On the Plus Side

Page 26

That night I managed to get some sleep thanks to the few beers I drank while out with the girls.
Soon, it was Tuesday and I had pretty much forgotten about Devin. I was planning on spending my wonderful day working at the store. I had this whole “rearrange the store” day planned. The store was in need of a mini makeover, plus it was time to start putting out seasonal stuff.
Since today was Shannon’s day off, I’d have the entire store to myself.  Even though I wasn’t supposed to I turned the radio station to something that wasn’t boring and then sang softly to myself as I decorated the store.
I was standing on the stepping stool behind the counter putting up the fall decorations when the little bell on the front door opened. I turned to see who it was before getting down and lost my balance when I saw Devin staring back at me.
Ten
Dr. Devin
It had been four days since I’d talked to Lilly.
Did I feel bad about it? Yes.
Was it the right decision? Hell yes.
She’s a good girl and she didn’t deserve to be manipulated. We needed that money something serious, but I didn’t have it in me to do what Mrs. Rich Bitch was asking me to do, not to Lilly. Caring about someone else’s feelings wasn’t really my thing, but doing that to her was the equivalent of kicking a kitten. I hate cats, but I’m not that much of a bastard.
I finished up an oil change and then went over the books for the garage. It was bad…really bad. It wouldn’t be long before we’d be packing up everything and living on the streets.
I sensed the evil in the room before I looked up and saw the she-devil herself standing in the middle of the garage. By her expression you would’ve thought we were standing in a pile of dead animals and maggots. I pushed myself away from the broken-down metal desk and walked over to her.
“What can I do for you?” I asked.
I didn’t want to seem too familiar with her in case Dad popped up outside.
“Oh, you’ve done quite well already. I’m just here to give you your first installment. A deal’s a deal, right?” She held out a check and from afar I could see the long line of zeros.
I shook the bad thoughts out of my head and mentally flicked the little asshole devil from my right shoulder.
“I don’t want that. I’m not doing it.”
I saw raw anger flicker in her gaze before she quickly plastered a false smile on her thin lips that never reached her eyes.
“What do you mean you’re not doing it?”
“She’s a nice girl and I don’t feel right about it, OK?”  I turned to walk away before the check could draw me any nearer. It was a like a tractor beam pulling on my back.
“I talked to Mr. Schaefer the other day, you remember him, don’t you? He was the man that had you arrested. He’s agreed to help you as long as I give my word. I guess it’s true what they say…money talks.”
“Look, lady, I said I can’t do it.”
“You’re a little too close to losing everything to suddenly develop a conscious, don’t you think?” she growled. “Don’t be stupid. Take the deal I’m offering you. You’d be the most selfish man alive if you didn’t, your poor little sister and dad living on the streets when you could’ve prevented it. Trust me, I know my daughter. She’d approve if she knew how close you were to living in that thing you call a car.”
Her words attacked my brain waves and then started to seep in.  As much as I hated to admit it, she was right. I had to do this, for my family more than anything. Maybe she was also right about Lilly. She’d understand after she got over the hurt, right?
“Let’s get this over with before your father gets anymore dirt on my BMW. At least I assume that’s your father outside drowning his sorrows in that can of beer out front.”
I looked outside and she was right, my dad was out there running his grimy fingers down the side of her expensive car. He was definitely drunk. I guess he was giving up just like me, except now I refused to give up. There’s no other way. I reached out my hand to her.
“Give me the damn check,” I said dryly.
“There’s a good boy,” she smirked, before turning and walking away.
“What a bitch,” I said out loud to myself.
Two hours later I was outside of Franklin’s jewelry store again. I shook the tension out of my shoulders and checked my clothes. What the hell kind of excuse was I going to give her for not calling for four days? I reached out my hand and pushed the door open. Guess I’ll just have to wing it.