Page 4 of Rescued By the Beast
Just as I lost my grandmother, my only family, Lucy lost her parents not long ago. The difference is that while my loss left me with nothing, Lucy inherited enough to remain stable. If she knew how I was, she would surely insist on helping me, but I would never make her use money that carries so much emotional weight to alleviate my problems.
I can't be that selfish.
I get up and go to the kitchen, my stomach rumbling with hunger. I only have enough ingredients for a peanut butter sandwich, and I already need to scrape the jar, which is almost empty. I open the fridge and grab the milk, but when I open the carton, the sour smell makes me wrinkle my nose.
"Oh, great! Just when you think you've hit rock bottom, the universe comes along and throws you another shovel to dig a little deeper."
With a heavy sigh, I go to the drawer where I keep my tip money. My heart sinks when I look at the notes I've set aside for rent. Today is payday, but the amount is still not enough.
I stand there, staring at the small pile as if it could magically multiply. But reality doesn't change: I need to eat. I can't keep ignoring my empty stomach.
Before leaving, I peek into the hallway to make sure the landlord isn't around — the first thing he would do if he saw me would be to demand payment. I hurry down the stairs and head to the market. There, I buy a gallon of milk and some blackberries for a smoothie.
I hug the shopping bag and head towards my building. As I turn the corner, there it is: a monster of concrete and exposed bricks, with a worn-out façade. The view of the building is as deplorable as its interior. Five floors, each more decadent than the last.
To top it off, the place doesn't allow pets.
It was a detail that should have prevented me from moving there, but I had no choice. The rent is the cheapest I could find, and even so, I can't easily afford it. Not after my car broke down for good and my extra income as an app driver dried up.
I've been trying to find a part-time job that fits my schedule for three months, without success. I start at the tavern at 8 pm and don't leave until 4 am. I need at least 8 hours of sleep to be able to handle two shifts.
I've walked all over this city looking for a job. If it weren't for my supernatural powers of recovery, my feet would becovered in blisters. And even so, I'm not having any luck. I had an interview this afternoon, but yesterday I got a message saying they'd already hired someone else.
I walk through the gate and the smell of mould invades my nostrils. I rush up the stairs with their filthy carpet, trying to escape the strong smell. When I reach my floor, I see the landlord.
Oh, no...
I think about turning around and sneaking away, but he sees me too.
"Miss Black," he says, his voice as harsh as ever.
I force a smile, turning on all my charm.
"How lucky! I really wanted to talk to you," I lie shamelessly.
He frowns, but his scowl softens slightly when his dark eyes fix on my cleavage.
"I imagine it's to talk about the overdue rent..." His gaze rises to mine before returning downward, then he licks his teeth.
My smile freezes.
"That's exactly what it was about! I have the amount that was missing from last month. I'll go get it right now and..."
"And this month's?"
My heart sinks in my chest.
"Can I pay later?" I bat my long eyelashes, trying to persuade him, even though my stomach churns at the dirty look he gives me.
"This is the third consecutive month you've been late, and last month you only paid me half. I've been patient until now, but everything has a limit."
“I just need one more week, please.”
"No. If I don't get it by Monday, I'll give the order to evict you." He licks his lips, still looking at me lasciviously. "But I might change my mind if you let me suck those..."
"I'll get the money by Monday, you can count on it!" I interrupt, before he finishes his sentence.
I take a step back, feeling dirty to the bone.
