On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 26

They were the most unreliable creatures on the planet. You could depend on a rock, a river, even a pig, but never a man.

Jessica took a sip of her coffee. She remembered the first time she’d tried an Americano, back when she was sixteen or seventeen. It was so bitter it had brought tears to her eyes. Lance and her four cousins had gathered around her, dabbing her tears, full of concern.

Lance had pinched her cheek and smiled. “The bitterest thing Jessica will ever have to endure in her life is this iced Americano.”

Who could have known back then that all the storms in her future would be brought on by them? It wasn’t even Catherine who suggested the psychiatric hospital. It was them. They were the ones who had sent her to that filthy, degrading place without a second thought.

“If you’re not worried about appearances,” Rebecca said, “I can get you a job.”

Jessica looked at her, a flicker of hope in her eyes.

Rebecca pulled a business card from her purse and slid it across the table. “This is the owner of a club called ‘A Story.’ You’d be a bottle girl. The commission is five percent. Sell a ten-thousand-dollar bottle, you make five hundred. It’s not a long-term plan, but it’ll keep you on your feet for now.”

Jessica picked up the simple card and put it in her purse.

“Thank you, Rebecca.”

“Good luck.”

Rebecca stood up and left, as brisk and decisive as ever.

Jessica finished her coffee alone, planning to head home. She wouldn’t resort to selling drinks in a club unless she was truly out of options. She still had her pride.

Half an hour later, she learned that pride didn’t pay the bills.

After getting off the bus, she walked another quarter of a mile before reaching the club. She hesitated at the entrance, a wave of uncertainty washing over her. As she stood there, a man stumbling out of the club slapped her on the rear.

“Well now, look at this one,” he slurred. “You new here?”

The hostess propping him up quickly pulled his hand away. “Mr. James, please, you’re drunk. You’ve mistaken her for someone else. Let me get you to your hotel.”

Jessica quickly stepped aside to let them pass.

Inside, the pounding music was deafening. She had never been to a place like this; it felt like another world. Men and women were kissing and grinding against each other openly. She averted her eyes and walked to the bar.

“Excuse me, is Laura here?”