Relinquish(11)

“What the f*ck?” I ask Jayden in a hushed voice.

“You stiffed me two hundred dollars, you little bitches!”

I glare at Jayden, her eyes wide with alarm.

“You what?” I hiss.

“We needed food, Charlie!” Jayden whisper-yells. I look over at the counter, the ramen noodles and off-brand soda empty. We have no more money, not for rent or food. My stomach particularly growling for eggs and bacon is not helping any.

I tangle my hands in my hair, stressed more than I already was. “Fuck.”

“Take the fire escape,” Jayden suggests, pointing at the window and flinging the blankets off her.

My eyes light up and I scamper over to the window.

“I can hear you in there, damn it!” rumbles against the front door, along with continuous knocking.

I slide the window up and shimmy my way out, tripping from the huge-ass heels on my feet as I fall head-first out the window.

“Good luck!” Jayden whispers, pushing my leg the rest of the way out.

“Yeah, thanks.”

I make my way down the rusty metal stairs in a rush, the heels of my shoes sticking in the grates of the fire escape. After reaching the sidewalk, I take off the heels, holding them in my hand as I run with all I have.

After making it a block up, my hair sticks to my face from my sweating, and my feet burn from the brutal asphalt cutting into the bottom of them. I stop. I’ll never make it.

“You need a ride?”

Looking over out of breath, I spot Chasen in a shiny green truck.

“I don’t have any money to give you for gas,” I pant, my calves burning from my running.

Chasen slides his tongue along his bottom lip, looking out the windshield before looking back at me.

“I’m sure we can figure something out.”

I wince and raise a brow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m just saying. We’re two adults. You’re attractive, I’m attractive.” He shrugs, hanging one of his arms over the steering wheel.

I tilt my head back and look up at the sky. See, everyone wants something in return for a favor.

“I’m not having sex with you for a f*cking ride,” I sneer, eyeing him with a vengeance.

He chuckles, leans over the seat and opens the door.

“Get in. We’ll talk about it after I get you where you’re going,” he insists.

I look up the street, conflicted. I need this job. We need money like we need air or we’ll be homeless. Fuck! I peer at Chasen from under my lashes, his strong jaw and plumped lips carved into a smirk. I sigh heavily. What choice do I have?

“Fine,” I grit, climbing into the leather seat. The truck smells new, and it’s detailed to perfection. It looks expensive with all the leather and gadgets.

“Take me to the dentist’s office,” I demand, slamming the door shut.

***

“It’s 7:05. I said 7:00, remember?” Mrs. Jennings clips with a smirk, tapping the shiny watch on her wrist with a perfectly manicured nail. She’s wearing colorful scrubs, her hair in some uptight-looking hairdo. Just from the way she’s looking at me, I can tell she thinks she’s better than me.

“Please! My alarm, it—”

“I’m sorry, but the position has been filled,” she interrupts, turning away and dismissing me.

“Shit!” I yell, making the other people working eye me with concern.

I scowl at their reaction. The way their faces are twisted in disapproval, angers me.

“What the hell are you looking at?” I throw at all of them, causing them to resume what they’re doing quickly. I flip them all the middle finger and walk out of the office, rage and defeat drumming through my body. I’m not sure what the hell I’m going to do now that I’m back at square one.

“Did you get the job?” Chasen asks as I open the passenger door.

“No,” I snap. “I was late.” Snatching the heels off my aching feet, I throw them into the floorboard. I look up under my lashes, my eyes stinging with the urge to cry. “Do you think you can talk to your sister for me?”

Chasen shakes his head and twists his mouth. “It won’t do any good. She won’t listen to me,” he replies. I clench my eyes and blow out a steady breath to calm myself. That doesn’t surprise me; she looks like a total bitch.

“Can you just take me home?” I ask, opening my eyes.

He scowls and shakes his head. “No. We had a deal, job or no job.” His tone is dry and humorless.

“Are you kidding me?” I question, my mouth gaped open.

“Hardly,” he states. “Nothing in this world is free, Charlie.” I squint and nod in knowing. Ain’t that the truth. I turn my head and raise an eyebrow.

“Why me? I seriously doubt you have a hard time getting girls to mess around with.” I laugh nervously, pointing at his arms which are taut with muscle.

He shakes his head as if I’m not understanding.

“For one, we had a deal. You get a ride, I get something in return. But no, I don’t have a problem getting girls; you’re right about that. But girls around here want love and shit, and I’m not looking for anything serious. You’re hot and look fun,” he responds arrogantly.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my heart beating wildly. I know accepting his offer is wrong, but when have I ever done what’s right? I should smack him and gasp in horror. But the throb between my legs and the erect nipples against my dress have me nodding in acceptance.