Page 116 of The Stranger

“I’m glad he’s good to you. You’re a sweet girl, Delilah, and you deserve that. Unlike your sister, you’ve never given us any trouble.”

I rear back slightly when she says that. It’s the first time in maybe forever that I’ve heard either of my parents speak negatively about Abigail. In my mother’s defence, though, I feel like she often goes along with what my father says to please him. He’s always had rose-coloured glasses where my sister is concerned. I can only imagine how much of a shock the other night was for him. Especially if it led to them having heated words afterwards.

My attention flickers to the doorway when I see Marcy return. She says nothing but smiles as she passes on the way to her office.

“Listen, Mum, I’m at work, so can we continue this conversation another time?”

“Of course. Don’t be a stranger, Delilah. We miss you.”

She may, but I doubt the others do. “Okay, Mum. Bye.”

“Goodbye.”

When I place the receiver down, I sit back in my chair and sigh. That went better than I expected, but the whole thing still makes me feel sick to my stomach.

Me: I’m getting ready to head home. Any special requests for dinner?

Spencer: Yes, you!

Me: Be serious. I have to call past the store. What do you feel like?

Spencer: I am being serious. I’d like nothing more than to have you spread out on the table naked so I can feast on you.

Me: You need something more substantial than that … you’re a growing man.

Spencer: Growing? Since you’re constantly reminding me how old I am, I think I’ve reached my potential there. The only thing growing right now, Miss St. James, is that monstrosity in my trousers.

I squirm a little in my seat.

Me: How about I cook us a nice dinner, and then you can have me for dessert?

Spencer: I could get on board with that.

Me: Consider it done. Any preferences for actual food?

Spencer: I love everything you cook for me, sweetheart. x

I’m looking forward to getting out of this place. I love working here, but this past week has been trying. Why do some people feel like they have a right to know the ins and outs of someone else’s personal life? What I do outside of these walls, and with whom, is nobody’s business but my own.

After saying goodbye to Marcy, I head for the elevator with my head cast down. I don’t want to make eye contactwith anyone. I’m not interested in seeing the speculation or judgement in their eyes.

I do the same when I reach the lobby, so I’m unaware of what is awaiting me until I hear my name being called.

“Delilah.” When I look up and see Kayne standing before me, my heart drops into the pit of my stomach. Great, just what I didn’t need to end off an already shitty day. “Have you got a minute?” he asks.

“Sorry, I don’t. My ride is waiting for me.” I go to walk around him, but he grabs hold of my arm.

“Who? Your sugar daddy? I may be poor now, but one day I’ll be rich.”

I roll my eyes. “Good for you, Kayne. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” I say, tugging my arm out of his firm grip.

I turn to leave, but pause and spin around to face him again when he utters, “I never would’ve picked you as a gold digger, Li.”

I don’t want to get into this here since the lobby is full of Prescott Enterprises employees who are heading home. These people don’t need more things to gossip about, but I refuse to stand by while Kayne makes assumptions about me that aren’t true.

“That’s laughable coming from a guy who’s mooched off people his entire life.”

“I study full time, Delilah.”