“Shit,” I mutter when I see a reminder pop up. A few days ago, I met a couple of really sweet girls who said they might be able to offer me a job. They’d given me an address and told me to show up sometime on Saturday.
At first, I thought they just felt bad for me and were blowing smoke, but they’d even sent a text to make sure I was still coming by today. I quickly respond that I will be there. I still need a job badly. I don’t know what I’m going to do about rent for this month if I don’t find something soon. Plus, it always takes a few weeks to get your first check with a new job. Maybe I can talk my roommates into giving me some extra time, but I have a feeling they’re going to say no.
I go in search of Grant to see if he’ll give me a ride. I already promised him last night when we were in the tub I’d spend the weekend with him, but this shouldn’t take too long. I need to run home and grab clothes either way.
When I make it to the end of the hallway, I hear Grant's deep voice. It sounds like he’s on the phone. I follow the sound toward the front of the house. I see a set of double doors, one of which is open. I’m guessing it’s his office.
“Today?” I overhear him say as I draw closer. “Is this a set-up?” I pause before I reach the door. “I swear you’re always trying to get me dates.” I should make myself known, but I don’t. I can’t help but stand there and listen. I hear a ding like a text going off and Grant shuffling around. “Holy shit,” he mutters. “That’s her?” He pauses. “Yeah, I’ll definitely meet her. It looks like you know my type.” He lets out a chuckle.
A lump forms in my throat as tears fill my eyes. I turn and dart away before I get caught listening in on him. The fuck? Is he seriously setting up a date when he thinks I’m still in his bed? I’m stupid and so naïve. I allowed myself to think he was some knight in shining armor when he’s obviously not.
I make a break for it, slipping out the back door. I order a car to pick me up. More money that I don’t have to spare, but I have no choice at this point. What was I thinking? I met the man at a strip club. I can’t believe with a few sweet words I’d given him my virginity. The tears start to fall as I make my way down the long driveway as fast as I can before Grant sees that I’m gone. I’m not sure how he’s going to react.
Five minutes ago, I would have bet he would flip. But now I think he might actually be relieved. Now he doesn't have to come up with an excuse to take me home so he can go meet with this other chick. For a moment, I pause and look back toward the house. Part of me wants to march back up there and let him have it. But sadly, the truth is I’m not sure I’m strong enough. He could sweet-talk me right back into his arms, I bet.
I force myself to finish the trek down the long driveway. I groan when I see the gate, knowing I’m going to have to climb the damn thing. I make it up pretty easily but stumble on my way down, hitting my knees on the concrete. I let out a yelp, but thankfully the car I ordered pulls up just in time. I wobble over and slip inside.
The drive back to my place is torture. Each second that passes, my heart grows heavier. I didn’t think my heart could break anymore. I was so wrong.
9
GRANT
What are the fucking odds? For the past two days, my sister Faith and sister-in-law Whitney have been all over me to come down and do an interview for a new hire at Healing Homes. I knew what they were up to, so I’ve been dodging them, but I thought it would be inevitable that I’d have to meet this girl. I know once those two get their minds set on something, that there is no deterring them.
They’d set up the meeting on a Saturday, which is a day most of our family does spend time up at the facility. I was dreading going in today because I knew Faith and Whitney were trying to do some kind of hook-up with whoever this girl was with me. That they were only using the interview as an excuse to get me to meet her. When Faith called this morning, I was going to tell her today wasn’t going to work. That I was spending the weekend with Remi.