College will still be there if I want it later. Right now, I need steady income. I need to be available for Zinnia. I need flexibility.
This job gives me that.
The lunch rush continues. I take orders, deliver food, refill drinks, and clear tables.
It’s mindless work. Exhausting but honest.
And I don’t hate it.
After my shift, I check my phone. Text from Marcus.
Call me when you have a minute.
I call him from the parking lot.
“Tigerlily. Good news. The appellate court ruled in your mother’s favor. They’re overturning the conviction.”
I can’t breathe. “What?”
“Your mother’s conviction has been overturned. She’ll be released within forty-eight hours.”
I shiver, suddenly feeling cold. “Are you serious?”
“Very serious. The court found that her testimony was coerced and that the original trial failed to consider key evidence. She’s being exonerated.”
Tears fall down my face immediately. “Oh my God.”
“I’ll send you the paperwork. But start making arrangements. She’ll need somewhere to go when she’s released.”
“Okay. Yeah. Okay.”
“There’s more. Damien’s trial date has been set. Two months from now. With your mother’s new testimony and the evidence we’ve compiled, the DA is confident he’ll be convicted on all counts.”
“How long?”
“Twenty-five to life. Maybe more with the attempted murder charge.”
Twenty-five to life.He’s going away for good.
“Thank you, Marcus. For everything.”
“Just doing my job. Congratulations, Tigerlily. You fought hard for this.”
I sit in my car crying for ten minutes before I can drive home.
When I walk in the house, Zinnia’s at the kitchen table doing homework. Zephyr’s helping her with fractions.
“Lily!” She runs over and hugs me.
“I heard you did amazing on your test.”
“I got a ninety-eight! Zephyr helped me study.”
I look at Zephyr.
He shrugs. “I’m just dad material, you know.”
I roll my eyes and laugh.
