Shattered by Jennifer K. Thomas

Author:Jennifer K. Thomas [Thomas, Jennifer K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781732398733
Publisher: On The Verge Publishing
Published: 2019-09-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

My mom’s procedure, to have cardiac stents inserted, went well and the doctor only kept her in the hospital for one additional day before sending her home. The next week revolves around hospital visits, paperwork and conversations about after-care. She isn’t exactly excited about her new diet and exercise requirements, but she promises she’ll try her best.

Despite the stress and over-tiredness, I enjoy focusing on my mom for a change. It’s an added bonus when I’m too worn out at the end of each day to beat myself up too much over my fight with Luke.

With my mom settled in at home and her slow adjustment to her forced reduction in activities in effect, it’s time for me to return to work. Mrs. Bianchi suggested I take the entire week off, but I insisted that working on Friday will make for an easier Monday next week.

“Good morning Linda,” I say as I juggle my purse, laptop bag, lunch cooler and an extra-large coffee.

“Good morning. Let me help you.” Linda rises from her chair.

“I got it, but thanks. Anything urgent I need to know about?”

“No, but Mrs. Bianchi did ask me to have you call her when you got in. How’s your mom?”

I give a small laugh. “She’s good. She’s already complaining about not working. It’s going to be a long two weeks.”

“Well, I hope her being antsy is a sign that she’s feeling better.”

“I think it is.”

“Ryan said the trip to Napa was successful and fun. Did you have a good time? I mean before you got the call about your mom.”

“Did I have a good time in Napa?” I repeat the question, giving myself time to think. “I did, then I returned to Temecula and reality and the bubble burst.”

Linda gives a sympathetic frown. “Are you referring to something with Luke?”

“Of course.”

“I’m sorry. Want to talk about it?”

“Not really, maybe later.” The truth is I’m embarrassed by a lot of what happened. Our fight at the hospital was disgusting and in hindsight, I shouldn’t have slept with Luke, not without any real resolution to our issues. I let myself get swept up in the moment and will now have to pay the price for my lapse in judgement.

“I’m here if you need an ear.”

“Thanks.” I continue my walk to my office while talking. “I should make that call to Mrs. Bianchi.”

I unload my arms and turn on my computer. Once everything is up and running, I dial her number.

“Hi, Jessica.” She sounds weary.

“Hi, Mrs. Bianchi. Linda mentioned you wanted to speak with me?”

“Yes. Can you come by my office please?”

“Of course. I’ll be right there.”

I grab a pen and notepad and head to her office. When I arrive, the door is shut. I knock, and Mrs. Bianchi calls out, “come in.”

When I enter the large office, I find her sitting at her desk. She looks like maybe she’s coming down with something, pale and fatigued. “Hi, Jessica. Have a seat.”

I sit and smile, even though my gut is telling me I should be prepared for bad news.

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