Page 16 of Find Me

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Eight Weeks Later

The sidewalk is busy as I make my way uptown, the buildings slowly become more elegant the further I get from my place. My breathing is heavy as I walk quickly to keep up with the flow of pedestrians, all in a hurry to get somewhere. Rhett and I have continued to see each other over the past couple of months, and I quickly forgave him for hiding the drugs in my joint. A part of me didn’t want to risk causing a scene, worried he would stop spending time with me, the loneliness of being out of contact with my family, specifically Garrett, starting to weigh on me. I wish I could say that I never used any other drugs he offered me, but I quickly fell into a pattern of relieving my stress with whatever he had on hand, whether trying to wake myself up for work or calm down at the end of the night. I realized quickly that Rhett was true to his word, never leading me astray and only giving me what he knew I could handle.

Filling my days with Rhett has shown me how lonely I’ve become, and a part of me hates the fact that I find myself counting down the hours until his next visit, wanting something to fill the silence in my apartment. But what I hate even more is how easy it is for him to impress me, a coffee or bouquet of flowers feeling like grand gestures of affection, and how dependent on him I have become.

I can’t pinpoint when I started to feel so lonely, when a void appeared in my life that only Rhett’s company could fill. All I know is that I like spending time with him, finally feeling as though someone wants to get to know me, and I love the ecstasy I feel while riding our highs together.

My phone buzzes, and I see a message from Sam. I move to the edge of the sidewalk, slowing my steps to text her back.

Sam: Heat tonight?

Me: Sorry, can’t tonight.

Sam: Are you working again?

Me: Nah, but don’t have the money to come out anyway.

Sam: Movie at yours?

Me: I wish we could, I’m out right now and not sure when I’ll be home.

Sam: Come on Evi, I barely see you anymore!

Me: We’ll make plans for another day, I promise!

Sam: Okayyyy but let me know if you change your mind. Miss you!!

Me: Miss you too xx

I look up, waiting for a car to turn before jogging across the street. I can’t help but notice an Italian restaurant my family used to eat at regularly. A flash of longing zaps through me as I miss being included in the family dinners I used to hate, missing Garrett, and watching my other brothers banter back and forth. My parents would love Rhett. And maybe that should be a red flag, I snort to myself. He would fit into their old money world like a missing puzzle piece, checking all the boxes of who they expect me to settle down with one day. My parents would melt if they heard who his family is, with a bank account that would put their wealth to shame. Rhett has quickly learned how to make me feel special, showering me with attention that keeps me coming back for more and helps me ignore the comments he makes, some of which cause me to question his intentions. Even though he treats me well, there’s something about him that I just can’t put my finger on, a look that flickers behind his eyes when he’s had one too many drinks or is encouraging me to live outside of my comfort zone. I don’t know what it means, but I know we spend so much time together that I’m sure to figure him out eventually.

My steps slow and I stop outside of an ornate building, the doorman pulling the door open for me as I approach. White marble glimmers throughout the foyer, and my running shoes feel out of place tapping against the impressive floor. I walk to the gold elevators, and the operator grants me access to the top floor after double-checking the guest list. A moment later, I knock on the front door to the penthouse, waiting as I hear footsteps approach from within. The door opens suddenly, and Rhett flashes me a smile.

“Hey, babe,” he drawls, ushering me inside.

My breath always catches at the expanse of his home. While I was no stranger to fine living, given that my parents acquired a lot of money during my childhood, Rhett and his family are made of money. There’s no color within his apartment, only black and gold staring back at me. I look around, taking in a gorgeous gold and crystal chandelier hanging from the black decorative ceiling, a new addition since my last visit.

I take my shoes off by the door, not wanting to risk tracking the dirt from the city into his impeccable place.

“I still can’t believe this is where you live…” I say, trailing off.

“It’s alright,” he says, following my gaze to the chandelier. “You texted me saying you want to talk, what’s up?” he asks quizzically.

Embarrassment floods through me as our eyes meet, and it takes all my self-control not to bolt out the door in shame.

“Look, I don’t want to ask this of you, but you know that offer you made a while ago… to… help me?”

He cocks an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“You were right…” I start as shame-coated bile rises in my throat. “I’m behind on every bill I have and I’m just not making enough. Being so far behind on bills has made things more difficult than I anticipated… I hate to ask this, but I just need a little bit to tie me over for a few months and I’ll pay you back as soon as I can… if the offer still stands.” I blurt out quickly, laying my cards on the table before humiliation sweeps me away.

He smiles. “Well, well, well,” he says, walking over to the leather couch, gesturing me to follow. He sits down, leaning back comfortably, his legs spread wide, as I stand in front of him, waiting for him to talk. There’s a devilish grin on his face and a foreboding sparkle in his eyes.

I try to ignore the turbulence within myself, the push and pull of needing more money mixed with the shame of asking for help.

“I figured it would only be a matter of time before you admitted you needed something I had, but you held out longer than I thought you would, Evi.” He lets out a chuckle. “How much money do you need?”

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