Carter opens his mouth when my phone vibrates on the coffee table. Carl is relentless. I slam the phone on the smooth wood. The more time passes the more aggressive he gets and he keeps calling and messaging.
A raised eyebrow prompts me to tell Carter the whole story. It’s been exhausting stressing over it, especially since I can’t find a solution.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Are you going to go out with him?” His tone is sharp, and the implications slice me like a whip.
I yank my feet from his lap, anger surging through my veins.
“He’s just a creep.” I raise my voice. “Is that your first thought when you look at me? That I’m desperate, willing to do anything for money?”
His jaw twitches. The hard stare settles bitterly in my stomach.
“I see,” I say in disbelief, stepping back. I never learn. Maybe I deserve to be taken for a ride since I keep falling for meaningless gestures.
“Call him,” he says, a dangerous undertone to his request. “And give me the phone.”
Chapter Twenty
CARTER
It barely rings before the man who has no idea he’ll be unemployed for the rest of his life answers. I take a lungful of fresh air on the back porch to calm myself. I can’t make things worse for Eliza.
“Sweet Eliza, you finally came to your senses?” He chuckles in a way that makes my skin crawl. “Tomorrow night at my place. Dress nice, but not too many layers, yeah?” He laughs. “What do you say?”
“Good evening. Carter Rawlings speaking. I’m representing Ms. Miller regarding her departure from Vista Pine. Am I speaking with Carl Davies, Ms. Miller’s superior?”
“Yes,” the piece of shit says in a confused voice.
When a man is in her corner, he’s not so brave. The pig.
“It has come to my attention that there’s an issue with Ms. Miller’s final paycheck.”
“Um…no. I’m not sure. I have to check with HR. I’m sure it’ll sort itself out.”
“Make sure you do work things out or I’ll make things very difficult for you.”
“Hey! Who’re you to threaten me?” He suddenly finds the courage to speak up. “I don’t appreciate what you’re insinuating.”
“Our conversation is being recorded. For legal purposes of course. It can easily find its way into your HR and CEO’s inboxes, together with the texts you’ve been sending Ms. Miller.”
A ragged breath is the only sound on the other end.
“Fix it today. Also. Another slimy text and you’ll lose more than your job.”
“I’ll take care of her damn paycheck.” Carl ends the call suddenly.
“How rude.” I tut.
I send every text and the recording to my phone, then to Adam.
CARTER: Starting tomorrow this man is unemployable.
ADAM: Since you ask so nicely. The outdoors has done wonders for your people skills.
Eliza hovers in the doorway, clenching her fists in the soft cotton of her shorts. I recognize that look. This time I’m ready when she lunges and I welcome her with open arms, my anger at that piece of trash chased away by the tight grip and the weight of her body.
For a few seconds, I allow myself a moment of weakness and rest my chin on top of her head. We talked about casual and fun, but it feels more complicated when the need to protect and comfort her trumps those boundaries.
Eliza pushes back and beams. “You’re so cool and sure of yourself. Teach me, please! Please! I want to be like you when I grow up.”
