“Well, isn’t he? It helps that he’s handsome as well.”
Elena had figured that Jessica liked money, and if it was tacked onto a guy then it was useful, but this? She sat up and leaned towards her.
“Get out.”
“What?”
“Get out and leave me alone. I don’t want to hear you saying such things about Jason.”
“But…” Jessica sat up, looking bewildered. “But surely…”
“Surely what? If there is something going on between me and Jason, I would never use him for money. He deserves better than that. And if I was with him, I wouldn’t be asking him to share that money with you.”
Jessica blinked. “Why not? I’m your family. You’re my daughter.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m taking money off him to give to you. If Jason wanted to give someone his money, that’s up to him. I’m not going to do it, and I would be disrespecting Jason by violating our friendship or whatever you believe we have.”
“But…”
“No buts, Mom. What you just said was completely unacceptable.” Elena pointed at the door. “Get out.”
“What?” Jessica stared. “You’re throwing your mother out?”
“That’s exactly what I’m doing. You said something disgusting, and I don’t want to hear it anymore. Now get out.”
Jessica shook her head. “I’m not leaving my daughter on her own.”
“You’re not going to.”
Elena jumped. She hadn’t heard the door open, or heard Jason coming in. He was glaring at Jessica, his eyes glittering dangerously.
“You need to leave, Ms. Henry.” His voice was low. “You’re distressing your daughter, and she doesn’t want you here.”
“But she’s my kid!” Jessica protested.
“She’s a grown woman, and she wants to be left alone. Now get out. You’ll be contacted about anything if Elena wants you to know.”
Jessica started to argue, but something in Jason’s expression made her stop. Huffing, she got up and picked up her bag, sniffing at her daughter.
“You always were so ungrateful. You throw your own mother out of your hospital room.”
“Only because you won’t shut the hell up,” Elena shot back.
Jessica’s lips pressed tightly together. Then she stuck her nose in the air and stalked out of the room, closing the door hard behind her.
Jason turned to Elena. “You okay?”
“I’ll be happier knowing she’s gone back to Seattle.” Elena gulped. “Did you hear much of that?”
“More than enough.”
“Oh, God.” Elena groaned and buried her face in her hands. “I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have to hear how shallow and greedy she is.”
“Is she always like that?”
“I didn’t think so. She never directed any of that at me.”
Elena didn’t think she could feel any more embarrassed. She wanted to cry, but she was too exhausted.