Page 128 of More Than Pen Pals

What is his deal? “Or else what?”

“Or else I fire them, disinherit them, and kick Ashley out of my home. That’s what.”

All the oxygen exits my lungs, leaving me with little ability to respond with a weak, “You can’t do that.”

“I can and I will. I will not allow some little strumpet from Arkansas, of all places, to ruin my family legacy.”

I want to tell him Ash doesn’t want his legacy, but it’s not my place to do so.

“I will also ensure you never work in this city again.”

Does he have the ability to make that happen?

He crosses his arms in front of his chest. “Do you agree to what I said?”

My mind is swirling so much I’m uncertain what he wants me to agree to, but whatever it is, I guarantee I do not agree, so I say nothing.

“I’ll take your silence as a yes. And you will not say a word to anyone about this conversation.” He turns on his heel and strides away.

Once he’s out of my sight, I lean against the wall and gasp for breath. I can’t return to the table, but I also can’t let Randall wonder what happened to me. Thankfully, the bathrooms are near the entrance to the restaurant, so they won’t see me leave. I ask the hostess to relay a message to Randall that I’m not feeling well and am leaving. Then I rush outside. I shiver in the cold night air, but I can’t chance going back in for my coat.

Now I need to figure out how to get home on my own. I don’t know the bus routes up here, so that’s not an option. Not that I’m in the mood for the bus, but I’m not sure I have enough money for a cab. At that moment, a taxi pulls up and lets a young couple out at the door, and I slip into the backseat before I can talk myself out of it. I give the driver my address, hoping there’s enough cash in my wallet to cover the fare. As we drive away, I turn and look back at the front of the restaurant in time to see Randall run out. I duck my head so he won’t see me. I’m in no state to talk to him if he tries to wave us down.

Then I let the tears flow freely. I don’t know what I’m going to do. Although I already know Ash can deal with being fired, disinherited, and kicked out of his home, I don’t know if the same is true for Randall. I don’t want to be the catalyst for any of those things happening to Ash, either.

My thoughts run in circles all the way home.

It turns out I have exactly enough money to pay the driver, and I drag myself upstairs to my apartment. When I open the door, Shannon is sitting in the easy chair, cocooned in the sleeping bag.

“What’s going on?” we ask at the same time.

He attempts to stand up, but he gets tangled in the sleeping bag and slides to the floor.

I rush over to help him. “Why’s it so cold in here?”

“I heard some people in the hall saying the boiler’s not working right, but they think it should be fixed by morning,” he says as he slithers out of the bag. “I’ve made us a reservation at a hotel a few blocks away. Pack up your stuff, and let’s get out of here. Then I want to know why you’re so upset and are already home. Something tells me we’re going to need time and warmth for that conversation.”

I quickly change my clothes and throw my toiletries and pajamas into a duffel bag. Then my brother puts my heavy coat on me, takes me by the hand, and walks me to the hotel.

sixty-two

I’m lying on Randall’s couch watching TV when he rushes through the door. I’ve never seen him look so frantic, and I sit up in alarm.

“What happened?” I demand. He shouldn’t be home yet.

“She’s gone.” His chest heaves as he gulps in air.

My heart moves into my throat, and I leap to my feet. “What do you mean she’s gone?”

He tries to sit, but I grab the front of his shirt and haul him back up to face me.

“Where is Leslie?” I grit out.

“I don’t know. Dad was there, and he was awful, and then she went to the bathroom, and then he said he was going outside to get some air, and then we got a message from the hostess that Leslie was sick and she left.”

“You didn’t go after her?” I shake him a bit.

“I did. Ash, please let me go.” Randall wraps his hands around my wrists, and I loosen my grip on his shirt.

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