propped his elbows on the desk and rested his forehead in his palms That did not bode well "Look I like you I do I think you’re a good girl with bad problems, and that’s what makes this so difficult, but this is a business, and it has to be done"

Dread slithered through her, a boa with every intention of choking her out She could guess where this was leading and vehemently shook her head "Don’t do this, Mr Calbert Please I need the money"

He lifted his head, his hazel eyes bleak "I’m sorry, Brook Lynn I loved your parents They were nice people, and I respected them, but I can’t rely on you anymore You’re too tired to work as much as you do, but I can’t cut your hours because you always beg s--"