Page 13 of Beautiful Desire
Georgia doesn’t bother looking at me again as she says, “For the store. Didn’t you notice them today?”
I think about it for a minute. “Well, now that you say something, yeah I did, but I didn’t know you made them.”
“Well, I do.” Her tone is drenched in utter boredom, as if talking to me pains her.
Watching her pour the yellow-ish liquid into the round containers, I huff out a breath. “That’s pretty cool. How long have you been doing that?”
Georgia pauses what she’s doing, her head lifting as she looks at me with furrowed brows. “Why are you asking me that? Do you need something?”
“I was just fucking asking,” I mutter. “That okay with you, Peach?”
Watching her face twist up with confusion, and maybe even a little annoyance, is comical. “Peach?”
“Yeah, you know, like Georgia peaches?” I snort.
“So clever.” She rolls her eyes and clicks her tongue. “Come up with that one all by yourself, like a big boy?”
“Fuck off.” I chuckle. “You know, you don’talwayshave to be such a snarky bitch.”
“As long as you’re taking up space inmyhouse, I sure as hell do. Your daddy told me to put you in your place, after all.” The smirk she gives me is full of attitude, and that, paired with her bringing up my dad, sours my mood immediately. Glancing over her shoulder at the clock on the wall, she adds fuel to the fire when she looks back at me and says, “Now, be a good boy for me and go set the table. Dinner will be ready soon.”Who does she fucking think she is?When I don’t immediately jump to obey, amusement wrinkles her forehead as her brows shoot up. “Well, what’re you waiting for? You’re dismissed. Shoo, little puppy.”
Clenching my jaw hard enough to make it pop, I turn and stride out of the room, but not before flipping her off and muttering, “The only reason I’m doing it is because I’m hungryand want to eat.Notbecause you ordered me to, like some fucking dictator.”
“Yeah, keep telling yourself that.” Georgia giggles. “And I’ll bet it also has nothing to do with you secretly enjoying being told you’re a good boy.”
“Fuck you,” I bite out, already at the end of the hallway.
She doesn’t fucking know what she’s talking about.
Grabbing my phone, I decide to hit up the hot blonde from the bookstore. A little stress relief later on tonight sounds like exactly what I need.How’s that for being a good boy?
5
Georgia
From: Georgia Astor
To: Alden St. James
Subject: Weekly Update
Good afternoon Alden,
I would first like to say, there are several things you, the parent, should’ve taught Fletcher, the child, that you clearly did not. Had you, though, we probably wouldn’t be in this predicament, and I wouldn’t have to exchange these ridiculous weekly updates with you. But alas, here we are.
It was brought to my attention that you have not only cut him off from his lofty trust fund, but you’ve also sent him here with no money at all. Really appreciate that, by the way. You could’ve at least given him a damn allowance or something, instead of putting his entire cost of living on my shoulders, as if you aren’t asking enough of me as it is. As this wasn’t part of our original plan—neither was him living with me, but clearly, there were caveats I wasn’t filled in on—I’ve taken it upon myself to give Fletcher a job. It’s one thing for him to stay at myhouse, but it’s another completely to expect me to let it happen for free. As of yesterday, he’s A Book to Remember’s newest part-time employee.
As I’m sure you can imagine, he’s thrilled.
Seeing as you asked—or rather, told—me to teach him some discipline, I’m sure you find this idea acceptable, but even if you don’t, you better get on board, because unless you plan to send me a weekly paycheck for his expenses, this is what’s going to happen.
Not so sincerely,
Georgia
From:Alden St. James
To: Georgia Astor
