Page 25 of Grand Love
“And Nina, you know her?”
I shake my head on a laugh and something inside of me snaps. This is stupid. “You need to pack up your things, I can’t have you here. I’m sorry.”
Regardless of who Jasmine is and her situation, I can’t have her here. I should’ve known that last night.
“Where will I go? I have no money.”
I turn and look at her. She’s too skinny, her bones visible around her cheeks and jaw, and not in a healthy way. Her skin is spotty and pale, and she hides behind a baggy jumper.
“I’ll find you a hotel. And Charlie phoned the social worker today. They will be coming in the morning; we will put you up somewhere until you’re back on your feet. Okay?” I nod at her even though I can sense she’s struggling. I can’t get in too deep.
“Are you helping me because of Nina?” Her eyes pinch in at the corners—accusing, knowing—and I turn, hating that they have the same eyes.
“The why doesn’t matter. What matters is how you behave between now and getting your children back.”
“Behave? I’m not a child,” she says, her voice rising in annoyance.
“Maybe so, but Betty deserves more than the life you’ve given her this far.” I point in the direction of the terrace door. “And if you can’t see that, then you should leave now.”
“Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, you know. I did what I had to do in life to get by.”
She has no idea. I walk to her with my hands in my pockets, my teeth clenched so tight they ache. I’m an asshole for judging her—for taking my frustration out on her, but I also know that in life there’s always a choice, and Jasmine has made some shitty ones. “I know someone just like you, someone who could have let their fate ruin them.” I shake my head. “She didn’t. She never let it. She soared so damn high.” I look down my nose at her. “Be better. For you. For your kids.” I walk past her and roll open the door.
“So, she doesn’t know about me?” she calls, halting me in my steps. “Nina. She doesn’t know I’m her sister?”
“No.”
* * *
“This is a fucking terrible idea,”Elliot tells me, staring wide-eyed at me from the other side of my desk.
“She was in Stratford?” Lance asks, surprised. “I thought Vinny said she wasn’t in the country?”
We’re in my office. Lance and Charlie sit on the sofas, while Elliot stands, still staring at me.
“She doesn’t have much in the way of identification. It’s why she wasn’t easily traced,” Charlie tells them, looking up from his laptop.
“She has a kid?” Elliot asks.
I nod.
“Why the fuck are you helping her, Lowell?” Lance questions, rolling his lips and smoothing his hand over his moustache.
“I don’t know.” I drag my hand down my face. “She needs it. She doesn’t know who set me up. She said she was told what to do that night, and my bets are on it having something to do with her boyfriend.”
“I’d have fucking left her.” Lance shakes his head, sitting back onto the sofa.
“Maybe I should have left her but it’s Nina’s sister, Sullivan.”
“You think her bloke is dodgy?” Elliot asks.
“Yeah, the place was a fucking tip, drugs, the lot.”
“So, what now? You chuck her in The Earl Marks and expect her to sort her shit out?” Lance chuckles.
Elliot frowns instantly. “Wait a second—”
“You put her up in The Earl Marks?” Charlie’s voice booms as he stands, letting his laptop fall to the sofa.
“Yeah.”
“What are the chances.” Elliot grimaces as he looks at Charlie.
“What?” I question, frowning between them when none of them speak.
