Page 83 of The Reluctant Roommate

“You do that. Thanks.”

Lula tapped the menu. “Now, what about splitting some wings and sweet potato fries?”

~ ~ ~

Morgan browsed the job site. Two more financial planning roles available, one of which was at Mattingley, in what sounded exactly like her old job. Maybe Javid hadn’t worked out or he’d moved on. No point applying there. The other was a role in an “exciting new company” which, when she checked, was the unethical dick starting up after being let go from Blackstar. No way would she apply for that.

Her cell phone rang, and she glanced at it.Oh!The screen saidAunt Linda.She accepted the call.

“Hi, Morgan, honey.” Her aunt sounded tired, her voice flat. “I’ve been meaning to call you since Thanksgiving, but, to be honest, I didn’t know what to say.”

“I love hearing from you. How are you doing?”

“Between you and me, not real good. The specialist is pushing me to have surgery—he says it will result in a much better outcome, which translates to I have a much better chance of beating this.”

“Then have the surgery. Please, Linda.”

There was a long enough silence on the line that Morgan wondered if Linda had ended the call. But then she said, “I can’t pay for the surgery. The kids…they’re getting by, but only just. And your offer, your incredible offer… It’s too much, Morgan. I can’t do that to you, honey. Especially not now.”

“What do you mean? I’m offering. Take the money, Linda. I’d rather have you in my life than the money.”

“I know, Morgan. I know you lost your job.”

She froze, and the ice of shame stole into her chest. “How do you know that?”

“I called you at work to thank you for your offer. They said you no longer worked there, and they couldn’t tell me where you’d gone. So I searched your name, figuring whoever was lucky enough to hire you would have an announcement, or at least you’d appear on their website. But nothing.”

“Do Mom and Dad know too?” she whispered.

“I didn’t tell them. They still seem to think you work at Mattingley. But if you’re not working, honey, I can’t take your money.”

“I was fired.” The words came slowly, dragged from within. First, she’d told Heidi, now Linda. Would it get any easier? “I made a mistake, a serious one. They walked me out.”

“Oh, Morgan. You’re so good at your job. It’s their loss. I hope that another firm will snap you up. One mistake doesn’t define you.”

Exactly what Heidi had said. “I’m exploring my options.” Her lips could hardly form the words. “But, Linda, I have the money to give you. If the surgery will make a difference…will keep you alive—”

Linda drew a sharp breath that echoed down the line.

“—for Nathan and Ellie and me, yes. But mainly for you. If you want to have the surgery, I’ll transfer the money today. Please, Linda. How much do you need right now?”

“I’ve been quoted thirty-eight thousand,” Linda said in a low voice. “That’s just for surgery and immediate aftercare. Then radiotherapy and associated care pushes it up. Maybe sixty grand. I have nearly ten of that.”

“I have money. I can get a job. Maybe not a job in finance, but I’m learning that’s not important. I have a house, I have food. I have things, material things. But they’re nothing compared to the people I love.” Her breath hitched, her throat so tight she could hardly get the words out. “Please, Linda, let me give you the money. Not as a loan; as a gift to you. Because I love you, and I want to love you for many years to come.”

A sob came over the line.

Morgan waited, and silent tears trickled down her cheeks.Please, Linda, take the money.

“I’m not crying,” Linda said, her voice thick.

“I am.”

“I’m totally crying. Morgan, honey, you’re the kindest, most generous person. Are you really sure?”

“I’m really sure. If you refuse, I’m going to call Ellie and offer her and Nathan the money on condition they use it to pay for your treatment. I don’t think they’ll refuse.”

“Then I accept. Thank you. Thank you a hundred million times over. From me. From my kids. And although it’s a gift, if ever I find I can, I will pay you back as much as I can. But I want you to promise me one thing: that if you need that money, if you’re unable to pay your mortgage, lose your car—anything—you call me and I’ll find money for you somehow. Even if I have to sell a kidney.”