Into The Fire - E. L. Todd Page 0,90
you. I will do absolutely anything to make you happy and keep you safe. Never in my life have I felt that way, but there’s a first time for everything.”
It was a sweet thing to say but I was too angry to appreciate it. “While I understand how you feel, it doesn’t change anything. This job gives me benefits and allows me to afford the lifestyle I’ve always wanted. I don’t have any other skills and I never went to college. There’s nothing else for me unless I want to make minimum wage.”
That wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear. “And what about when you get old? I’m sure you’ll be a MILF but I doubt anyone is going to pay for your services.”
I tried not to rise to his words. “I’ve been saving for retirement.”
He clenched his jaw again. “I need a secretary. Work for me.”
“And why would I want to do that?”
“You’d get to see me every day and you would be safe.”
“Well, I don’t want to work a counter and make minimum wage. At least my job is fun and exciting.”
He slammed his hands down on the coffee table and almost broke it. “Goddammit, Alessandra. Work with me here.”
“Ash, I’m sorry.” I really was. “But you wouldn’t change your career for me and I won’t change mine for you. I won’t change it for anyone. If it bothers you too much, I completely understand. It’s not for everybody. And maybe we should just end this because things will never change.” He needed to understand I wouldn’t completely change my life for him. I already made the sacrifice to pursue this relationship even though it was so unsteady. Ash wasn’t the commitment kind of guy and I was putting my heart on the line.
“You’re right.”
I breathed a sigh of relief now that the fight was over.
“This isn’t for me.” He raised his hands and turned from me. “And I’m walking away.”
What? I felt my heart sink into my body. It was on fire and torched until it was black.
Ash grabbed his keys and wallet and headed to the door. “Have a good life, Alessandra.” He walked out and slammed the door as hard as he could. It collided with the panel and shook the walls.
I stared at the door, unable to believe that just happened.
He really left.
***
“Is everything okay?” Tim asked as he pulled me aside. His family was chatting away in the kitchen, drinking tea and having a good time. Tim examined me like he thought I might faint.
“I’m sorry…I just had a bad day.”
“What happened?” he asked.
I didn’t want to talk about it, especially to a client. “It’s nothing. I’m sorry I’ve been a bit distant.”
“Well, I don’t want to seem like an ass but you haven’t made any impression on my family. My mom asked you a question and you didn’t respond.”
She did? Goddammit. “I’m so sorry.”
“If I’m supposed to make Abigail, jealous you need to do a better job.”
“I know…I’m sorry.”
He put his arm around my waist and guided me back to the sitting area. When we sat on the couch, I engaged his mom in a conversation about quilting, her favorite pastime. I concentrated on being the best girlfriend possible, wanting Tim to get back together with the girl he really wanted.
I needed to stop thinking about Ash.
***
Tim walked me back to Beautiful Entourage around eleven. The streets were quiet because everyone was at home watching TV or sleeping. He kept his hands in his pockets and didn’t touch me. “You picked up the slack at the end.”
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get my head in the game.”
“It’s okay. I’m here to talk if you need it.”
Tim was practically a stranger. “It’s boy trouble…something that would put you to sleep.”
“Try me.” He gave me a slight smile.
“Well, my boyfriend hates my job. He wants me to quit.”
“I can understand that,” he said. “Going out with different guys and pretending to be their girlfriend would ruffle any guy’s feathers. I’m sure it makes him jealous, but he probably worries about your safety too.”
“Most of the guys I escort are totally harmless.”
“Most, but not all.”
I shrugged.
“You guys had a bad fight?”
“Actually, we broke up a few hours before I met you…” I couldn’t believe he walked out of my life like that. After everything we’d been through just to be together, I thought he would do anything to keep me. I guess I was wrong.
“Ouch,” he said. “Now I understand.”
“He’s hotheaded and