Growling, he practically throws my keys at me. When I catch them, I stare at the sleek black key fob, confused. “What’s the deal, Billy? Where the fuck are my keys?”
“That’s what he gave me. If there’s a mixup, take it up with him. Now get the fuck out my office.”
“Watch it,” I narrow my eyes before leaving.
The parking lot is behind the building. I don’t even have to hit the alarm button to figure out which car it is because, parked right in the middle, is a brand new, dark blue Toyota. Pressing the unlock button, the car beeps and the lights flash. What the hell do those two think they’re up to? Flinging the door open, I get in and notice the note on the passenger seat.
Jade,
Your old car couldn’t be saved. It would cost more to fix it than it’s worth, so I took it to the junk yard where it belongs. This car is yours, free and clear. The title is in your name. I got your information from your old landlord, as well as paid off your debt to him. I’m sorry for slamming you against the wall, but I’m not sorry for my words. I meant what I said. I love my wife and will do anything she asks. What you do next is your decision. Do not feel like you’re obligated to us because of the car or the money I paid to your landlord. The car is yours if you decide to be our surrogate or not. There's a standing reservation at the W Hotel in upper Manhattan in your name. If you choose to take it, Nichole and I will know you agreed to her terms. I say her terms because this crazy idea is all her. She has not said more than two words to me this week and she’s been very worried about you. I’m not sure if you need them, but inside the trunk are clothes and some other random things Nichole bought for you. Nichole is a remarkable woman and I trust her judgement. She chose you, so I have no choice but to be happy with her decision. If we don’t hear from you by the end of the month, then we know you’ve made your choice and we’ll respect that. Choose wisely because there’s no going back once you make your decision.
Grayson
The paper Hottie McHottie used was the fancy kind printed with his firm’s insignia, two lions holding a shield, as well as his work and cell numbers. Garfield Lewis & Hastings. Hmm, I didn’t know he was a partner. No wonder he can just give away new cars like Oprah and book expensive hotels for strangers. Popping the trunk, I get out and check out what’s inside. I’m surprised to see that the whole trunk was filled with bags of designer clothes, shoes, and other items. Wow, fancy thread sheets and a Ralph Lauren comforter. Do these people do anything half-ass? I’m also surprised to see the clothing choices are edgy and more my taste and not Nichole's, like she really did have me in mind when she bought them. And the shoes, the shoes were droolworthy.
“Moving up in the world, huh, kid?” John says walking over.
“Just some rich couple who wants to adopt me,” I tease.
“I seen the guy when he was in Billy’s office. You sure they aren’t into some freaky shit?”
Laughing, I reply, "I asked them the same thing.” I wonder what John would think if I told him what they really wanted.
Suddenly he turns serious. “Are you okay, kid? You look like hell.”
“It’s been a rough couple of days,” I answer honestly. There’s no point in lying. John would know.
“Whatever they’re offering, maybe you should take it. It’s better than living on the streets with no food in your belly.” Of course he knew that too. John is like my grandpa from another mother. He’s the main reason why Billy let me slide on the rent as long as he did.
“Don’t worry about me, John. You know I can take care of myself.” Giving me a hug, he wishes me well. This will probably be the last time I see him. We both know I’m not coming back here.
Looks like the good couple left me with a full tank of gas, so I drive around, pondering my options. I could sell the car. It’s brand new and will fetch a pretty penny. Not to mention all the designer shit in the truck, but without a job, how long would all that last here? Rent is high as hell, even in shitty areas like my old apartment building. With just a high school diploma, any reasonable job is out of my reach. I’m tired of working my ass off for minimum wage. That’s why I don’t last long at jobs. My longest work experience was seven months, and I only lasted that long because I was fucking the manager. You can get away with a lot of shit when you’re blowing your boss on your lunch break. What? He was cute. It was when he wanted a relationship that things started to get complicated. I think what I saw with my parents is why I have a relationship phobia. I’m not my mama. I can’t give my heart to someone and have them crush it, like my daddy did to her. Look at her now. She has always been a beautiful woman. The prettiest in the town until Daddy left, and she gradually stopped taking care of herself until most days, she wouldn’t even get out of bed. I watched her grow into a shell of her former self. I can’t be like her and lose my heart as well as my mind.
Then I think about Nichole’s offer. She’s offering stability. As soon as I pop the kid out, they’ll pay me well. Sure I don’t know how much, but judging by what they have done so far, they’re very generous. I could use that money and rebuild somewhere else. Move away to another state and start over. I won’t have to sell the car and be without transportation, plus with them taking care of my needs while I’m pregnant, that’s even more income coming in. I need a sign. I’m so confused. Everything seems so laid out and simple but it isn’t their offer or even Nichole that I’m worried about, it’s Grayson. He gets to me more than any man has ever had. I fear if I were to grow close to him, I won’t be able to survive. He isn’t mine to claim, but something in me, something stupid, wants to find a loophole. I don’t know. For once in my life, I don’t know what to do.
I feel like Grayson’s letter is burning a hole in my back pocket and burning my ass. He isn’t flat out turning me down anymore, but it doesn’t seem like he was happy either, more resigned than anything. Briefly I wonder what it is like to love someone so much. Call me stubborn, but I don’t come to a decision until another week later.
I never thought I'd ever see the inside of the W Hotel. I definitely never imagined I’d be a guest. True to his word, as soon as I gave my name to the front desk, they had a room ready and waiting for me. Sitting down hard, I bounce on the king-size bed, basking in the fluffiness as I take in the room. They must be going for a modern aspect. The black and white room was all slick lines with pops of red here and there for an artistic effect. I felt like I was in a painting, the tangible in an intangible world.
The phone beside the bed rings and I pick it up, confused. “Hello,” I say into the line.
“Jade, I hope you settled in well,” Nichole says on the other line.
“Yeah, this is a really nice room. You know you could have put me up in a Holiday Inn and I wouldn’t have minded,” I reply honestly.
“Nonsense. I love the W. They have some really nice amenities. Speaking of which, I was wondering if you want to have lunch with me at the restaurant in the lobby. I think it’ll be better to go through the paperwork in a more laid back setting.”
“Sure, will it just be you?” I inquire.