Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 30055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 150(@200wpm)___ 120(@250wpm)___ 100(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 150(@200wpm)___ 120(@250wpm)___ 100(@300wpm)
I head to the bathroom, but then I stop and look over my shoulder at him.
“There’s a stone well at my father’s estate house,” I say. “When I was a kid, it was my favorite place to read every day because it had the most beautiful red oak bench and matching canopy.”
He arches a brow.
“One day, my father tore down that bench and canopy, placing them next to our lake instead,” I say. “Then he put up ‘No Trespassing’ signs and told me the well was off limits for the rest of my life.”
I can feel my hands shaking, my mind begging me to stop the story here, but I can’t help finishing.
“He told me that some utility company had ruled that it was a hazard, but every blue moon, I’d see his men out there in the darkest hours of the night,” I say.
“And without fail, days after they left, a nauseating odor would drift from that well for weeks at a time. The scent would disappear for a year, but it would always come back after another visit from his team.”
“Looking back, I think I know exactly why.”
“You’re assuming why, Scarlett…” His tone doesn’t match the look in his eyes.
“Maybe.” I shrug, opening the door. “But whatever you’re defending him from now, I guarantee he’s probably done much worse, and only one of us can actually do something about it…”
FREE AND CLEAR (ADJ):
REFERRING TO THE OWNERSHIP OF REAL PROPERTY UPON WHICH THERE IS NO LIEN, ENCUMBRANCE, RECORDED JUDGMENT OR THE RIGHT OF ANYONE TO MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST THE PROPERTY.
JAMESON
I’m not chasing after her. Ever.
I put on my clothes while she’s in the shower, letting her have the suite until check-out and simultaneously saving us from an awkward conversation that won’t get me what I want.
Well, wanted.
Putting on my shoes, I grab my wallet and circle the living room to make sure I’m not leaving anything behind.
You are. She’s in the shower.
I ignore my thoughts and focus on getting the hell out of here.
Scarlett’s purse is hanging wide open by the door, with her printed flight itinerary peeking out from the pocket.
I snap a picture of her flight code before sliding it back into place.
Then, without wasting another second, I catch the elevator and head for the valet stand downstairs.
While I’m waiting for my car, I look up at the hotel—at the top-floor windows where I had Scarlett exactly where I wanted her hours ago.
Fuck…
Against my better judgment, I take out my phone and type in her flight info. I upgrade her to first class and decide that’ll be the last thing I ever do for her.
NECESSARY INFERENCE (N.):
1) A CONCLUSION MILITATED BY REASON AND LOGIC APPLIED TO KNOWN FACTS. 2) UNAVOIDABLE MEANING.
SCARLETT
Mom
Scarlett, I’m really trying to get in touch.
We HAVE to talk about something urgent.
Where are you?
My stomach tightens as I stroll through Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport.
There’s nothing I’d love more than to call my mother and ask for advice on Jameson, to ask her to come meet me so I can cry on her shoulder before takeoff.
But I still haven’t forgiven her for slapping me, and I’ve long given up on us having a decent relationship.
The quicker I get the hell out of this city and away from everyone who’s ever hurt me here, the better.
I also need to change my phone number at some point.
Dad
I need to talk to you.
I’ll call in thirty minutes, and you’ll answer.
Confirm. Now.
My blood runs cold at my father’s messages.
Out of habit and fear, I begin typing, “Yes. Confirm,” but I suddenly stop. Then I delete the words.
I’m beyond done with you, too…
I power off my phone and head to the bookshop that’s right ahead of me.
The only thing I have to answer to moving forward is my new life…
QUID PRO QUO (N):
LATIN FOR "SOMETHING FOR SOMETHING," TO IDENTIFY WHAT EACH PARTY TO AN AGREEMENT EXPECTS FROM THE OTHER, SOMETIMES CALLED MUTUAL CONSIDERATION.
JAMESON
Two Weeks Later
“You can start talking anytime now, Mr. Harris.” I glance at my watch before looking up at my latest client.
Dressed in a jogging suit and sunglasses, he’s been trembling in his seat for the past ten minutes. I can’t tell if it’s from nerves or excitement, but I’m seconds away from walking out on him.
“I bill by the hour, Mr. Harris.” I give him one last chance. “Especially for emergency sessions, so please tell me why you needed to see me so early this morning.”
“Yes, that would be nice.” He nods, but he doesn’t say anything else.
Okay, then. I shut my folder and stand.
“No, wait,” he says. “Please sit back down. I’m just getting a vibe on you. I’m going to pay you for every second, I swear.”
I sit back down.
“Do you have something worth losing, Mr. Tate?” he asks. “Like, family or close friends?”
“Limited family, and I have an assistant who I consider to be a great friend.”