Read Online Flaws and All by Shana Burton - Free Book Online

“People can change, but they usually don’t.”
    Kina looked down at her watch. “Let me get out of here and pick E’Bell up some lunch. Lord knows he’ll have a fit if I’m late and he has to eat what’s in the cafeteria.”
    Angel gave her a quick hug. “I’ll see you at one.”
    Kina turned around before heading out of the door. “Oh, before I forget, a woman named Theresa McNair called you when you were on the phone earlier.” She reached into her desk and pulled out a small slip of pink paper.
    Angel skimmed over the message. “Do I know her?”
    â€œI don’t think so. She has cancer. The doctor’s given her six months. She wants you to add her to your client roster and says she’ll pay you up front, in cash.”
    â€œShe must be loaded. I’ll have Jess call her in the morning.”
    â€œNo, she only wants to work with you. She was real adamant about that.”
    â€œI don’t know why. Jess has the same qualifications that I have; I wouldn’t have hired her if she didn’t.” Angel stuffed the number into her pocket. “I’ll call her, but she’ll have to wait until tomorrow. I have way too much on my plate right now.”
    â€œShe really wants you to stop by today, if possible. It doesn’t matter how late.”
    Angel rolled her eyes. “She sounds pushy. If I wanted to deal with an attitude or an ego, I’d call Sullivan.”
    â€œShe sounded more desperate than pushy. I’ll see you in an hour.”
    Angel bristled at having to add more weight to her overloaded plate, but she took it in stride. “God, you said that you wouldn’t put more on us than we can bear, and I’m holding you to that!” she issued as she dialed the number.
    A little girl answered the phone. Children always gave Angel’s spirit a lift. “Hey, sweetie, is your mother home?”
    â€œI’m right here,” replied a woman who apparently picked up the phone shortly after her daughter did. “Hi, I’m Theresa. You must be Angel King.”
    Angel was surprised. “Yes. How did you know?”
    â€œCredit the wonders of technology and the caller ID box,” replied Theresa.
    â€œHow are you, Mrs. McNair?”
    â€œI’m fine. What’s a little cancer when there’s a beautiful day outside like today?”
    â€œI’m glad to hear you say that, especially under the circumstances. A lot of people in your condition would’ve lost faith by now.”
    â€œI won’t, as long as there’s life in this body—however long or short that may be.”
    â€œWell, my job is to extend that time as much as possible. I don’t want you to miss a second more of that little girl’s life than you have to. Do you have any questions about your illness or my role in your treatment?”
    â€œAfter more than a year of doctor’s appointments and chemo and needles, I think I know just about all there is to know about cancer, but I would like to know more about exactly what it is you do.”
    â€œBasically, we make sure you have the best medical care possible without ever having to leave your house,” explained Angel. “I work with your doctor to make sure all of your medical needs are taken care of, while making sure your emotional and psychological needs are met as well. I do it all, from administering medicine to helping out with the laundry if I have to. I work on a contract basis of three times a week for three months at a time. Sometimes insurance covers this service; sometimes it doesn’t. Just depends on the kind of coverage you have.”
    â€œI would like to contract you for the next six months, all cash, all up front.”
    â€œAre you sure?” asked Angel. “I haven’t even quoted you my prices.”
    â€œThe cost isn’t an issue for me. I’m just ready for us to get started. I don’t have