AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I clear my throat and sit up straighter. It’s game time.
“Well, first off, Mr. Purcell, I want to thank you for seeing us today on such short notice, and to apologize for being behind on our rent. My father and I are very hardworking people and do our best to stay timely with our payments. However, this month has been difficult, and I’d like to request an extension, if possible.”
If I’m not mistaken, Cameron’s grinning now with amusement. It’s almost… insulting. He does his best to cover it by tracing his finger over the top of his lip.
“An extension for how long?” he asks.
I take a deep breath.
“A month?” I reply, feeling embarrassment seep in. “My father just lost his job last night, but I assure you he will find something soon. As I said, we’re very hardworking people and just need a bit of time.”
The amused expression continues to flit across Mr. Purcell’s lips. I fight the urge to narrow my eyes at this entitled asshole.
“And how do you know that your father will be able to get a new job soon? I’m not trying to patronize you, Miss Lane, but that is a possibility. Even if your father were to get a new job today, by the time he interviews, gets hired, signs his papers, trains, and officially starts, you’re looking at receiving his first paycheck in about two months’ time.”
I glare at him. This man is really starting to piss me off. I want to scream at him. I want to tell him that my father is a hardworking man with great references who will be hired immediately. But unfortunately, that’s not true. My dad is a hardworking man, but only for a matter of weeks until he loses his temper. That’s the truth.
Still trying to concoct an answer for Mr. Purcell, I gulp and open my mouth to speak, but I’m cut off by Randy’s grunt.
“Cut the shit, Mr. Purcell. Why are we playing games?”
Playing games? Oh no. My dad is going to butt in and ruin everything for us now. I shoot Randy a panicked look and raise my hand to interrupt.
“My father doesn’t know anything–” I begin, but Randy merely cuts me off again.
“Jessalyn,” he says. “Let me take over. You’re going to live with Mr. Purcell here. Just until we get enough money to cobble together rent.”
My mouth drops wide.
“What?” I snap, my attention flying back to my father. “Excuse me?”
Randy sighs and scratches behind his head like an itchy dog.
“You heard me. I called Mr. Purcell yesterday and offered you, in exchange for rent.”
My mouth literally drops open as I stare at him.
“You did what?”
My dad merely shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“How do you think we got this appointment today? You think Mr. Purcell usually talks to renters from the trailer park? No, sweetheart, I had to make a deal, and I did it. It ain’t easy to sell your daughter, but I’m lucky in this respect – you’re pretty, and Mr. Purcell is very open-minded.”
By now, I’m about to fall down from shock. My dad did what? And Cameron Purcell knew about this the entire time?
“I spoke with your father before this appointment, Jessalyn,” Mr. Purcell says in a smooth tone. “I’ve agreed to waive your father’s rent on one condition.”
My heart rate quickens.
“Oh really?” I say through gritted teeth. “And pray tell, what is that condition? That I have your babies and then … I don’t know, become your concubine?” I demand.
Cameron’s eyebrows go up.
“Would you do that? Have my children, I mean?”
I sputter, my face going red.
“This is totally crazy. Of course not! Why are we even having this conversation?”
But Cameron merely shrugs those broad shoulders.
“Just checking.”
I seethe at him.
“I’m going to kill you both,” I grind out through clenched teeth. “I’m going to be convicted for murder, but it will be worth it.”
Cameron merely sits back in his chair and smirks again.
“Your dad said you were sassy. I like it. You’ll do.”
I can’t believe this. This has got to be a joke, right? I stand up, grabbing my purse.
“Come on, Dad. We need to go. This guy is out of his mind.”
But Randy doesn’t budge. Instead, he just sits there, looking at me. There’s no remorse in my father’s eyes, but I’m not surprised. They’re full of emptiness as he looks at me.
“Come on, Randy,” I say again. “Let’s go. Now.”
But my dad merely takes out a cigarette and lights it in Cameron’s office, like he belongs there.
“Come on!” I practically scream at him. “Are you insane? This is unbelievable!”
Daddy scoffs.
“Quit your complaining, Jessalyn. Mr. Purcell here is making our lives easier.”
“Yeah, for you,” I say back to him. “But what about me?”
Mr. Purcell holds up a hand calmly.
“So long as you live with me, your father gets free rent,” he says, leaning back in his chair, as if totally unfazed by this crazy turn of events.
