Nick was more than right though, I needed this job. So I stayed. Nick looked at me blankly, as if the highly illegal gathering of information was completely acceptable.

  “No, I didn’t read your medical records Sarah.” He replied, his voice cold and crisp. His eyes narrowed considerably and now I wasn’t sure how he thought he knew anything.

  “I’m sorry.” I mumbled.

  “Don’t be sorry, Sarah. I didn’t mean to frighten you. Your school records, which I did attain, piqued my interest. A clever girl, with one of the highest GPA’s left school on her 18th birthday, without attending graduation. It was noted on your file that you were a quiet student, one who knuckles down. No extracurricular activities however, and in 10th grade you missed an entire month of school.”

  I shifted my feet around the floor and moved backwards a little toward the door. I wanted to escape, I wasn’t comfortable with anyone knowing my traumatic past, when all I wanted to do was leave it behind.

  “I’m not sure what you think that tells you Mr Jackson? Perhaps that I’m unmotivated, which begs the question of why you’d hire me.” I spat out without thinking.

  “Miss Jenkins, it tells me that I needed to know more. Your records reminded me of my own at the same age.”

  “Right, so this whole ‘you remind me of me’ thing is because you think you know me, because you don’t.” He had no idea who I was, or what I had been through, as much as he liked to think he did.

  Nick stood up again and walked over to the filing cabinet. He opened it and pulled out a file.

  “Read this,” He said chucking the file on his desk. Reluctantly I walked back to the desk and sat down on the cushy chair. My fingers grasped at the file, It was emblazoned with my name.

  “I don’t usually give my employees records to them to peruse. I research my potential employees to save my own butt Sarah. I worked incredibly hard to get where I am and its important the people I employ meet my expectations.”

  I opened the file and immediately saw my application form and my high school records. What surprised me in the file was something I hadn’t expected. Something that shocked me to my core.

  “You got hold of the crime report from my mothers death?” I replied confused. I’d not seen the report myself, and I looked away from the file, almost afraid to delve back in to that memory, when I'd already let myself think about my past far to much today.

  “I have friends in high places. Read the report Sarah.”

  “I don’t think I can.” I replied the ever persistent knot returned to my throat, only this time I couldn’t swallow it back down. I looked back down at the file none the less, and gazed over the words.

  I felt sick reading about that night. I’d been far too young to remember such intricate details. Everything I read, was what my father had said had happened. What surprised me was the fact in the report the cops suspected my father, but through lack of evidence were forced to close the case.

  “They suspected he was involved.” I mumbled, something in my head clicked and I was transported back to that night through my memories.

  My seven year old self had been playing with my dolls one evening after dinner, dressing them and feeding them.

  “Mommy!!” I called in a loud voice, usually she’d reply with her beautiful silky voice and walk in. She loved me more than anything else and I knew it. This time the air was silent and she didn’t reply. I’d put my dolls down, certain she must be playing hide and go seek like we did sometimes. I hunted around the house, before I heard muffled noises in the bathroom. I peeked through the door handle and saw my mother on the ground. She looked as though she were sleeping, and I pushed open the door to give her a snugly hug, like we did sometimes when we slept, or took naps.

  “Sarah! Get out!” My father had yelled, pure evil in his eyes. He had a bottle in one hand and a lid in the other.

  “Daddy, Mommy is sleeping I want cuddles,” I said softly with a smile.

  He laughed, but it didn't seem like a happy laugh, and then tapped my mom’s body with his toes.

  “Mommy isn’t sleeping, Mommy is very very sick. Now go to bed.”

  I bent down and kissed my mother on the head, she was warm, but I couldn’t feel hear the soft sound of her breath like I normally could.

  “Shouldn’t you call an ambulance Daddy!” I yelled, unwilling to leave my mothers side. Everything was blank after that, and not because I’d blocked it out, But because he’d given me something. A 'Happy' tablet he’d called it. When I woke my mother was gone, the ambulance and police had been. My nightmare had only just began. It was easier to believe his words, than remember what I had seen and felt.

  I shook my head, bringing myself back to reality. It was a struggle to hold back my tears, but I managed. I couldn’t let Nick see me lose it.

  “He did it,” I croaked. “I should have said something. I should have fought harder.”

  “You were 7 Sarah, don’t be too hard on yourself.” Nick soothed, but his voice was strained. He placed a glass of water in front of me.

  “You don’t know the horrors I’ve dealt with Mr Jackson.” I replied without thinking, I closed the file and placed it back down. I had to get out of here now, before I lost it completely and turned into a blithering mess. I’d not expected my first day of work to incorporate so much drama.

  I looked up at Nick and he furrowed his eyebrows, his lips formed a thin line and his eyes become dark and angry, he sat back down.

  “I can imagine Sarah. I’m going to let Julie know that you are heading home early today under my instructions. You can come back tomorrow and we’ll pretend today didn’t happen alright?” Nick suggested softly, as he sat on the edge of his desk, facing me. I found myself nodding in agreement, although the kisses we’d shared had rocked and shocked me, today had been an extreme emotional roller coaster for other reasons too and wiping it away sounded incredibly appealing.

  “Great, I’ll call her now, and then I will give you a lift home.”

  “Oh No, I’ll catch the bus it’s reall-” I began, Nick cut me off before I could finish by raising his hand and shaking his head, he looked sternly at me then pursed his lips.

  “No, you won’t. Do you need anything from your cubicle?” Nick asked. “I will get Janie to run and grab it.”

  “Just my wallet.” I replied.

  Nick called both Julie and Janie and then grabbed his car keys from out of his desk.

  “Where are you staying?”

  “Sunset Vista, its in Compton.” I whispered, embarrassed. I’d not been in LA long, but even I knew that where I was in compton, was not nice.

  “A motel?” Nick replied as though he were asking a question, I looked up and his eyebrows were raised.

  “Desperate times, desperate measures. I plan to find a place after my first pay check comes in.” I offered, pretending I wasn’t bothered by my 'humble abode'.

  Before Nick could say anything else, Janie buzzed that she had my wallet. Nick ushered me out and I took my wallet from Janie. She looked me up and down again, only this time I she smiled. Completely confused I smiled back and walked behind Nick out of the office, and back toward that stupid elevator.

  “I think I might take the stairs.” I groaned.

  “24 flights?” Nick laughed, pressing the button

  I swallowed hard and when the elevator doors opened I closed my eyes and stepped inside. Surprisingly I didn’t feel the anxiety I normally did upon entering an elevator, I didn't think of the kiss in that moment either. I just concentrated on regaining my composure.

  We didn’t speak the entire way down, and while it was slightly awkward, it was preferable. The way today had gone I was seriously contemplating not returning tomorrow. When we got to the basement parking level I followed Nick out of the elevator. He headed towards a black Nissan Skyline, it was a stunning car, clearly modded out as much as it could be. Nick pulled his keys from his pocket and the deactivation alarm sounded.

  “Nice wheels,” I said, trailing my fingers along the paint work as I walked alongside to the passengers door.

  “Thanks. Hop in.”

  I opened the door and slid into the plush royal blue and black leather seats. I pulled my seat belt across and clipped it in. It occurred to me as Nick started up the beast of a car, that until now, I’d only ever been in the beat up Honda my father owned.

  We drove out of the basement and out on to the road.

  I didn’t attempt to make small talk, although a thirty minute drive had me thinking that at some point one of us was going to speak. I needn’t have worried however, because Nick’s phone began to ring. He answered using hands free, but picked his earphone up and shoved it over his ear.

  “Hey Amelia,” He said, his voice tense.

  “No, I told you, I just had a Skype meeting today. I’ve got some errands to run and then I’ll be back at my place. We can talk then.” Now he just sounded plain angry.

  “It’s a two way street Amelia. I tried calling last night to discuss that, you were out.”

  I felt guilty listening to his conversation, so looked out the window and attempted to distract myself with the scenery of LA.

  “Sorry about that.” Nick said after a few more minutes, as he threw the earphone clip in the back seat.

  “It’s fine. I’m the one imposing on your time remember.” I noted softly.

  “You’re not imposing at all, besides I all but forced you to come Sarah.”

  We got to Compton sometime later, and Nick pulled up along side the motel.

  “I’m not sure I feel comfortable leaving you here,” Nick said, turning the ignition off, he gazed out the window and sighed deeply.

  “Why do you care so much Mr Jackson? Am I like a new project. Someone to save?” I replied, genuinely curious. “Is that why you kissed me? Because you felt sorry for me?” I added, regretting the words the minute they left my mouth.

  Nick stopped looking out the window and turned his head to me. His face was a mixture of shocked and amused. He undone his seat belt and pulled his keys out of the ignition.

  “It’s Nick… and we’ll talk over coffee?” He suggested with a smile.

  “Fine,” I shot back, agreeing only because I wanted answers. I opened the car door and hopped out.

  Nick followed me to my room. I unlocked the door and he walked in behind me. He gasped audibly and I imagined it was because the place was a complete dive. The kitchenette was atrocious, and he’d just subjected himself to a coffee from here. I laughed to hide my embarrassment as I flipped the jug on.

  “I obviously only have instant,” I remarked, grabbing my only two mugs from the dish rack.

  “That’s fine, I drink my coffee black with two sugars.”

  “So do I.” I replied with a smile.

  Once the coffees were made, Nick and I sat in my lounge/bedroom/dining room. I sat on the corner of my bed, and he sat at my dinky, broken fold out table.

  “This place is a dump.” He said finally, his eyes moved around the room, taking in the decor.

  “It’s better than back home.” I said as I shrugged my shoulders.

  Nick nodded gently, and looked over at me.

  “I promised to answers questions.” He conceded.

  “you did.”

  “Alright well, first of all, I care because I’d have to be made of ice not to. When doing regular checks on a possible staff member, I came across your story and it struck a chord with me. I have my own demons Sarah, and I empathized with you. I told Julie to give you the job because I knew you needed it and because your excellent school records told me you’d do a good job. You're not a project or someone to save, and I am sorry if it comes across that way.” Nick finished talking and took a sip of his coffee.

  "So I got the job partly because you felt sorry for me, and partly because I have enough brains to turn on a computer?” I scoffed. I drained my coffee, then stood up and placed the cup on the bench. I heard nick let out a chuckle.

  “Excels in English, Music, Photography and shows promise in Drama and Dance,” He recited. “Pretty sure all those things make you an ideal employee for a talent agency.”

  I shrugged as walked back to the bed, and sat down.

  “I can’t answer your last question Sarah. I don’t know what came over me in the lift. Or in my office. I don’t behave like that. It wasn’t cos I feel sorry for you,” Nick stopped and frowned. “I guess I just miss my fiancee.” he exclaimed, he spoke with confidence, but his icy blue eyes seemed confused.

  Being a mistake was one thing, but being a stand in was quite another. I tried not to show my disappointment, but I wasn't sure I succeeded. Some of these feelings were still new to me, and I didn't know how to process them yet.

  “What a player,” I remarked finally, as I clicked my tongue, I looked up at Nick with a smirk, but was surprised to see him frowning. He looked up at me, sadness in his eyes.

  “I’m not a player.” He replied, his tone short, and cold.

  “Really? Hmm let me recount. You have your pick, literally of any woman in the world, and you pick one of the more up close gorgeous girls in the universe. Granted, that doesn’t make you a player. What makes you a player is randomly passionately kissing a girl in and elevator, whispering sweet nothings in her ear. A girl who is average on the eye, and is no comparison for your fiancee,” I mocked, a small laugh followed.

  Nick’s eyes narrowed and darkened, the confusion drained away. He looked angry, as if he might throw the coffee cup against the wall even. My heart rate quickened for a moment, but slowed again once I realized that Nick wasn’t my father. I breathed deeply, and left my eyes on Nicks.

  “You’re a mouthy little thing.” He warned, as he stood and walked to the kitchenette. He placed the cup down and stood there for a few seconds.

  “18 years of having to be silent means I had plenty of time to build up my sarcasm and contempt.” I replied without skipping a beat.

  “What I did today was wrong Sarah, I admit that. Don’t sell yourself short though. You’re a beautiful girl. There isn’t anything average about you.” Nick said. “In saying all I have… You know I’m not leaving you here right.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “Mr Jackson, I have no where else to go, and my savings are basically depleted. I have to stay here till at least next Wednesday, I’m all paid up.”

  Nick looked down at me, and then around my room one last time. I could tell he wasn’t planning on giving up. He crossed his arms across his chest, then looked down at me again, there was a glint in his eyes, and a smile crossed his face.

  “It’s Nick, and It’s fine. You’ll stay at my place until you find something.” he said finally, as if it were a perfectly acceptable arrangement.

  I screwed my face up and shook my head. Was he crazy? After all that had happened today, I couldn’t think of a worse idea.

  “You’re kidding right?”

  “I know it isn’t ideal Sarah, but I’m not leaving you here,” Nick replied, his voice had returned to the serious ‘I’m not messing around’ tone and He eyeballed me “So pack up your things.”

  It was a battle of wills, we looked at each other, saying nothing. Sooner or later one of us would have to concede. But I wasn’t about to go down without a fight.

  “You’d do this for all of your employees Mr Jackson? Or just the ones you act inappropriately with.” I said sweetly, accompanying it with an innocent smile. He didn’t react the way I’d expected however, instead he smiled back and then laughed softly.

  “It’s Nick, and I don’t have anything else to compare it too, but yes I would do this for any of my employees should they find themselves in a position of needing help.”

  I frowned, annoyed that my attempt at warning him off and making him feel guilty for the suggestion was a failure. Now my plan of abandoning the job really was thrown out the window. It was clear he wasn’t leaving until I’d agreed to leave this horrid place, leaving me little choice but to accept his offer. I sighed overly loud, like a immature and stroppy school girl then stood up.

  I felt stupid pulling my suitcase from the closet, it literally held everything I owned, apart from the clothes I was wearing. I’d always been afraid to leave my toiletries in the small, disgusting excuse for a bathroom in case the room was broken in to, or everything turned moldy, So I had packed everything away every morning.

  “Fine. Lets go.” I groaned as I hauled my suitcase toward the door.

  Nick took my suitcase from me and carried it as we headed to the reception to hand the key in. As we passed through the courtyard, there was a beat up and broken fountain filled with slimy green water, the smell coming off of it was ghastly. I hadn't noticed it before, probably because I didn't want to see this place for what it really was. A cesspit.

  We walked into the reception and the decor in the building wasn’t any better than it had been in my bedroom. It was in great need of a dust and the light fittings were all chipped and cracked. Behind the counter stood a middle aged man, George, who was around my fathers age. He’d freaked me out when I’d first checked in, talking about all the 'hot young teenagers' that frequent his motel over summer because it’s cheap and they can afford more fun that way. He wore a dirty plaid shirt that was unbuttoned, with a sweaty white t-shirt underneath.

  “Uh, Sarah, how can I help.” He spluttered, opening up his log book.

  “I’d like to hand my key in please.” I replied.

  His eyes narrowed and his lips curled slightly, he looked to the left of me where Nick stood and gazed at him up and down.

  “You’re that bozo that was on the news last night. The one that was named top young business person or some shit.” George said, his voice slightly shocked. Nick just nodded, and smiled.

  “I see.. found yourself a sugar daddy huh?” George said, laughing haughtily. “But aren’t you engaged to that beautiful model… why have this thing, when you have her?”

  Nick placed my suitcase down and placed both of his hands calmly on the dusty counter.

  “Can you please process Sarah's paperwork so I can get her the fuck out of this establishment.” Nick warned, his voice low. He said 'establishment' dryly, alluding to the fact he regarded the place as something not habitable for even the rats I'd hear scuttle around at night. I smiled at his calm but forceful words, my body filled with a weird kind of admiration. He turned and looked at me, then let his face melt from anger to a smile that mirrored mine.

 

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