Chapter 1

Knock. Knock. Knock.

My supervisor tapped my desk. "Joanna, we're short tonight. Go work the banquet. Triple pay."

I hesitated.

It was Bryson's mom's sixtieth birthday. Big deal, big crowd. Too many chances to run into people I didn't want to see. And leaving Kyle home alone at night? Yeah, no.

"Ms. Kurt, I need to stay with my kid tonight—"

Her patience snapped. "Leave him with your parents. A neighbor. Worst case, the staff lounge. You can't handle something this basic?"

A snicker cut in.

Of course it was Vivian Finch, my co-worker.

She leaned back, smug as ever. "Triple pay? I'd kill for that. Ms. Kurt, you're so thoughtful—really taking care of Joanna." A pause, then sweet as poison, "Single mom and all. Kid with no known dad. Must be expensive."

Vivian's words stung—but they weren't wrong.

It was getting cold, and Kyle was growing like crazy. He needed a real coat.

And I'd just be working outside the main hall. In and out. No big deal.

I nodded. "Thank you, Ms. Kurt. I'll go."

"Good. Get changed. Back entrance at six." A sharp look. "Don't be late."

On my way to the locker room, I passed Vivian's desk.

She didn't even try to keep it down. "Who's she fooling? Got pregnant out of wedlock and still acting all superior. Doesn't even know who the dad is. Probably some random hookup—who knows where that kid came from."

Laughter broke out.

One coworker covered her mouth, giggling. The intern next to her ducked her head, snickering.

My eyes burned. I stopped. "Vivian, you're a mom too. Watch your mouth."

Vivian shot up, arms crossed. "Oh, now you care what people say? You don't even know who the father is, but you're out here acting all pure.

"If I were you, I'd fix myself up. You're damaged goods. Maybe some blind guy at the banquet won't mind your little bastard and take him in."

My eyes stung.

She started to go on, but Ms. Kurt cut in. "That's enough, Vivian. Joanna, go get your child. Don't let this delay your work."

I lifted my chin, forcing it down.

As I walked out, Vivian was already laughing again, throwing me those same nasty looks.

I turned away and wiped my eyes hard. 'Joanna, don't cry. For Kyle, you can handle anything.'

I picked him up and brought him with me. No way I was leaving him home alone. I settled him in the staff lounge.

Picture books. Snacks. Water.

"Be good, okay? Mommy's working outside. Stay here and play. Don't go out."

Kyle was always good. He nodded. "When will you be back?"

"Soon." I kissed his forehead. "Finish this book and I'll be back. And don't wander off, okay?"

He nodded hard and held out his pinky. "Pinky promise."

We linked fingers, sealed it, and I finally let myself leave for the banquet hall.

Vivian and the others were already there, crowding the main hall entrance. Phones up, fixing makeup, laughing like they owned the place.

"Such a waste—Bryson Harding. Hot, rich, and now..."

"I heard his wife was only claimed by her family a few years ago. Total mess. Party girl, loves speeding for fun. Got herself into trouble and dragged him down with her. Now? Yeah—basically ruined him."

"If you ask me, the Hardings got screwed marrying her. Total bad luck. Their family line ends with her."

A sharp voice snapped from behind them. "Who are you calling bad luck?!"

Talia.

She stormed up, eyes blazing at Vivian and the others.

They went pale, heads dropping fast. Not a word.

Her gaze swept the room—then locked on me.

"Joanna?"