Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80689 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80689 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“Nell, that’s nonsensical. The past can’t take you anywhere.”
“Exactly my point.”
I eye her suspiciously, curious if that was really her point or if she’s trying to sound particularly clever today.
She smirks. “Be careful.”
“Nell,” I say sternly.
“I’ll stay out of it. That’s how I’ve kept this job all these years.”
She heads back to the kitchen, but even after she leaves, I’m left stewing in uncomfortable memories and emotions.
It’s fine. Now that Simon got his fucked-up wish, Jonas will be on his way, and I can pack all this away in my mind, rebuild the barrier that’s held it back for so long.
Just as soon as I manage to quiet my mind, Jonas walks through the kitchen door, a tray in hand—I assume because he has to wait until later for a flight.
He settles in the seat adjacent to me. “Good afternoon,” he says, forcing an awkward smile.
I wish I could get to the damn point, but I know better than to ask questions out loud, so I take a different approach. “So on Monday, I was going to put you on mowing. I’ll need Forsyth and Morgan to help me with some things that require a little more expertise.”
“Happy to do it,” he says, making direct eye contact, as if trying to psychically implant a message. “Anything else you might have in mind for me next week?”
He’s deliberate in the way he speaks, and I fucking know this isn’t over. Why isn’t it over?
We should have had a more thorough conversation in the woods. What if there’s something else he forgot to mention—besides needing to top me in order to collect his money? Were condoms against the rules?
My mind’s spinning all over again.
“Did you need help with anything today?” he asks. Guess he knows we have to discuss this.
“Not today, no. But on Monday we’ll deal with the debris we’ve collected by the woods.”
Does he understand what I’m suggesting? Do I understand what the fuck I’m suggesting?
“Sounds good.” He lowers his hand below the table, and I feel something sharp and pointy against my thumb.
Paper? Jonas, you clever fuck. I grab the note and tuck it in my pocket.
I want to race out and read it, but I can imagine what that would look like to Simon when he’s reviewing the footage. I’m a creature of habit, and he knows this about me, so though it’s excruciating, I take the appropriate length of time for my meal before heading to the library for a few hours. Then I take a walk around the grounds, walking along the trail for a few minutes before I pull the note out of my pocket and read it.
Simon’s hired me for a bigger job. If I can form a relationship with you, he’s willing to get Charity and my aunt more help. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I really need this. Please talk to me when you have a chance.
Rage pulses through me. I should have anticipated this. Of course Simon wouldn’t let it be as easy as a quick fuck. I’m pissed he’s coerced Jonas into sticking around, yet as much as I hate Simon for this, once again, I’m reminded of the kind of man Jonas is, someone who’s willing to put his family’s needs before his own. It’s a quality I admire in him, one I used to hold above all else. But those days are long gone.
I consider replying to his note, but it was risky for him to get it to me, and it’s risky to keep going back and forth like that.
If he’s staying for the next few days, we’ll have a chance to chat again. And as much as it sucks, it’s for the best.
It’s hard to wait, but Jonas must be a patient man because he doesn’t push me. Doesn’t appear urgent. He’s good at keeping his cool, which I’m sure is why we’ve managed to trick my brother this long. And these days give me a chance to consider what Jonas suggests.
Simon didn’t just want to see us fuck; he wants us to form a relationship. What is he playing at?
*
On Monday, Jonas is working hard, busting his ass like this is the job he’s here for. About midday, before our break, I ask him to dump some dirt in the woods with me, and we meet in the same spot as that first time. When we’re finally on our own, he doesn’t make eye contact. “I know it’s a lot to ask,” he says.
“Yeah. It is.”
“But you remember that I wanted to get Charity into this place in New York? Simon knew about it already, and he said he can get her in there. She’ll be seen by the best doctors, getting the best care for her type of leukemia. I mean, I have no reason to believe he’s lying.”