Within a few weeks, COVID-19 was all over the USA. Currently, all states have it, except for West Virginia for some God damn reason. In fact, most of the world is reporting cases in their countries. It's a pandemic of a proportion we have never seen in our lifetimes.
The government immediately set in protocols. Social distancing. Complete shutdown. Isolation. Stay indoors. Today was my last day at my internship. The company decided to close down till April, or until the situation progresses for the better. And a few days ago, I lost my job as a bartender. All part-time servers were laid off, as the government is encouraging people to stay indoors.
Loss of job, loss of hope, complete isolation. I had no idea what to do.
Reid, along with the rest of our family members, twisted my arm into moving back to the Sinclair home. I couldn't find a suitable explanation that will satiate Reid and them, about why I couldn't live with my family during these desperate times.
I have been laid off from my bartending gig. My internship is unpaid, so I have no other income coming in. The government is telling us to stay indoors, and it's much better to share a household with your loved ones, than two girls I barely know. I had a month to month lease with the landlord, which was easy to break due to this epidemic.
As free food and accommodation are readily available at my childhood home, at a time where it seems like the world is ending, what excuse can I possibly provide to decline this offer?
It was checkmate. They had me.
I took comfort in the fact that the whole family will also be staying here, as we are all going into isolation for a minimum of two weeks, maybe more. Not that their presence ever stopped Milo before, but at least I have them to rely on. This time I will be more vocal, stand my ground, and stand up to him.
I bring my attention back to the situation at hand. He is still watching me as he starts looking through the liquor shelf. He pulls out a bottle of red wine and pours two glasses.
He shrugs, "We don't have any gin for the martini. I hope you still like Malbec."
"That's fine!" I love Malbec. I still grind my teeth. He does have gin. He knows that I spat out a complicated drink, knowing full well that Reid stocks all the ingredients for martinis.
He is forcing me to acknowledge that he won't bend over backward for me. I bite down the inside of my cheeks. That fucker!
I graciously accept the glass of wine. I have to establish a polite, ladylike, and aloof nature, creating a distance between us. Familiarity breeds contempt. If I act childish or chide him like he is a close friend, he won't take me seriously and might try to manipulate me further.
No, I need to act refined, mature, and well put together, while I give him the cold shoulder. He has to know I am untouchable and confident. I won't take his shit anymore. Milo should tense before making any demands. I am not a little girl anymore, who is consistently seeking his approval. I will not be bullied into unacceptable behavior or be taken advantage of.
I focus on staying distant and take a small sip of the red wine.
"When did you get back to New York?" His eyes are glued to me.
"A week ago." I lie smoothly. I have been dodging him for years. If he knows I have been living in New York for months, it's going to start an argument off the bat.
"Are you working?"
"I am doing an internship at Karen's company." I clear my throat. I am already uncomfortable.
"What about Paris? And your mom?"
"It didn't work out." I hate this conversation. I don't want him to know about my failures.
"And now you plan to branch out on your own?"
I nod and take a sip of wine. Much needed.
"I am guessing it's a non-paying internship since Karen thinks gracing interns with her presence is the same as paying them an actual salary."
I nod again, truly hating this conversation. Loathing every admission.
Realization dawns on him as he cautiously continues, "With the COVID outbreak, you can't possibly work a part-time job now. So you will stay here. We are all camping out in here as well."
I don't respond. I don't have to. He made a statement that I am staying here. He didn't phrase it as a question.
Milo knows about my pride. He knows I'd never be here unless I was desperate. It literally took a pandemic, an apocalypse, end of the world, to get me back here.
From what Reid told me, Milo’s business has become a huge success. He created an app when he was in college. It took off, and it landed him on Forbes’ list of 30 Under 30 brightest entrepreneurs. As a result, he stays quite busy. He often travels for work. Whenever he comes back, he stays at the brownstone more than his condo in Soho. It's not a surprise that he chose to come back to the brownstone to stay here during the quarantine. He always liked being around his family.
Of course, it’s not enough to be rich and handsome. He also has to act like the prodigal son, which annoys the shit out of me. He'd rather hang out with his siblings, than party like a regular twenty-five old single man on the prowl. As a result, both of our families love him. Everyone loves him. Again, everyone but me. I know better.
A chill runs through me, as I remember why and how I know better. I am suddenly unnerved and claustrophobic. I feel lightheaded and I'm in need to compose myself. I am not in complete control and need to find an exit strategy quickly.
This run-in served its purpose. He knows I am back. He knows I will be living here while the government shuts everything down. Years have passed since I last saw him. By this point, I have to believe he has grown up and become a better man. Everything will be different this time around. It has to be, for my sanity.
With that resolution, I make up my mind to leave him be. I will only be around him once Reid gets back home from campus. All universities have already shut down due to the COVID-19 panic. Reid had to tie up some loose ends and is coming home later tonight.
I will avoid being alone in the house with Milo for the duration, as well as in the future. As far as I am concerned, this conversation is over.
"I am glad that's settled. I wish I could stay and catch up but I have to unpack. Thank you for the drink." I am shocked that my words came out coherently. I am almost shaking now, and my legs are about to give out under me.
Milo is still eyeing me as he takes a sip of his wine. I don't wait for his response or permission. I don't need it.
I put my wine glass down and turn on my heels. Without glancing back, I walk towards the stairs. My goal resides on the top of those stairs, my room, my sweet escape away from him. I have already installed a lock, in case he gets any funny ideas in the middle of the night.
As I am walking up the stairs, I feel a gust of air move behind me. Before I can turn, two freakishly strong hands come around my waist, hoisting me up the stairs. It all happens so fast, I don't even have a chance to scream. It registers with me that Milo moved from the island and followed me. He now has me in a hold, with my back held to his front.