My voice was reaching high notes, and I took a deep breath to calm myself down. The thought of that possibility gave me heart palpitations and a rash.
“You nearly lost your job?” Stella gaped at me, disbelief heavy in her voice.
“Thanks to this corn nut,” I said, pointing at Sebastian.
“Nora, why did you go up onstage? You hate being the center of attention.”
I deflated, knowing I needed to fess up. She would find out sooner or later anyway. “I need the money.”
Stella came closer and took my hand. “Why didn’t you ask us to lower the rent? Mason won’t mind.”
I pulled back. “No way. I’m already paying way less than what this place is worth. I would never ask that of you.”
“Damn it, Nora, we’re your friends. Of course we would want to help out.”
She sounded hurt, her face drawn tight. I knew she just wanted to help. But my money was gone because I’d been careless. I was the only person who was going to get myself out of this mess.
“It’s my problem, and I’m going to take care of it,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.
“But you’re so good with your money. You never buy anything you don’t need. I thought you were doing well.”
I sighed, deciding it was time to fess up. “I was. Until Jim cleaned me out.”
Stella recoiled at my words, her face turning into a mask of fury. “He took your money?” she yelled, and I shushed her.
“Don’t wake the kids. And yes, I’m pretty sure it was him. The money was gone after he’d been at the house. And it’s not like this was the first time he’s taken my money.”
“What a dick,” Stella cursed and put her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug.
“It’s okay. Shit happens,” I said, my voice muffled from being squashed against her shoulder.
She squeezed me tight, and I wheezed out a breath. “Shit like this doesn’t just happen. You know you can be angry about this. Or cry. Whatever you need to deal with it.”
“I was trying to drink away my problems. But someone interrupted my date with wine,” I said into her shoulder.
Next thing I knew, Stella pushed me onto a chair.
“We need wine,” she instructed, and to my surprise, Sebastian pulled it down for us. He even got out the glasses and filled them. Why was he still there? I would have thought by now he’d have disappeared to do whatever he did late at night.
He was never at home after the kids went to bed. I wondered if he thought this might lead him to Jim. But since my ex had already gotten what he wanted, there was no way he’d contact me again anytime soon.
I gulped half the wine and exhaled. Things would be fine. Nothing to worry about. I’d put my head down, continue to work, and maybe I’d be able to build my savings up again in this century. At least I knew I wouldn’t get kicked out of the house if I couldn’t pay the rent.
“You got her?” Sebastian asked, his back to me as he looked at Stella, who was grinning.
“Of course. Go forth and do your thing. We’ll be fine.”
We both got a chin lift, and then he walked out.
“I’m right here, you know,” I yelled after him. “And I don’t need a keeper.”
He ignored me, and the front door slammed shut. God, he was infuriating. As if I needed someone at the house all the time. Even if he seemed to think otherwise.
I turned my glare at Stella, who put up her hand, a smirk on her face. “Hey, don’t direct your misplaced anger at me. I’m just here to help you drink wine.”
My head dropped on the table with a loud bang. “Ouch, that hurt.”
“Just drink your wine and tell me how I can help.” She put her hand out when I started to protest. “And stop being such a martyr and instead tell me what’s going on. Not sure if you still remember this, but we’re friends.”
