Eva hurriedly dropped the girls off at school and grabbed some more cold medicine in the corner shop, barely catching a bus and still arriving late at work.
"Late, again." Marjorie said spitefully.
"I'm sorry, Marjorie." Eva mumbled but she knew that it was to no avail. She was going to get punished for it no matter what. Even if it was five minutes of lateness, she will be catching up for hours. Even Eva's sniffles didn't awake any empathy from Marjorie.
"You will pick up Mike's report at the end of today and I expect it done for tomorrow."
"Of course." Eva sighed in defeat. She didn't dare to argue. Her lateness was not as regular as you might think. And even then, she always caught up with her work and was the most efficient co-worker in her team or even department. She was good at what she did. Exceptionally good. Marjorie knew that and exploited her skills.
And Eva had no other choice than let her. As a single parent she needed a stable job. As a single parent she had limited availability and struggled with being in the office too long. This was the only job that she managed to hold on to. It wasn't a bad company or role. But Marjorie…
Eva sat at her desk and did her best to stay conscious. Her head was pounding and her eyelids were heavy. A combination of cold medicine and coffee just about kept her awake.
The day seemed to drag forever and the numbers seemed to merge and blur on the screen.
But Eva persevered. She picked up Suzie and Emmi from school, slowly making the way back to their apartment.
Eva showed down by the main entrance where Janet was peeking curiously at the workers.
"Good evening, Janet." Eva smiled at her neighbour. "What's occurring?"
"They're changing the doors and locks." Janet scowled. "How Will I remember the pin codes or cards?! Will I be locked out of my own home because I can't remember series of numbers?!"
"Madam, there are many security options that you can choose from to access the building. Perhaps using your fingerprint on a scanner will be better?" The worker asked.
"So that you can steal my data?!" Janet was obviously upset about it.
"Sorry, I'm one of the residents myself and I haven't been notified of this change." Eva spoke directly to a man.
"It's been quite a quick turnaround. The new owner of the building wanted to upgrade the security system as soon as possible. You will be informed promptly of all the changes."
"The new owner? Who?" Eva furrowed her brows.
"It's a company. They do residential lettings a lot around here."
"I see. I hope to find out more soon." Eva said quickly, too tired to argue or discuss it further. Her phone rung unexpectedly.
"Miss Green!" Simon sounded on the other side as she answered the call. "I was just in your area and as you were feeling unwell earlier on, I've grabbed a dinner for yourself and Misses Webb. Are you home yet?"
"Mr Gold?" Eva was truly surprised by the call. "It is really not necessary.
"I already picked up the food from the restaurant and I'm on my way."
"Oh, Mr Gold." Eva sighed but smiled. It was a huge relief to not have to cook after getting back home. "Thank you." As she said it, the car pulled up by the front entrance where she still stood with the girls, Janet, and a worker.
Janet shut up very quickly and looked at the fancy car with curiosity.
"Mr Gold, it was unnecessary!" Eva blushed in embarrassment.
"Oh, Miss Green. I hope that you do not mind." Simon put on the most charming smile. "I just wished to make your evening a little bit better while you're recovering from the cold."
"Thank you, really. Would you like to come in?"
"Thank you for the invite but I have a few more errands to run for Mr Anderson."
"That's a shame. Thank you." Eva was given a bag with several boxes that had a pleasant smell. Simon hurried away, his smile not leaving his face.
Eva slowly turned back around feeling Janet's burning gaze on her back.
"Come on, girls. Let's have dinner." Eva said quickly, hurrying inside before Janet could turn against her and quiz her about a mysterious man in a nice car and a fancy suit. And that was just Simon. Eva wasn't sure whether Janet managed to spot Callum yet. That one might have raised even more questions.
Eva was happy once they got in the apartment.
The food that Simon brought was amazing and after they ate it they spend the evening watching tv and eating popcorn, or the girls did, as Eva was fighting sleep and still blowing her nose every few minutes.