AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Easy, Pretty Woman.
I am nothing like Julia Roberts. She relied on a rich man to save her. I think I just saved myself.
With money from a rich man.
Semantics.
I hope you’re not parked anywhere dangerous tonight.
The couch is open if you don’t want to be homeless.
Is your boy toy there?
Not tonight. He’s working.
You mean with his girlfriend?
You’re being mean tonight. The money has changed you.
I giggle to myself. The pit of anxiety in my stomach is gone, and it’s been replaced with excitement. I can’t believe I just made twenty thousand dollars.
Thanks, Geo, but I’m good tonight. Parked down by the beach, in that family campground. I’ll stay over tomorrow night. Promise.
Okay, babe. I’m glad to hear that. You need to take care of yourself. Get some sleep. Night.
Night.
When I put the phone back on the shelf, I feel a little bad again. I lied about staying at the family campground. I’m in a city parking lot downtown, close to the club. For some reason, I think that if I lie about how great my life is, then I’m somehow manipulating it to be better, but it’s not. It’s still the same disappointing mess it’s always been.
RULE #4: YOU CAN’T KIDNAP YOUNG WOMEN LIVING IN THEIR VANS—EVEN WITH GOOD INTENTIONS
Ronan
“Thank you, Agatha. It was delicious,” I say, setting my fork on the plate and leaning back in my chair as my housekeeper comes over to clear it from the table.
“I’m glad you liked it, Mr. Kade.” When she scoops up my plate and silverware, I catch a glimpse of her watch and grimace at the reminder that it’s well after midnight.
“I really wish you wouldn’t insist on staying so late. I’m perfectly capable of heating up my own dinner.”
She laughs on her way to the kitchen. “Oh, I like the late hours. The boys are all grown and out of the house. It gets lonely there by myself.”
“Make sure Tyson walks you to your car.”
“Of course, Mr. Kade.”
She cleans the dishes in the sink, the gentle sound of her ministrations calming my nerves as I swirl the bourbon in my glass and stare out the giant window overlooking the city. When she leaves, it will be too quiet.
I think she must know that I find comfort in hearing her work because she busies herself for longer than she needs to, wiping down counters, sweeping the floor, preparing my morning coffee so it will start brewing by seven.
“See you tomorrow, Mr. Kade,” she calls from the entryway.
“Night, Agatha. Drive safe, please.”
“I will. I promise.”
I hear the sound of her keys as she picks them up off the center table by the door.
“Oh, Mr. Kade,” she calls toward me, and I turn to her expectantly. “Eric wanted me to remind you about his benefit for the organization tomorrow.”
