Page 8 of Brutal Heir

Her expression turns sheepish, a heavy coat of crimson blanketing her cheeks, and dread fills my gut. “On December first.”

Jesus, Mary and Joseph! How am I supposed to find a new apartment in a week?

The chaotic sounds of the city blur all around me as I take purposeful strides down First Avenue in midtown Manhattan. As a traveling nurse, I’ve been living paycheck to paycheck for the past year. I take work wherever and whenever I can find it. With my questionable references, I have to be careful. If anyone finds out who I really am…

I cut off the thought before it has time to fester, then my hand instinctively surges upward to the hairpin dagger that holds up my messy red hair. To most, it looks like a cute accessory, but in my hands, it’s a lethal weapon.

Growing up, Da may have failed me in most ways, but at least he taught me how to defend myself at a young age. If he hadn’t…God, I’d hate to think what would have happened that night at the halfway house…

Burying the horrible thoughts and focusing on my survival, I stride into the staff entrance. Then I flash my temp badge and wave at the security guard, offering a tentative smile. The stern guard almost laughs as he takes in my dark green scrubs with tiny, embroidered shamrocks. If only he could see my badge lanyard with a leprechaun flipping the bird, then he’d really be cackling.

I lucked out getting a last-minute job at NYU Langone covering for an ER nurse out for the week. Unfortunately, it’s only for a week. Today, I have to find a way to secure a full-time position, or I’ll never be able to afford the deposit on another lease.

And in only a week, I’ll find myself homeless and shite out of luck.

Walking through the sterile white corridors, the scent of disinfectant heavy in the air, I head straight to the Emergency wing of the hospital ready to put myself at the mercy of the head nurse. Though I’ve only been working here for a few days, I hope she’ll give me a recommendation I can take to the human resources department before my shift starts.

But first coffee…

When every penny counts, I can’t afford to squander eight dollars on designer lattes which means I’m forced to endure the watered-down sludge they provide for the staff. Turning the corner, I find the lounge, thankfully. This hospital is a maze and in my short time here, I’ve managed to get lost more than once. Following the scent of roasted coffee beans, I march straight for the Keurig, almost barreling into a dark-haired woman in my rush.

“Sorry,” I blurt as I step around the girl who’s also hugging her mug of coffee.

“No problem.” Bright blue eyes lift to mine, and she offers a smile over the cup. “I was distracted by the caffeinated nectar of the gods.”

A chuckle tumbles out as I pour myself a steaming mug. At least it’s hot and fresh. “I know exactly what you mean.” I glance at her badge and the bright orange band across the top that marks her a medical intern. “Oh, future doctor?”

“I hope so. At this rate, I’m not sure I’ll survive medical school.” She shrugs, crinkling her nose. “I thought it would be fulfilling to really help people. Turns out I spend most of my time buried in anatomy flashcards and trying not to vomit in the cadaver lab.”

I laugh again before holding my hand out. “I can’t say I miss those days. I’m Rory Delaney by the way.”

“Isabella Valentino,” she replies before giving me a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you. I haven’t seen you around the lounge before.”

“I’m only temping for an ER nurse out on leave. I wish I could find a permanent position and an apartment for that matter.”

“Oh, that’s too bad you’re only here temporarily. I could use a fellow caffeine junky to hang out with on my coffee break.”

“Did someone say coffee break?” A blonde darts into the staff lounge with a tray of to-go cups and a huge diamond sparkling on her ring finger.

“Mmm, Starbucks,” Isabella and I croon in perfect unison before she turns her wide eyes to the girl.

“Sere, how did you get in here?”

“I have my ways.” She tosses her friend a wink.

“You are crazy.” Isabella wraps her arms around the girl and pulls her into a hug. “And thank you so much for this.”

“Well, if it’s the only way I get to see my favorite cousin while I’m in town then coffee delivery it is.”

When they finally peel apart, Isabella turns to me then motions at the blonde. “Sorry, where are my manners? Rory, this is my cousin Serena, Serena this is Rory.” Then to her cousin she adds, “Rory and I just met. She’s a temp nurse for the ER.”

“Temporary, you say?” Serena’s ocean blue eyes light up.

“That’s right. I’m a free agent.”

The girls exchange a conspiratorial glance. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Bella?”

“She needs an apartment too,” Isabella adds.