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She blinks. “Huh?”
“We’re not dating.”
“So … just friends?” she asks.
I shrug. “Just neighbors.”
She leans against the wall, and I don’t know if she was passing by when I walked out of the bathroom or if she was waiting for me.
“I think you two would make a cute couple.”
I shake my head. “No. It’s a bad idea.”
“Hmm … doesn’t seem that way, but if you saying that makes you feel better …” she says before smoothing a hand down her blonde hair. “Thanks for coming to my birthday dinner.”
With that, her boyfriend appears, and she leaves with him.
I walk down the hall and out the front door, in need of fresh air. I inhale deep breaths while standing on the front porch.
“How dare you step foot into my home,” Michael says, coming to my side.
He was waiting for the perfect time to pounce.
“I’m unsure of why you’re so angry about it,” I reply, trying to keep my voice as firm as I can.You don’t scare me.
He rests his elbows on the railing next to me. From the outside, we resemble two friends sharing a friendly conversation, and I hate how close he is.
“You don’t belong here. My son hanging out with you will tarnish my family’s image.”
“Your son is a big boy who can make his own decisions. Maybe you should look in the mirror and realize what a deceptive liar you are.”
He lets out an arrogant laugh. “That’s where you’re wrong, Chloe. I’m not a deceptive man. I’m a man who wants the best for the town he’s in charge of, and if I have to get rid of the people who pollute it, it’s what I’ll do.”
“I wouldn’t brag about that.”
“Oh, really?”
I stare straight ahead. “You’re afighterwho will do anything to get what he wants even if it means stepping on the less fortunate. As our mayor, maybe you should fight for them instead.”
“Life isn’t fair. Accept it. It’s a lesson you should’ve learned early, but I’m sure your single, drug-addicted mother didn’t instill it.” He cracks a smile.
I push off the railing. “Don’t talk about my mother. Don’t talk about my family. Matter of fact, don’t come near me again.”
“Chloe. No one cares about your dysfunctional family. You’re the one who stepped into my home, unwelcome. I’m well aware that you see my son as an opportunity. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, seeing as you’re trying to fuck your way into getting my son’s money.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You of all people should know how powerful I am. Remember Sam?”
I wince at the name. “Go fuck yourself, Mayor Lane.”
He laughs while I walk away.
8
Kyle
There’s a knock on my office door.
