Page 20 of The Stranger

These people don’t care about me. Do any of them stop to think about what I am going through? Or how this has affected me?

“God forbid we upset poor precious Abigail,” I mumble under my breath as I spin on my heels to leave the room.

“Are you hungry? I have some leftovers in the fridge if you’d like me to heat you something up?”

“No thanks,” I snap as I head for my room and slam the door behind me. The sooner I can get enough money together to move out of here, the better.

Even though I was virtually held hostage until 5:30 pm, when the working day officially ended, I still left Prescott Enterprises resigned to the fact I would not take this job, despite how adamant Spencer was to the contrary.

He even dared to say,“I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning, Miss St. James,”when it was time for me to leave. He insisted that Damien, his driver, take me home. He said he didn’t feel comfortable with me travelling on public transport at this time of evening.

A stranger cared more about me than my family did.

Plonking down on the side of my bed, I will back the tears that threaten to fall. I’ve shed enough over these arseholes, and I refuse to give them any more.

I pull my phone out of my bag and click on the Messenger app.

Me: I’ve had a change of heart; I’ve decided to take the job … temporarily, of course.

Spencer: It’s a full-time position, Miss St. James, and I thought we’d already decided you were taking the job.

Me: You decided … I never agreed.

Spencer: Why the change of heart, then?

Me: My mother told me not to tell my sister about my job offer because she didn’t want me to upset her. She says she’s going through a lot right now. Can you believe it? WHAT ABOUT WHAT I’M GOING THROUGH!!!!!!!

Me: FYI, sorry about the shouty caps, I’m just having a moment.

Spencer: With good reason, and to be honest, I’m not surprised. In saying that, I’m sorry that they think it’s okay to treat you this way.

Me: Hence why I am taking the job. I need the money so I can move out.

Spencer: So, you’re using me?

Me: Yikes. You make it sound so much worse than it is.

Spencer: I’m just calling it like I see it.

Me: Technically, it’s your company I’m using, not you personally. I promise to give this temporary position my all as I continue to look for other employment.

Spencer: I hardly see how that is any better. You realise I own said company.

Me: I know, your mother told me all about the takeover.

Spencer: Of course she did, but you’ve just admitted you’re using me until something better comes along.

Me: Like I said, your company, not you.

Spencer: Semantics, Miss St. James. Technically, I am the company.

Me: You’re right, I’m sorry. Forget what I said at the top of this thread. I appreciate the offer, though. Fingers crossed I have better luck job hunting tomorrow.

Spencer: I’ll see you in the morning, Delilah. I’ll have Damien pick you up at 8.

Me: Wait what?

Me: ???