The Choice

Chapter 21

"He stole the cookie?" Luke asks.

"Right out of my mouth," I say, sorting through the emails on my computer.

"That's progress, right?" Luke asks, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"If Lucy found out, I'm sure she wouldn't be too happy," I roll my eyes.

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her," Luke says.

"She's got eyes everywhere apparently," I roll my eyes.

"Are you busy this weekend?" Luke asks me.

"I am not," I tell him.

"I'm coming to visit," he tells me.

"I look forward to seeing you. Just don't be surprised when Jesse bombards you with questions," I roll my eyes.

"I can handle him. I need to get back to work though. I'll talk to you soon," Luke tells me.

"I'll be listening for your call," I say, my tone amused.

I hang up the phone, and I check the time. I start cleaning up a little, and I put my stuff back in my bag.

"Jo, can I have a minute of your time before you leave?" my boss asks, stepping into my office.

"Of course," I tell him.

I follow him into his office. I look around to see a few boxes full of office supplies.

"Everything alright?" I ask, taking a seat in front of him.

"Unfortunately, no." he sighs. "We're being shut down," he tells me.

I gasp. "This can't be happening," I frown.

"We've held out as long as we could. Newspapers just don't make the money they used to," he tells me.

"When's the last official day?" I ask him.

"One week from today. Anything you need, you just let me know."

"I'm sorry Mr. Andrews," I frown.

"I'm sorry, too."

I stand up, grabbing my stuff. I make my way to my car, and the tears immediately start to fall. I pick up my phone, and I dial Andy's number.

"Hey, Jo," Andy answers.

"I just lost my job," I say in between sobs.

"Jo, I'm so sorry," Andy says.

"What am I gonna do?"

My tears fall onto my seat belt as I put it on.

"I'll be over there soon," he tells me.

-----

"How are you feeling?" Andy asks, pulling me in for a hug.

"Drained. This whole thing sucks," I wipe my eyes.

I wrap my arms around him, and I lay my head on his chest.

"It'll be alright," Andy tells me.

"That's easy for you to say. You're not pregnant," I say, my voice a little harsh.

Andy pulls me away from him, and he puts his hands on my shoulders.

"You have me, and you have plenty of people around that love you," Andy tells me.

"I know. I just don't want to have help. I want to support myself and my kids on my own," I sigh.

"You'll find another job. Don't worry," Andy tells me.