Sign Your Name Across My Heart

Chapter twenty-eight

It's been three weeks since I got fired and I'm running out of money with no job lined up. I don't think I've ever been so stressed before in my life. I've been so stressed that I've barely even been thinking about Ash, which is insane to me because usually he's the one and only thing on my mind, especially since breaking up.

I did however remember the envelope of cash he "gave me" on my birthday and I've been putting it to good use. I bought groceries with it, I paid my phone bill and even a portion of my rent. Unfortunately, it's running dry now.

I've even been debating asking my parents if they could lend me some money, but I know that they don't have the best financial situation either - so I don't want to burden them. I also don't want them worrying about me, wondering why I need money.

I could ask Ivy, but I don't want her to make this situation more dramatic than it needs to be, which is something she's famous for doing.

I've had a couple interviews at random places but so far I haven't heard anything back. I won't be able to pay my rent next month and I'm scared that I'm going to have to live off of my credit cards and use my line of credit until I can land a job.

I sluggishly get out of bed, my hair a mess, wearing the same clothes that I've been wearing for the past two days now. I make myself a cup of coffee in the kitchen as lately coffee is the only thing getting me through each day - even though I despise it. Without the little boost of mental alertness and physical energy, I would just sleep all day, wasting my time away.

While making my coffee, a knock on my door manages to irritate my soul. I stomp over and unlock it, yanking it open. I'm greeted by the same man with the same type of red roses that came a couple weeks ago. He holds the bouquet tightly in his hand before passing it over to me. I take it from him, giving him a strange look just like last time. Is he going to speak?

Instead, he doesn't and he walks away.

I sigh and shut the door, looking for a little note. The same as last time, I saw one. I pull it out from the middle of the roses and read it.

Libby,

I hope you're feeling better. How about dinner tonight? I think you deserve some fun in your life.

Hawthe

Dinner with Hawthe? I mean, normally any sort of invitation from him would result in a big fat no from me - but with the way I've been feeling lately, maybe a nice dinner will help me feel even the slightest bit better. To save money I also haven't had anything to eat except for frozen dinners and pizzas since losing my job so an expensive meal sounds just about amazing right now.

I grab my phone and send him a text.

Dinner sounds great.

Despite it being weird to admit because of everything that's happened, I find it romantic in a way that Hawthe likes to communicate through little notes instead of just a text message. Even though part of me doesn't want to admit it, I love that he's sent me roses again.

I nervously call Ivy, wanting to tell her what's going on. It's been a while since I've spoken to her too, so it'll be nice to hear from her. I've been isolating myself and shutting everyone around me out because of how sad I've been.

She answers after two rings.

''Libby! How are you?'' She asks.

I smile as I hear her voice. ''Hey... Uh, I've been alright.''

''How's the job hunt? You know that I'll write you a check if you need anything at all.'' She states.

I sigh. ''No, Ivy, really. It's okay. I have uh, two job interviews in a couple days that I'm preparing for. I think they're really promising and I'm definitely qualified.'' I lied.