Page 38 of Justice II

“Please.”

She rubbed my back before helping me stand. I rinsed my mouth at the sink while she waited by the door.

“You want me to call and reschedule?”

“No. I need to go.”

“Melody, you just threw up.”

“And now I'm done.”

“You don't know that.”

“I can't keep putting my life on hold. I need a job.”

She looked at me for a moment, then nodded.

“All right. Get yourself together. I'll be downstairs.”

I closed the door after she left and stayed by the sink until the nausea eased.

I needed money. I needed somewhere to live, and I needed to figure out how to get Keenan away from Roman. I couldn't do any of that by staying in bed.

The shower helped a little. It enlivened me and brought me back to reality. I even washed my hair, which I knew was going to make me late. I blow-dried quickly and flat-ironed haphazardly. My hair was a mess but I had a wig that I could put on to look presentable.

By the time I came downstairs, I was dressed in black pants and a burgundy blouse. I carried my blazer over one arm because I was already warm.

Aubrey had cleared the breakfast dishes from the table.

“Do you want something?”

“No, thank you. Just water.”

She gave me a bottle and set a pack of crackers beside it.

“Take those with you, at least.”

“Thanks, boo.” I hoped that they would help, but I was unsure. On my way to the interview, I’d stop and get a ginger ale.

“Let me go over what they're asking for before you leave.” Aubrey picked up her phone and pulled up the request. “It's an older woman with memory problems. She's very particular about who helps her, so they want a female CNA who's patient.”

“Gotcha.” Been there, did that.

“She needs help bathing and getting dressed. They also need somebody who can actually cook.”

“Sounds like the Banks’ are trying to re-hire me.”

“I know right. But that's why I thought of you. They said she can get upset and say things she doesn't mean. Whoever takes the job can't take everything personally. She's used to having things done for her, but she doesn't like feeling like she's being managed.”

“That sounds familiar.”

Aubrey glanced up at me before continuing.

“They're looking for full-time care. Possibly live-in if everything works out. There are children around, too.”

“Am I taking care of them?”

“No. The older woman's care would be your responsibility. They just want somebody comfortable with children being in the house.”