Ghost of the past

ARYA’S POV I chuckled. "Their mama is a mess." "Their mama is surviving." Cherry's expression turned serious. "Which is more than a lot of people can say. You left a bad situation, you're keeping yourself and the baby safe, you're looking for work too!" "That's going nowhere." I set down the cereal bowl, my appetite gone. "I've been to every place in the city that's hiring. No one wants someone with no experience, and mysterious gaps in their employment history." "Then come work with me." Cherry had suggested this at least five times already. "The club is always looking for cleaners or you could bartend, you don't have to dance. The money's good, and most of the guys are harmless." "No." I said immediately, shaking my head. "I appreciate the offer, but I can't. I don't want my baby growing up around that kind of environment. She huffed. "It's not that bad." "Cherry." I took her hand. "I'm not judging you. You do what you need to do, and I respect that. But it's not for me. I just... I