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“See!” She laughs and smiles. “You’ve got a plan.”
“Ha-ha.” I glare at her. “Seriously, I don’t know what to do.”
“I can ask my mom if she needs extra help at the souvenir shop over the holiday season,” she suggests. “What do you say?”
I hate the thought of working in Lacey’s mom’s little store, but it’s better than nothing. “Okay.” I finally give in. “Thanks.”
This is the worst day ever! I’m not even upset about losing the job; it’s the money I’m worried about. I head back outside and get into my car. I just sit there for a moment, taking everything in. Seven years. I worked at this shitty grocery store for seven fucking years. I might not be the model employee, but Eric has some gall just firing me like that. Like my long and dutiful service at his crappy store doesn’t mean anything at all.
Well, maybe not so dutiful. But I always show up for my shifts; that has to count for something.
What am I supposed to do for money now? Even if I do get a job at Lacey’s mom’s dumb shop, I can’t imagine the pay being as good as my old job.Damn it.
I drive back home, barely noticing where I’m going. Then I pace around my living room for almost an hour, trying to think things through. I grab my laptop and search for any job listing I can find in the area.
There are only three jobs available in town. One is for a teaching position at the local high school; I’m wayunderqualified for that. The second is a plumbing job, so that’s not happening, either. The third and last job listing is for a caretaker position at the local old folks’ home. I really, really don’t want to do that, but it seems like it’s my only option, unless I want to look for a job outside of town.
Next, I need a resume. I’ve never written a resume in my life. I just asked for the job at the grocery store when I was the young age of nineteen and was hired on the spot. I’ve never had to actuallyapplyfor a job before. I look up templates for resumes online and start filling in my information.
The page is pathetically empty. A high school degree and seven years at the local grocery store. Not exactly impressive. Still, I send in my application. No harm in trying.
But I need another plan, just in case this job falls through. I look at my phone. Tanner is making money through his social media. Why can’t I? He regularly has sponsors; I can get myself some of those. I look through some of his collaborations, and I choose a company that sells jewelry. I find a contact form on their website and start writing my pitch, and telling them how I have thousands of followers with great engagement.
That part isn’t necessarily true, I guess. I mostly get engagement from the different guys who seem to enjoy my pictures. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I need to do what I can to bring some money in. After I send in my pitch, I feel quite accomplished. I didn’t just let myself wallow in my anxiety about losing my job; that’s good. Now I just have to wait for the company to get back to me.
To distract myself, I put on a cute outfit and do my hair and makeup. I take some selfies as I’m lounging on my couch, showing off my legs in my short skirt. The pictures turn out really cute, and I pick one of them to post. I get a message from DonnieWylde93 right away. Seriously, does he not do anything else other than check his social media?
I keep thinking about the other day,he writes to me. I know he wants a repeat performance. I also know he wants pictures. Itwaskind of fun; I liked being desired like that. I type out a reply.
Yeah? What are you thinking about?
You know what I’m thinking about, sweetheart. I wouldn’t mind doing that again.
I hesitate. I’m not exactly in the mood for that sort of thing.Yeah, sorry. I think that was just a one-time thing for me.
Are you sure? Maybe I should just come over to your place. Show you a good time in person. He sends a winky face.
For a moment, I imagine what it would be like having him here. Seeing if he would live up to his big words in his messages. I haven’t been with anyone in a while. Donnie keeps sending messages about coming over, how good we’d be together. Would it be stupid to invite him over? Probably, but I’m not feeling particularly smart today. I just want to be distracted from everything that’s happened. My fingers hover over the screen, then I write the words.
Alright. Come over.
CHAPTER 9
It takes exactly an hour before there’s a knock on my door. Donnie must have gotten in his car right away after I sent the message. Weirdly enough, I’m not nervous. There’s this strange sense of anticipation inside me, though.
When I open the door, we’re almost at eye level. Donnie is just slightly taller than me, but his shoulders are broad, and Ican clearly see the muscle definition under his tight shirt. Okay, I can work with this.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he says and grins at me. “About time we did this.”
“Yeah, I guess,” I say back to him and step to the side. “Come in.”
Donnie waltzes through my doorway and looks around the apartment. “You’ve got a pretty nice place here.”
“Thanks, I moved in last year. Do you want something to drink?”
Donnie shakes his head. “I’m not here for drinks.” He looks me up and down, and I can see him breathing heavily as he does so. He’s getting excited already.
Okay, this is it. I’m actually going to sleep with him, with some stranger I met online not that long ago. This is probably stupid, but he’s already here, and I really want to do it. That’s what it all boils down to in the end.
