Page 13 of Ruthless Heir
“I know, but why can’t we just extend the lease here?”
“Because the ship has sailed. The landlord has already put the place on the market and he’ll have people viewing it in a few days. I’d have to reapply and pay the higher cost. Also, I doubt they’re gonna just rent it to me for two months when they could get someone who wants it for longer.”
“We could ask. You’ve been here for nearly ten years. I’m sure they’d be willing to come to some agreement for two months.”
“No. Because you may need it for longer. We don’t know if you’ll get campus housing by the time college starts.”
My pulse races, a drumbeat of dread. I can’t believe this is happening. Or that Asher seems to be my only option.
I gaze at my brother, knowing I’m out of options but still wanting to resist.
Josh was away for most of the day. We spoke before he went out, and of course he raised hell about last night. He said he was going to check things out regarding a place for me. I never expected him to come back withthiscrazy solution.
Live with Asher.And Asher agreed.
I’m not sure how I should feel. The natural reaction most people would feel is gratitude. I do feel that on some level but that little part of me that’s still stuck in my emotions from the past feels like shit.
Josh would only ask his best friend if I could live with him because he knows he won’t touch me. And Asher would only agree for the same damn reason. It’s like putting flowers next to a lion.
Josh walks up to me and rests his hands on my shoulders. “Sis, Asher has plenty of space in that big old house of his and he agreed to have you stay with him. Also, staying with Asher isfree. It means I don’t have to cough up more money I need to be putting aside for Lisa and me.”
Of course. And now I feel like such a jerk. He’s spent thousands on me just in the last year. I shouldn’t even be asking him for more just because I don’t want to stay with Asher.
His eyes soften again, becoming more like the version of him I’m used to.
“It’s just for a few months, Harper. Unless you have another idea this is your best option.” He nods with conviction, as if to give his words more weight.
“Alright.” Although I agree, I’m going to brainstorm with Beth again when I see her tomorrow.
Her doors would be open to me if her place were bigger. She has an already cramped one-bedroom apartment. Also, I’m not too keen on staying with her because ofallthe men who frequent her home on a nightly basis. We’d all drive each other insane.
Beth knows people. Not the good kind of people, butpeople. The kind who have contacts. One of them is bound to have someplace I can stay. So that may be an option. If not, then I’ll have to suck up my pride and stay with Asher.
Josh looks more at ease on hearing my acceptance. “You’ll be fine at Asher's place. This is a good chance for you to cool off before college starts. I’ve also put two grand in your account for living expenses. I’ll put some more in at the end of the month.”
“No, no. You shouldn’t have done that. And you mustn’t give me any more.” Listen to me talking. As if I’m in a position to turn away money. “You’re right. You need to save for you and Lisa. I need to get my shit together.”
“Harper, I didn’t mean that to sound like I wouldn’t help you.”
“I know, and it didn’t sound that way. I’m just telling you that I know what I need to do. I’ll get a job. Something I can do for the summer and continue when college starts.” I do my best to make it sound like I just need something to cover my day-to-day expenses. If only Josh knew I need so much more than that.
“Okay. But I need you to tell me if you ever get stuck. You’ll be able to contact me by email. I might be delayed in responding because of a bad signal, but you know the drill.”
“Thanks. And thanks for the money.” I won’t even contemplate spending that money on trying to find some fleabag motel. This is New York. Anything I find, no matter how fleabag-ish, will cost an arm and a leg.
“No worries. Let’s call it a night. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I have to spend the next few days packing before I head out to Florida for the weekend. I think we should plan to move you into Asher’s by Saturday. That way I can see you off.”
I nod slowly, stifling the reluctance I feel curdling in my stomach like sour milk.
I survived Nick. How is it possible that I feel more helpless than ever? I’m twenty-two and can’t take care of myself. That’s terrible.
There's nothing physically wrong with me, and I can’t even lean on the accident which happened over four years ago to explain why I’m in such a mess.
This is all happening to me because of bad decisions. I can blame Nick all I want but I need to take some responsibility, too.
I could have left him at any point. Instead I chose to stay even when I felt there was something up with him. Now I have to fix this mess and hope I can get my life back on track.
“Is there anything you need me to do?” Josh’s soft voice pulls me from the doom of my thoughts.