Page 17 of The Emma Special

“I’m glad it wasn’t an emergency. I could be dead by now,” Emma’s mother said.

“Is there an emergency?” Emma asked.

“Not this time. I haven’t heard from you all week. Too many errands to run?”

That was a low blow. A blow specifically aimed at Emma’s aching knee. “Sorry I didn’t call. I started a new job this week, and it’s been busy.”

“Let me guess. Playing dress-up? Or is it dog walking again?”

Why did those things sound so trivial when her mom said them? Princess parties and dog walking had paid Emma’s bills for years. Plus, the people she worked for always appreciated the service.

Katie’s words echoed in Emma’s head. “Do what you love and be happy.”

The words of advice worked. Until they didn’t. Princess parties and singing at weddings didn’t provide health insurance, and that was one thing she couldn’t afford.

“Actually, I’m working at Anderson and Associates. You know, the law firm downtown.”

Her mother’s laughter shrieked through the line. Emma pulled the phone away from her ear. It was the reaction she’d expected from her mother. Why did it squeeze her heart in an iron grip?

Emma turned to look through the window of the coffee shop. She lived two lives. One where her friends supported her and encouraged her, and one where her mother made her almost believe she was too stupid to live. Her chest caved in as the woman on the other end of the line composed herself.

“Did they hire you to clean?” her mother asked between deep inhales.

“I’m a receptionist. I answer phones and file things.”

“Oh, that sounds more reasonable,” her mother conceded.

Emma cleared her throat to dislodge the lump that meant tears weren’t far behind. “Well, I’m at the coffee shop with the girls. I really should⁠—”

“Right. You’re so busy. Listen, I’m calling because Carl and I are going to Tunica. I need you to feed and walk Daisy while we’re away.”

Of course, her mother only called when she needed something. Of course, her mother wanted her to walk her dog—the thing Emma did for others that was so repulsive. Of course, her mother wouldn’t pay her or even ask if she had any conflicts. “When are you leaving?”

“In just a few minutes. She’ll need food and a walk first thing in the morning.”

Emma leaned against the brick wall of the building and banged the back of her head against it. She’d have to ask Katie to wake up early so they could go by her mom and stepdad’s house before work.

“I’ll be there.”

“Thanks. We’ll be back next week.”

Janey and Carl always planned to stay in Tunica for a week, but they always came home when they ran out of money. The slots had never been kind to her mom and stepdad, but that didn’t stop them from making the semi-annual journey to the casino.

“Okay. Have fun.”

Her mom ended the call, and Emma lowered the phone. Letting her head rest against the wall, she stared up at the orange, glowing sky while her heart rate returned to resting.

The phone in her hand dinged.

James: You’ve done a great job this week. Thanks for all you do.

Emma clenched her teeth and sucked deep breaths through her nose. The Lord knew she’d need some extra help this week, so He sent James to the rescue.

Chapter 6

James Will Be Nice

“Dinner will be ready by six. I’m making your favorite dessert. The apples are already baking.”