Chapter 18

Katrina could more or less guess what was on her best friend’s mind. After a brief consideration, she nodded decisively.

“Seriously, I don’t know what I’d do without you!” Ivy grinned and rattled off her new phone number, making sure Katrina saved it.

Glancing at the time, Ivy noticed it was nearly noon. With a sweeping gesture, she declared, “Come on, let’s go have a real feast–my treat! And while we’re at it, we can map out our business plans.”

“Deal.”

Just as Katrina was about to start the car, her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen and frowned. “It’s my dad.”

“Answer it. Don’t be scared,” Ivy encouraged gently.

Katrina picked up. “Hi, Dad.”

On the other end, her father, Waller Lester, wasted no time. “Are you with Ivy right now?”

Katrina hesitated, puzzled by his abrupt tone, but answered honestly, “Yeah, I am. Why?”

“Ivy was kidnapped by traffickers for three years! She only got released when she was practically dead, infected with HIV. And you’re still hanging out with her? Are you trying to ruin your life?” Waller’s voice was laced with scorn as he berated his daughter.

The car fell silent. Ivy, sitting in the passenger seat, could make out the shouting even without speakerphone.

She furrowed her brow, instantly understanding what was happening.

“Dad, Ivy isn’t sick. That’s just a vicious rumor.”

“You’re hopelessly naïve! Who in their right mind would admit to having HIV? Stay away from her, or don’t bother coming home!”

“Fine by me! I’ll head straight to campus this afternoon and never come home again!” Katrina shot back, her heart long since hardened by her father’s favoritism.

Waller abruptly changed tack. “Since you’re free today, go have lunch with Mr. Ludwick. He’s been trying to meet you for weeks. Today’s not optional.”

“I’m not going. I don’t even like him.”

“If you refuse, your mother’s care at the nursing home stops next month. It’s your choice.” With that threat hanging in the air, he hung up.

Moments later, a text came through with the name and address of a restaurant.

Katrina’s eyes burned with tears of frustration.

Ivy’s guilt was palpable as she pulled a napkin from the glovebox and handed it over. “Katrina, this is my fault. I’m sure my mother called your family. Otherwise, your dad wouldn’t have found out so quickly.”

But Katrina shook it off, rallying almost immediately. “Your family’s unbelievable! It’s bad enough they treat you like you don’t exist, but now they want to stop anyone else from caring about you? What kind of parents are these?”

Ivy felt hollowed out, too exhausted to argue.

“Ivy, I can’t have lunch with you after all. My dad’s forcing me to meet this guy, or he’ll cut off my mom’s care at the nursing home.”

“Blind date? Are you getting married?”

Katrina’s expression crumpled at the mention. “It’s all my dad’s doing. The guy’s rich, so Dad’s thrilled. But if I resist, he’ll stop paying for my mom’s treatment…”

“Do you even like the guy?” Ivy asked gently.

“Are you kidding? He’s decent looking, but he’s a total creep. Every time we meet, he can’t keep his hands to himself, cracks dirty jokes, and just won’t leave me alone. If I don’t agree to see him, he complains to my dad until I give in. I can’t stand him.”

Ivy’s anger flared. She buckled her seatbelt with resolve. “Let’s go. I’ll handle him. I promise, he won’t bother you again.”

Katrina’s eyes widened. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Why not? Worst case, your dad gets mad at me. I’ll help cover your mom’s care until you can pay me back. Don’t worry.”

Ivy knew Katrina wasn’t the type to take advantage–and she said it just to ease her conscience. Sure enough, Katrina squared her shoulders, a spark of hope in her eyes. “Alright. When I’m earning my own money, I’ll pay you back double!”

Half an hour later, they arrived at the restaurant.

The two women lingered outside, peering through the window. Katrina pointed out a man sitting by the window. “Ivy, that’s him–the one with short hair, glasses, and a white shirt. He’s on the phone. See him?”

Ivy spotted him instantly.

Not only did she see him–her eyes went wide with fury.

“That creep who’s been harassing you is Jamison Ludwick?” Ivy’s voice shot up in disbelief, barely hiding her outrage as she stared at the man by the window.