Page 17 of Unsuitable

After I’m finished showering, Ce jumps in after me.

I go back to my room where I blow-dry my long hair and fasten it up into a makeshift bun. I grab the makeup that Cece bought for me. I apply eyeliner and mascara on my eyes and a little gloss on my lips.

I put on my old white bra and knickers along with the black trousers and white shirt that I used to wear for work at the jewelry store. The trousers hang off me, and the shirt is loose.

Even though Cece washed all my clothes for me after getting them out of storage, wearing them now feels wrong. They’re from my old life. A life I no longer have.

As soon as I can afford it, I’ll buy some new clothes.

I stand and look at myself in the mirror.

I look exactly like I used to before all of this happened, except thinner and older.

I definitely look older.

Sadness overwhelms me, and I want to cry, but I refuse to.

I’ve cried enough to last me a lifetime. No more.

I focus on the now. New job. Get Jesse back.

Sucking it up, I grab my bag and put my iPod in it. Then, I let myself out of my room.

I pop my head round Cece’s half-opened door. “I’m off to work.”

God, it feels good to say that.

Even if I am only a glorified cleaner, I don’t care.

I have a job.

Cece is sitting at her dressing table, applying makeup, with a bath towel wrapped around her. “You look nice.” She smiles at me in the mirror before turning to face me.

“I look like crap,” I tell her, grinning.

“Shut up,” she chastises. “You’re gonna knock ’em dead at your new job.”

“I don’t want to kill them. I just got out of prison. I’m not looking to go back.”

“Funny.” She rolls her eyes at me. “Isn’t it early to be setting off? I thought you started at half past eight.”

“I do, but it’s a fifteen-minute walk to the train station, forty-five minutes on the train, and according to Toby’s instructions, a twenty-minute walk from the station to the Matis Estate.”

“I can drop you at the train station, if you want? I don’t have to be at work until ten.”

“Nah, it’s fine.” I wave her off. “You’re not dressed, and I fancy the walk.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.” I smile at her. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Takeaway and a bottle of wine to celebrate your first day?”

“Sounds perfect.”

Giving her a wave, I head off. I stop off in the kitchen to grab a banana, a Dairylea Snack Box, and a bottle of water from the fridge for my lunch. I put them in my bag and leave the apartment.

Five