She Needs Money

Cynthia, although self-centered, pampered, and sometimes cruel, was not dumb. She managed to get a few assets in the divorce... her car, her wedding ring (which, she reflected, really was worth a decent amount), a bit of furniture, and some cash. She'd tried to get ownership of the downtown apartment, but Gerald, or maybe one of his many lawyers, had outfoxed her there.

In the meantime she was renting a place -- not up to her normal standards, but not in a slum. However, she couldn't afford it for long, maybe just a few months. She needed money.

She knew she couldn't get anything more from Gerald, the scorched earth divorce put an end to that. He blocked her number entirely the moment the papers were signed. Still, she thought... maybe she could get money indirectly, through the kids.

But which kid? Gerald Junior also wasn't speaking to her. Damn, he was such a moralistic prude. He acted like she'd cheated on him instead of on his dad.

Cynthia called Lindsey. The phone rang twice then, "Hey mom. What's up?"

"Oh, nothing, just calling to chat a bit, Linds," she lied. "How are you and Gerry doing?"

"Mom -- I'm actually pretty busy right now. I'm at work. So if you do have some request, just make it now."

'Lindsey always was very direct,' thought Cynthia. "Well... ok. Linds, I'll cut to the chase. I need a bit of money. Not much! Just enough to make rent. And I know your father gives you an allow--"

Lindsey cut her off. "No can do, mom. He's been putting the allowances into a trust since the divorce started. I'm living off my salary now, and I don't really make enough myself. That's why I have a roommate."

"But... that money should have been mine!" said Cynthia. "Your father cheated --"

Lindsey interrupted again, "I know, I know. But mom, nothing I can do. I can't afford to help you out right now. Maybe in five years, when I get control of my trust."

"Five years!" yelled Cynthia. She took a breath. "Sorry, hon. Say, I know... how about we move in together? I could pitch in a bit, it would be like old times?"

There was a pause, then, "Mom, I really can't. I haven't told you this, but my roommate and I are together. Romantically. And I don't want to leave her. And before you ask, you can't move in, this place isn't that big. Have you thought about getting a job? Lots of places hiring right now. Oops, sorry, time for my meeting, gotta run." Here she hung up.

Cynthia was angry. 'Get a job,' indeed. It wasn't so easy for a woman in her forties, without any previous work experience, or, truth be told, any skills. And Lindsey was a damn lawyer at Portman and Associates. She must be making bank. Cynthia wondered if she could get a job there. Bob Portman had never liked her, but maybe Carrie...? No, she hadn't liked Carrie. What about other law firms? Sherry Abe's firm came to mind, but Sherry hadn't really been part of her social circle, as she'd always been too busy at work to socialize properly. Thinking about the social circle gave her an idea, though -- Gloria.

Gloria was perfect! Cynthia knew her pretty well and they'd always gotten along. She was part of Cynthia's old circle, and her husband owned a business. Surely there'd be some place for her there. Cynthia dialed her number.

"Hello, Gloria Jones' phone. This is her assistant speaking. How can I help you?" came the voice from the other end. It wasn't someone Cynthia recognized.

"Uh... hi. This is Cynthia Sharp, I'm a friend of Gloria's. Can you put me through to her?"

"I'm afraid Gloria is busy right now," said the assistant. "I can take a message if you like."

"Well," said Cynthia, "actually this is probably something I should do in person. Do you keep her schedule? When could I get together with Gloria?"

"If you can come to the office, she'll be done here in about forty-five minutes. Otherwise we can find a time next week."

"Next week!?" said Cynthia. "Wow, I didn't expect that at all. What's got her so busy?"

"Since she took over running the business, her schedule has gotten a lot tighter. I'm sorry... Cynthia? I have another call I have to take. Should I put you down for today? Otherwise I'll call you back and set up a time."

Cynthia agreed quickly. "Yes, sure, I'll be there in 45." And she hung up without another word.