FORTY-FOUR (B)
ANDREA
BLOCK HIM ALREADY
Our personal relationship aside… You’re still on my payroll.
You’re OBLIGATED to answer the messages I send you on THIS company phone, and I know you can see them…
I suggest you come in this week or I’ll be taking you to court for wage theft.
My finger hovered over the “block” button, but I still couldn’t bring myself to do it.
Knock! Knock! Knockkkk!
“Did you order something?” Everly called out. “The delivery guy is being annoying!”
“I didn’t order any food!”
“Are you sure?” she yelled. “Maybe you forgot again!”
Before I could answer her, more of Harrison’s texts appeared on my screen.
BLOCK HIM ALREADY
I’m outside your sister’s apartment, and I know you’re in there…
Open the damn door.
Now.
Oh my god.
I rushed to Everly’s bedroom.
“I don’t have any extra bills on me,” she said. “Ask the delivery guy if he has a digital wallet.”
“It’s Harrison,” I said. “That’s him knocking.”
“In that case, can I answer it and tell him to piss off?”
“What if he asks to come in?”
“I’ll tell him hell no.”
“That won’t work.” I shook my head. “I know him, and I know you.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“That he can manipulate you.”
“Right…” She rolled her eyes. “Do you have an alternative idea to me sending him away?”
“Yes, actually.” I walked over to our living room closet, stepping inside and hiding behind a thick array of hanging sweaters. “Tell him I’m not here, and after he sees for himself, I’ll come out.”
“He’s not going to barge in, Andrea.”
“This is just in case he does.” I leaned against the wall. “Push that box against the edge of this door once you shut it.”
