The Boy Who Has No Faith (Soulless 5)

“I couldn’t agree more. The offer is $250,000.”

I couldn’t keep my cool when I heard that number. My jaw immediately slackened, and I paused as I stared at her, unsure if I’d heard that right. “Like…for the length of the contract?”

“Annually.”

I made $70,000 a year at my job, and it was enough for me to get by and support my family. But money was tight most of the time, and getting a coffee at Starbucks on a daily basis was simply out of the question. What she mentioned was nearly four times what I made right now. That could change my life…dramatically. “Uh…that’s really generous.”

“And of course, raises are always a possibility.”

Jesus, did Cleo make that much? She was in designer clothing, and the rock on her left hand made me a little envious. I almost took the job on the spot. But then pragmatism kicked in, and I realized I needed to think this through. “I’m really flattered by the offer, but I’m the breadwinner of my family, and I can’t take this risk unless it’s guaranteed. Mr. Hamilton is…aggressive sometimes. He might hate me one day and fire me on the spot. I support my parents, so I can’t afford to lose my job unexpectedly.”

“The first year is guaranteed. Whatever happens, you walk away with that salary.”

I was surprised once again.

“And yes, I’ll get that to you in writing.”

I had no idea what to say. I didn’t realize Derek Hamilton thought I could be that useful to him. He was offering me a great salary with no risk…and it didn’t even seem like he liked me. “Then…I’ll take it. But I honestly don’t know the ins and outs of being someone’s assistant.”

“I’ll help you. I know all the right people. But I really believe you have the right intuition to read the situation and help him in the best way possible, and that’s something most people can’t say. So, when can you start?”

“Uh…I need to put in my two-week notice. So…two weeks.”

“Great.”

When I left my meeting with Cleo, I texted Derek.

I know we’ve had our differences, but I’m very flattered that you think I could be of service to you. Your offer was extremely generous, and I’m excited to help you in whatever way I can. Talk to you soon.

And in typical Derek fashion, he didn’t text back.

Nine

Derek

I was working at my dining table when my phone vibrated with a text. It was from Emerson.

I know we’ve had our differences, but I’m very flattered that you think I could be of service to you. Your offer was extremely generous, and I’m excited to help you in whatever way I can. Talk to you soon.

“What the fuck…?”

A knock sounded on my door.

It must be her, to explain what the hell she was talking about. I didn’t put on a shirt and answered the door, expecting to see Emerson on the other side.

But it was Mom.

It took me a few seconds to process her face. “Hey…Mom.” My brain was frazzled right now. I continued to see calculations flash across my vision because my mind was still at the dining table, working out the specifics on the landing module. I could see Emerson’s words on top of that. And I was looking at my mother at the same time, unsure where to place her because she seemed unrelated to everything else. “Sorry, I didn’t expect you.”

“Everything okay?” She came inside and gave me a quick hug.

My arm hugged her back, but I was still out of it, so it wasn’t as affectionate as I usually was. I shut the door behind her and turned to her. “Mom, I hate to be rude, but it’s not the best time right now.”

“Get a weird message from Emerson?”

My eyes narrowed. “Yes…actually.”

She nodded to the couch. “Let’s sit and talk.” She took a seat, in a black pencil skirt and a white blouse. On her left hand was the diamond ring I’d given her when I was six years old.

I took the seat across from her, forgetting that I was nearly naked in just my sweatpants.

She crossed her legs and rested her hands together on her knee. She was tentative, not smiling like her usual self. “I just had coffee with her…because I asked her to be your full-time personal assistant.”

My entire body tightened at her announcement. I would normally make a few harsh remarks in retaliation to her inappropriate actions, but since she was my mom, I had to force my mouth shut and take a breath before I spoke. “Why would you do that?”

“Because you need someone to help you, Derek. You can’t do everything on your own.”

“I’ve been doing everyone on my own until this point, and I’ve been just fine.”

“Think about how much more time you would have if someone was doing everything for you.”