Page 31 of Unsuitable

“So, your release came through.”

“Yes.” I smile.

“Good. I am pleased for you.”

“Thank you. Anne…I wanted to talk to you about Jesse. What do I need to do to start the process of applying for custody? And when can I see him?”

“Well, first things first, you and I need to have a chat.”

“About?” My tone is edgy. I just can’t help it.

“Just about your circumstances now—”

“I have a place to live. My best friend’s apartment. I’m living with her, paying rent.” Not that Cece will talk to me about paying rent, but I will be giving her money as soon as I get paid. “It’s a really nice place in Sutton, and it has three bedrooms. One is for Jesse. I have a job. I’m a maid at a big estate house in Surrey. So, I’m in a really good position to care for Jesse now, and I really—”

“That’s wonderful, Daisy,” she cuts me off. “I am so pleased that everything is coming together for you. I’d love to see your new place. So, how about I come to visit? We can have a chat and go from there.”

I slump back onto my haunches, disappointed, knowing that I’m not going to see Jesse anytime soon.

“Sounds great,” I say, trying to inject enthusiasm into my voice that just isn’t there.

“Fabulous. Now, looking at my calendar, I’m free on Friday at five p.m.”

“I work until six, and it takes me just over an hour to get home.”

“Oh, well, how about I come at six? You could ask your employer if you can leave an hour early. I’m sure if you explain your reason for needing the time, your employer will be understanding.”

Kas understanding? Ha. Not likely.

However, he was nice to me earlier, bringing me the clothes and apologizing. Maybe his hard shell is softening toward me.

There might just be some kindness in him.

“I’ll ask and let you know.”

“Fabulous. Speak soon.”

Hanging up my phone, I stash it back in my bra.

She wants to come to my place at six, which means I’ll need to leave at four. It takes me an hour and twenty minutes with the train journey and the walks to and from the train stations. And I’ll need to shower before she arrives, so I don’t stink of cleaning products.

That means I’ll have to ask Kas if I can leave two hours early.

I dread the thought.

But knowing I have no choice but to ask—because this is about Jesse, and he’s all that matters—I push to my feet, which are still bare.

I make my way out of the bathroom and pad down the carpeted stairs, heading for Kas’s office. Nerves are tumbling around in my stomach.

Come on, Daisy. The worst he can say is no.

And be an arsehole about it.

Sucking it up, I lift my chin and march toward his office. I reach his office door and knock on it.

“What?” he barks from the other side.

Okay…that isn’t a good start.