Chapter 12
Harlow
Themorningsunbroke through the gap in the curtain, the warmth heating up my face and irritating my eyes. I whined as I cupped my head, a pounding headache reminding me of last night’s alcoholic adventures.
I moaned as I buried my head into the sheets, trying to get away from the light for a minute. As I inhaled, unfamiliar smells hit me and I frowned. Why did my sheets smell like spice and wood?
I could hear banging from outside the room and I lifted my head, staring at the blue sheets in confusion before a flood of memories hit me.
Oh fuck.
Dex.
Literally. I fucked Dex.
I shot up and looked around wildly, finding myself alone in the room but clear evidence of the mess I had made. My clothes were still scattered across the floor, the bed sheets were crumpled and I could feel myself in need of a shower particularly in between my legs.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I whispered to myself, quickly scooping up my undergarments and dress. I slipped the latter on, not bothering with my underwear as I quietly exited the room.
The apartment was quiet, despite the banging I had heard not long ago. I tiptoed across the floor, making my way to my room when Dex walked out of the kitchen, stopping as he caught sight of me.
“Hi,” I breathed out, my bra and underwear in my arms.
Dex’s green eyes surveyed them in my hands before looking back up at my face.
“Harlow,” he muttered, his face blank.
I ignored the ache in my chest at his distant composure.
Dex had showered, his dark brown hair damp. His jeans and loose fitting t-shirt looked good but it was the coffee in his hands that was calling my name.
I threw him a cautious smile. “I’m going to go shower.”
Moving past him, I slowly made my way to my bedroom so I could grab more clothes. As I grabbed the handle, Dex’s voice called out.
“We can’t do that again. It was a mistake.”
Hurt shot through me as the hope I had so desperately clung to died with his words. I was stupid to think that this would mean anything. We were both drunk, caught up in the heat of the moment. Fuck, he had even reiterated that he hated me last night, so I was the idiot for thinking that things could be different.
I didn’t respond, letting the silence fall between us as I quickly opened my door and disappeared into my room, closing it behind me like a protective barrier.
Tears threatened to fall as I took deep breaths, small encouraging words racing in my mind. I was desperate to believe them but the usual self-doubt had already been planted.
It was a mistake. I was a mistake.
I took my time gathering my clothes, and when I finally emerged from my room, Dex was nowhere to be seen. His bedroom door was shut so I wasn’t sure if he was in there or had left but either way I appreciated the moment to hide away from prying eyes as I made my way to the bathroom.
The hot water of the shower scolded my skin but I couldn’t feel it. As usual, the emotional pain masked any physical one as I replayed his words over and over in my mind.
I spent the rest of the weekend holed up in my room. Outside in the apartment I heard Dex coming and going all weekend, and even the voices of others as he caught up with friends.
A few times I thought I heard him stop outside my door, but there were no knocks or voices. Just silence as we processed the clusterfuck we found ourselves in.
For once, I didn’t feel hungry. My UberEats app remained untouched and I took comfort in the fact that I was at least saving money by not eating.
See, Dr. Thomas – I could be fucking optimistic instead of using humor.
When I woke on Monday, I felt a feeling of eternal dread. I had a meeting with Lauren fucking King.
This was it. The absolute end.
I was going to lose dad’s legacy.
I was out of time, out of options. All I could do is try to see the positivity that at least financially I didn’t have to worry about the gambling debts, but it still didn’t help since I no longer had a job to earn income anyway.
My bank account was looking scarce and rent was going to be due shortly. I couldn’t afford to pay it. I would need to try to find another job as soon as possible.
Climbing out of bed, I groaned as my surroundings spun. Restless nights and lack of food was starting to do a number on me. I blinked away the blur, reaching for my jeans and hoodie as I slowly got dressed. I could already notice a little leeway in my clothes as I tugged them on.
Grabbing my phone and keys, I slipped my shoes on and headed out, looking around cautiously at the empty apartment. There was no sign of Dex again and I quickly made my way to the elevator, just in case.
The trip to Lauren King’s office was short. It was one of those times where it felt like it took forever, yet no time at all. Her perfectly slick floors made me nauseous and my fingers hurt as I chewed them anxiously, ignoring the stares and smirks from passing people.
I heard the familiar clicking of heels and I stood without being addressed, meeting Lauren before she had even fully stepped foot into the reception.
“Harlow,” she greeted in a smooth voice, her hand gesturing to the hall like I was on an episode of ′The Price is Right’. I stepped around her, leading the way to the office that I was way too familiar with for a 26 year old. My ass was in the chair before she had even reached the doorway.
Lauren cleared her throat, taking a seat in her leather chair as she looked at me with a forced smile.
“I’m truly sorry it’s come to this,” she said.
I rolled my eyes, uncaring at this point. “I’m sure you are Lauren. You get your cut either way, right? Who cares what happens to the innocent ones. As usual, the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. But that’s just the way of the world, isn’t it?”
She pursed her lips, surprise across her face as she reached for the pre-prepared paperwork. “We’ll make this nice and simple for you. You won’t need to do anything other than sign. We will do the hard yards for the transfer and sale, including clearance of the creditor debts.”
“How fucking generous,” I muttered under my breath but I’m sure she heard it. I grabbed the pen from the stationery container, squiggling on the dotted line above my printed name. I shoved the paperwork back at her as she made quick work to catch it.
“Harlow, please. Don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be. We’re not against you.”
I stood up, crossing my arms as I stared down at her.
“Well you sure as shit aren’t with me either.”