“What, you don’t think I’m capable?” Randy asks. I can detect the hurt in his voice. I roll my eyes.
“Dad, calm down. I just think I’ll have a better shot at getting an extension. You know, being a young girl and all,” I say, somewhat truthfully.
After all, Randy doesn’t know how to talk reasonably to others or how to talk to others in general, come to think of it. If we have any chance of getting the extension, it falls on me, and if my dad opens his mouth, who knows what will happen? They might kick us out on the spot if he says something really stupid.
Once we pull into the parking lot of Purcell, my nerves increase by a million. I’m blown away by the building. Located in a nicer section of town, the office is a gorgeous white stone building with a dark grey roof and an imposing sign out front. The lawn is a perfect shade of brilliant green with fresh mown stripes and all of the cars parked in the lot appear to be luxury sedans. I gulp at how corporate the building looks. I can only imagine the kind of people I’m about to encounter.
With Randy by my side, we walk into the building where a lady in her mid-fifties shoots us a tight smile at her neat reception desk. We’re obviously the last people she wants to help today. I watch as her eyes pass over my dad with a small grimace before settling on me.
“How may I help you?” she asks in a barely courteous tone. I look past it and try to appear confident for my twenty-two years of age.
“We’re here to speak with management about a late notice. My father called this morning to make an appointment.”
“Name?” the lady asks.
I clear my throat, feeling extremely uncomfortable.
“His name or mine?”
She shoots a look at Randy.
“His.”
I take a deep breath.
“My father’s name is Randy Lane, and I’m Jessalyn Lane, his daughter.”
The woman, whose name is ‘Janice’ according to her name tag, types at her computer before smiling back at me.
“Oh yes, I see your appointment here, Miss Lane. Just for the record, could you specify where you live? Purcell Development owns many properties,” she says in a sugary sweet voice. I grit my teeth and smile.
“At the Sunrise Residence Park on the west side of town.”
She licks her lips nastily.
“Oh I see. Sunrise, the trailer park?”
I grit my teeth and smile again.
“Yes, the trailer park.”
She goes back to her computer and clacks loudly on the keyboard while studying the screen.
“I’m sorry, Miss Lane, but the person who usually handles Sunrise is out today. There’s been a grievous error, and again, I’m sorry for this mix-up. Would you like to leave a message?”
What I’d like to do is to slap her across the face, but I merely smile tightly again.
“Is there someone else we could see then? Rent is due today, and I’d like to talk to management about it.”
Janice pretends to look at her screen again before shaking her head in mock disappointment.
“I’m sorry, Miss Lane, but no one is available. I’ll have to ask you to leave a message.”
I stare at Janice, and then at my father. Clearly, I’m getting the brush-off from this woman. Randy and I don’t look important to her, so she doesn’t want to waste her time, or anyone’s time, on us.
“If you don’t mind, Janice, my father and I will wait right here until someone’s available,” I say.
The woman looks puzzled.
“In the lobby?”
“In the lobby,” I affirm. “We’ll just sit here until someone’s ready to see us.”
With that, I gesture to Randy, who shuffles along behind me to a luxuriously appointed seating area. There’s a bouquet of flowers on a side table, and my dad leans over to smell the white calla lilies, sniffing appreciatively. Of course, at that moment, his gaping plumber’s crack also becomes visible, and I see Janice grimace at the sight.
“You know what?” she asks, typing once more at her keyboard. “I see here that there’s a note on your file. How did I miss that before? Interesting.” Then she looks up from her computer with a fake polite smile. “In fact, Mr. Purcell himself is available. He’ll be assisting you today. Let me call him to let him know you’re here.”
My eyes narrow slightly as I recognize the name Purcell. We’re meeting with the owner of Sunrise?
Janice picks up her office phone and a manicured hand presses a few buttons.
“Mr. Purcell, you have a visitor… I’m sorry, sir, I just thought it was best… yes, of course.” Janice’s voice when talking to Mr. Purcell is a thousand times more pleasant than the tone she uses with us. She hangs up the phone delicately and flashes me one of her rehearsed smiles. “Let me take you to his office.”
We trail behind the receptionist as she leads us down the hall to Mr. Purcell’s office. When she stops in front of his office door, my eyes scan the plaque on display to the left of the door that reads, “Cameron Purcell, CEO.” My heart rate accelerates and my nerves intensify. Oh shit. I look to Daddy to see if he’s realized who we’re dealing with but Randy has a blank expression on his face. Of course. Randy probably has no idea what the letters “CEO” stand for.
Janice twists the knob to open Mr. Purcell’s door and steps inside.
“Mr. Purcell, I apologize for the intrusion. Jessalyn and Randy Lane are here. They’d like to discuss their rent payments at the Sunrise Residence Park,” she says smoothly.
I step into the office, which is luxuriously appointed with a cream-colored carpet, a huge mahogany desk, and tasteful solid-oak cabinets. But it’s the man behind the desk who makes my heart pound and pulse accelerate. After all, Cameron Purcell is gorgeous. I’m met by a pair of crystal blue eyes, clear as ice, which seem to absorb my curvy form. Mr. Purcell has hair as dark as charcoal, a cleft chin, and even from behind the desk, I can tell that he’s tall and athletic judging from the breadth of his shoulders and solid chest. My legs feel frozen in place and suddenly, it’s as if all of the words inside of me have vanished.
Mr. Purcell looks completely calm as he rises to his full height.
“Mr. and Mrs. Lane, have a seat,” he says with a voice as smooth as silk. He extends an arm out to the two leather chairs sitting in front of his desk in a motion telling us to sit.
I immediately stammer.
“Oh no, we’re not married. This is my dad, not my husband,” I say, elbowing Randy beside me. My dad grunts something incoherent.
“Of course,” says Cameron Purcell, one black eyebrow raised with amusement. “I’m sorry. I just presumed.”
I stare at him with disbelief. Oh my god, he thought I was married to my dad? How can that be? Randy looks like he’s sixty, whereas I know I don’t look a day over twenty-two. Randy looks unkempt and disreputable, while I tried to look my most presentable this morning with a skirt and blouse. I even did my make-up and brushed out my curls, hoping to make a good impression. So how could Cameron Purcell think that I’m married to Randy?
But the CEO merely smiles at me again, and this time, I detect a bit of a smirk on that handsome face. Rage rushes through my chest as I realize he’s laughing at me. Oh my god, I wish I could punch him right now.
“Thanks,” I say tightly while sitting down in a chair. “I appreciate your time.”
Cameron smirks a bit again, and once more, I dream about punching him in that oddly-attractive cleft chin.
“So, what is this about?” he drawls, leaning back into his chair. I notice the perfect fit of his suit, and how the white of his dress shirt emphasizes the dark bronze of his skin.
I clear my throat and sit up straighter. It’s game time.
“Well, first off, Mr. Purcell, I want to thank you for seeing us today on such short notice, and to apologize for being behind on our rent. My father and I are very hardworking people and do our best to stay timely with our payments. However, this month has been difficult, and I’d like to req
uest an extension, if possible.”
If I'm not mistaken, Cameron’s grinning now with amusement. It’s almost… insulting. He does his best to cover it by tracing his finger over the top of his lip.
“An extension for how long?” he asks.
I take a deep breath.
“A month?” I reply, feeling embarrassment seep in. “My father just lost his job last night, but I assure you he will find something soon. As I said, we’re very hardworking people and just need a bit of time.”
The amused expression continues to flit across Mr. Purcell’s lips. I fight the urge to narrow my eyes at this entitled asshole.
“And how do you know that your father will be able to get a new job soon? I’m not trying to patronize you, Miss Lane, but that is a possibility. Even if your father were to get a new job today, by the time he interviews, gets hired, signs his papers, trains, and officially starts, you’re looking at receiving his first paycheck in about two months’ time.”
I glare at him. This man is really starting to piss me off. I want to scream at him. I want to tell him that my father is a hardworking man with great references who will be hired immediately. But unfortunately, that’s not true. My dad is a hardworking man, but only for a matter of weeks until he loses his temper. That’s the truth.
Still trying to concoct an answer for Mr. Purcell, I gulp and open my mouth to speak, but I’m cut off by Randy’s grunt.
“Cut the shit, Mr. Purcell. Why are we playing games?”
Playing games? Oh no. My dad is going to butt in and ruin everything for us now. I shoot Randy a panicked look and raise my hand to interrupt.
“My father doesn’t know anything–” I begin, but Randy merely cuts me off again.
“Jessalyn,” he says. “Let me take over. You’re going to live with Mr. Purcell here. Just until we get enough money to cobble together rent.”
My mouth drops wide.
“What?” I snap, my attention flying back to my father. “Excuse me?”
Randy sighs and scratches behind his head like an itchy dog.
“You heard me. I called Mr. Purcell yesterday and offered you, in exchange for rent.”
My mouth literally drops open as I stare at him.
“You did what?”
My dad merely shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“How do you think we got this appointment today? You think Mr. Purcell usually talks to renters from the trailer park? No, sweetheart, I had to make a deal, and I did it. It ain’t easy to sell your daughter, but I’m lucky in this respect – you’re pretty, and Mr. Purcell is very open-minded.”
By now, I’m about to fall down from shock. My dad did what? And Cameron Purcell knew about this the entire time?
“I spoke with your father before this appointment, Jessalyn,” Mr. Purcell says in a smooth tone. “I’ve agreed to waive your father’s rent on one condition.”
My heart rate quickens.
“Oh really?” I say through gritted teeth. “And pray tell, what is that condition? That I have your babies and then … I don’t know, become your concubine?” I demand.
Cameron’s eyebrows go up.
“Would you do that? Have my children, I mean?”
I sputter, my face going red.
“This is totally crazy. Of course not! Why are we even having this conversation?”
But Cameron merely shrugs those broad shoulders.
“Just checking.”
I seethe at him.
“I’m going to kill you both,” I grind out through clenched teeth. “I’m going to be convicted for murder, but it will be worth it.”
Cameron merely sits back in his chair and smirks again.
“Your dad said you were sassy. I like it. You’ll do.”
I can’t believe this. This has got to be a joke, right? I stand up, grabbing my purse.
“Come on, Dad. We need to go. This guy is out of his mind.”
But Randy doesn’t budge. Instead, he just sits there, looking at me. There’s no remorse in my father’s eyes, but I’m not surprised. They’re full of emptiness as he looks at me.
“Come on, Randy,” I say again. “Let’s go. Now.”
But my dad merely takes out a cigarette and lights it in Cameron’s office, like he belongs there.
“Come on!” I practically scream at him. “Are you insane? This is unbelievable!”
Daddy scoffs.
“Quit your complaining, Jessalyn. Mr. Purcell here is making our lives easier.”
“Yeah, for you,” I say back to him. “But what about me?”
Mr. Purcell holds up a hand calmly.
“So long as you live with me, your father gets free rent,” he says, leaning back in his chair, as if totally unfazed by this crazy turn of events.
This can’t be happening. There’s no way this is real.
I look at Randy, but he avoids my eyes, picking at the crust of dirt underneath his fingernails.
My heart hurts, physically hurts, and tears swell in my eyes.
My dad just sold me, and I have no choice but to go.
3
Jessalyn
* * *
Daddy and I exit Mr. Purcell’s office a few seconds later. I zoom by Janice’s desk, refusing to make eye contact, as Randy trails after me. Janice probably heard me yelling but I don’t care at the moment. I have bigger things to worry about. I storm out of Purcell Development, and when the front door slams shut behind me, I spin on my heels to rage at Randy.
“How could you?” I demand through tears.
Daddy looks at me with flat eyes, not an ounce of remorse on his face.
“Hell, Jess, we had no other choice. The man was going to take our home.”
“We? This wasn’t a we decision. You did this all on your own. You sold me!”
Tears are streaming down my face right now as I scream at him in the parking lot. Daddy gets an annoyed look on his face, but I don’t back down. There has got to be something illegal in this. If I make my way to the library and pull out some legal tomes, I’m sure I can find something declaring these actions criminal.
But instead, Randy gets nasty.
“Will you stop being so selfish?” he snarls. “I have done all I could for you your entire life, and by God, Jessalyn, you owe me this much. It cost me every fucking penny I have to keep you alive. I have put food on the table, a roof over your head, and even given you spending money once in a damn while. Just accept this decision and move on!”
I don’t think my heart can drop anymore. I would normally excuse Daddy’s words as the alcohol talking, but not this time. These are sober words. He really means them. And as much as they hurt, a part of me isn’t surprised to hear this from him. I’ve always known that Randy has seen me as a burden, but this is a new low, even for him.
“Children aren’t supposed to owe their parents money,” I seethe, narrowing my eyes at him. “Children are supposed to be loved and cared for by their parents, not sold.”
Daddy shrugs.
“What’s the big deal, Jess? You’re going to live in a damn mansion. It’s not like I’m sending you off to the butcher.”
I scoff.
“But you would, if you could make a buck from the butcher.”
Randy rolls his eyes.
“For fuck’s sake, Jessalyn. If anyone is getting the better deal out of this it’s you, not me. Try to see it from my perspective.”
I screech.
“I’m getting the better deal? Because my own father is selling me to some stranger so he can live rent free for god knows how long? Yes, Daddy. I’d say I came out on top of all this,” is my sarcastic comment.
But Randy continues like he hasn’t heard.
“You’re going to live with a damn billionaire, Jess. You’re about to become a lady of leisure. In fact, you’re the one who should be sending me money in this situation, instead of your damned ungratefulness.”
All I can do at this point is stare at this man in utter shock. In a
ll of my twenty-two years of life, I have never truly felt like a piece of chattel more than now. I’m property to be bought and sold. That’s all. Plus, it’s clear that Randy’s never going to see the wrong in this. He’s just not wired like that.
Still, it’s a difficult pill to swallow. Daddy and I have never had the relationship a father and daughter should have, but I never expected this to happen. Now, I have no choice but to accept this awful situation. I’m not going to win. I guess I could run off and hide but where would I go? I have no money and make a pittance working at Hooger’s. At least I still have my job, if nothing else.
I bite my lip and open the door to the truck. I pull out my bag of work clothes. On the bright side, if I agree to this deal, I won’t have to see Randy.
“Where are you going?” he asks as I take the bag and start walking off. I turn to face him, still seething with anger. His well-worn face looks totally innocent.
“Where does it look like I’m going?” I ask tightly.
Daddy rolls his eyes.
“Whatever. You’re just an ungrateful brat, Jess. You’ll never make it in life without my help.”
I watch in anger as Randy climbs into his truck and slams the door behind him. He revs the engine loudly before busting out of the parking lot like a man on fire. Daddy speeds down the road and I watch his truck get smaller and smaller in the distance as he drives away. He’s no doubt going home to drink the rest of the day, since he doesn’t have to worry about rent now. The only thing he has to worry about is coming up with enough beer to satisfy his raging alcoholism.
I walk to work where I change in the back before starting my shift at Hooger’s. I’m thankful for the busy diner because at least the work distracts me. When I go to sleep tonight--if I do at all--it’ll be the last time I sleep in the trailer. And while I want out, it’s the last time I’ll have any sense of independence and freedom before becoming a pet to a stranger.
When I get home from work later that night, I pack my bags for Mr. Purcell’s house.
I hardly slept a wink, and when morning comes, I feel the weight of exhaustion hanging over me like a dark cloud. My eyes are sunken and swollen, and I can barely climb out of bed.
The Billionaire’s Pet: A Forbidden Romance Page 2
