CHAPTERSIX
Anne
Luckily, it was sunny and warm in Los Angeles. I could survive most of the time without electricity because of the good sunlight in my apartment. At night, I used candles and flashlights, although I was worried that I’d need new batteries soon.
I’d been looking for work, but not having much luck. I realized I couldn’t put it off any longer; I had to either accept Bran’s offer or go talk to my brother about financial help.
Both options made my gut roil. But the idea of having to deal with Bran for nine months was the worst of the two options.
I’d gone begging to my brother before. It was unpleasant, but at least I usually got help. Seeing my brother was definitely the lesser of the two evils. This time, though, I’d see if he could offer me any contacts for a job.
It took longer to drive to his house, not so much because Bel Air was a long way away, but because the closer I got, the sicker to my stomach I got.
I hated begging for help.
I hated that I couldn’t seem to find a job that could put me in the middle class, much less in the top one percent. Maybe it was time to consider moving. After all, California was one of the most expensive states to live in.
I arrived at his very modern style, eight thousand square foot home, which might have been considered small for someone of my brother’s wealth, but since it was only him and a few staff, the home had more space than he needed.
Taking a deep breath and putting on a smile, I knocked on the door. Mr. Logan, a real-life British trained butler, answered.
“Hi Mr. Logan. I came by to visit Peter.”
“Mr. Francis is out back.”
I half expected him to make me wait on the porch, but he nodded for me to follow. We walked through the large open concept home with windows overlooking the area.
“Ms. Francis to see you, sir,” Mr. Logan said when we arrived in the back.
Peter was sitting on a chaise lounge reading a magazine. He looked up at me. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Okay, so that didn’t sound so bad.
He arched a brow. “Let me guess. You’re broke again.”
My stomach turned over, but I managed to maintain my smile. “You’ve made some changes back here.”
The back of his house had an expansive deck, infinity pool, and outdoor bar. He, or his landscaping crew, added several plants and trees.
My brother watched me, setting his magazine down. “Why are you here, Anne?”
“Do I need to want something to come see my brother?”
I knew it was pathetic. Why was I pretending I was there for something other than a handout? I sat in a chair near him and sighed. “Things have taken a turn for the worse.”
“Now what?” His tone was condescending.
“I was let go from my job.” I wasn’t going to mention that my vanity was what got me fired. “I could lose my apartment if I don’t find a new one soon.”
He pursed his lips and shook his head. He wasn’t just becoming more like my father; he was even looking more like him.
“I’m not here for a handout,” I said quickly. “Maybe there’s a position at the company or maybe you know someone who is hiring.”
He smirked. “You know dad won’t let any of his contacts hire you.”
I looked down, not wanting him to see my tears.
“Especially one who can’t keep a job and is emotionally unstable.”