On to her next problem. Where the hell was she going to find the money to pay Alex back? Every penny was already accounted for. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t borrow any more from her mother.
The more she studied it, the more she realized the only solution was to sell the condo. The idea had been on the back burner, but as a last resort option. There would be enough equity to repay what she owed her mom and set aside a little savings. If she sold for top dollar, maybe she could pay off the attorneys, who were taking their sweet time—at her expense—to solve her husband’s issues. Or perhaps just settle all his debts and be done with it. Although totally unfair, at least that way, she’d be out from under it, free and clear, to finally put it behind her.
She could do her business from anywhere, and the suburbs would have a cheaper cost of living. They’d move out of the city and find a nice neighborhood where she could make a friend or two that could help with Calvin in a pinch. She’d wait until after Christmas to tell Cal. He didn’t need any more upsets right now.
Whatever she did, she couldn’t keep going like this. The social media business was fickle. It worked well for a second income, but the unpredictability made it too stressful as a primary source of revenue.
When Ellie called to check in, Julia bit the bullet and had a conversation she’d been avoiding. Paying Ellie was one of the few ways she could control costs, and time was closing in on having to figure out a way to work without her.
“Ellie, I’ve got to talk to you about something,” Julia said. “You know the business isn’t doing as well as I’d hoped it would be by now.”
“You’re firing me,” Ellie said bluntly.
Julia sighed. “I really, really don’t want to. But it’s on the table, yes. Not yet though. I just wanted to warn you it’s a possibility.”
“I figured. I mean, I see the same numbers you do. Look, I make enough from my other clients, that if you need to take a break from paying me, that’s all right. I’ll stick with you.”
Julia lowered her voice to make sure Calvin didn’t overhear her. “My plan is to sell the condo and move out of town to somewhere more affordable. The profits will get us through for a while. After that, I might have to get an actual job and let the business go. Cal will be in school by then.”
“I understand,” Ellie said. “But for now, let’s keep at it. I believe in you.”
“You truly are the best, Ellie. What would I do without you?”
“Probably go belly up in no time.” She laughed. “Keep that in mind.”
“This may be sad, but you’re more than just an assistant to me,” Julia said. “You’re a friend.” Really, her only friend, but she didn’t want to sound desperate.
They talked shop for a minute and Julia let her know she hadn’t done anything the day before and why.
“That sounds horrible. What d’ya do with Calvin?”
“You won’t believe this, but the neighbor came over and took care of him all day.”
“The hot firefighter?”
“Yes.”
“The one with the violent streak? How’d it go?”
Julia recounted the circumstances of the police being at Alex’s house and told Ellie about all the things he’d competently taken care of—the dog, the medicine, keeping her kid fed and alive.
“Oh, reeaaally?” Ellie dragged out the word.
“Stop it,” Julia said. “Yes, he held down the fort. Perhaps better than I usually do. But nothing’s changed.”
“Uh-huh.” The doubt came through the phone all the way from London.
They laughed and said their goodbyes.
Selling the condo was a tough decision, but now that she’d made it, she felt better about things. She just had to hang on until the place sold.
While the thought of packing up and moving, especially in the dead of winter, wasn’t at all appealing, she relaxed a little, knowing her money situation would improve once they moved.
“Mom, can me and Sam have a snack?”
“Can Sam andIhave a snack?” she corrected. “Sure. There are crackers on the counter.” They were homemade with almond flour, so she didn’t feel bad about letting him eat them.
Apparently, Sam was still a thing. Guess it was too much to hope that Alex had run her off yesterday.
