“I know. I walked out.”
“Good for you.” He nodded firmly. “You shouldn’t have to put up with that crap.”
I looked down at my hands, twisting them in my lap. “I’m sorry, Jasper. I know you worked hard to get me that interview. Now it feels like I wasted your effort.”
Jasper’s big hand covered both of mine, stealing them. “Hey, look at me.”
I raised my eyes to his face.
“You’re my sister,” he said, his voice serious but gentle. “I would do anything for you. And that includes finding you a better job than that place.”
Something warm bloomed in my chest at his words. My whole life, I’d felt alone. Even with my adoptive parents, even with Rowan. I never had someone who put me first, who wanted to protect me.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
Jasper squeezed my hands, then let go, leaning back. “Actually, I have an idea.”
“What kind of idea?”
His eyes lit up. “What about working at Westside Clinic? It’s a small place, but they do good work. Counseling for people who can’t afford fancy places.”
“Westside Clinic? I’ve heard of it,” I said. “They help a lot of people.”
“They do,” Jasper nodded. “And guess what? I’m one of their biggest investors. Which means you won’t have to do any stupid
interviews. I can get you in, no questions asked.”
My eyes widened. “Really? You’d do that?”
“In a heartbeat. And they’ll treat you right there. I’ll make sure of it.”
A real smile spread across my face–the first one since I left the hospital. “Jasper, that would be amazing.”
He grinned, his whole face lighting up. “Consider it done. I’ll call Dr. Martinez tomorrow. She runs the place, and she’s a good people.”
I threw my arms around his neck, hugging him tight. “Thank you so much. For everything.”
He hugged me back, his arms strong around me. “You deserve it, Janet. I’m just trying to make things right.”
When I pulled back, I saw something serious flicker across his face. “By the way, Tracy told us about your mom–your adoptive mom. We took care of it.”
I stared at him, confused. “What do you mean?”
“We moved her to Beckett Memorial Hospital. It’s the best in the state. And don’t worry about the bills–they’re all paid. For as long as she needs to be there.”
2/3
Chapter 0018
+25 BONUS
My mouth fell open. “But… How did you know about her? I only told Tracy this morning.”
“Tracy texted us right after you told her. She knew we’d want to help.” Jasper’s voice was so matter–of–fact, like moving people to better hospitals and paying mountains of medical bills was just a normal Tuesday for him.
“I… I don’t know what to say.” My eyes filled with tears.
“You don’t have to say anything.” Jasper put his hand on my shoulder. “That’s what family does, Janet. We take care of each
other.”
I wiped at my eyes, feeling overwhelmed
Is this how life is when you have a family that loves you? wondered, the thought bubbling up from somewhere deep inside
- me. People who just… fix things for you? Who cares about what you need?
3/3
Chapter 0019
