Chapter 14 All He Said Was True
Quinn's POV
I totally didn't expect that Grayson would hug me from the side and pressed my body against his. He even clarified my status as his therapist and when I was working with him in front of Owen.
I mean, before leaving his house, Grayson and I had an argument and he got kind of irritated. And so this sudden change in his emotions had me worried.
Not to mention I also bear the embarrassment that now Owen might think my job is more than a therapist. Yeah I can see that in his eyes even though he hasn't said anything else.
Owen probably thinks I'm sluttier now than when I was dating him. Or maybe he's even laughing at me inside because my life is still the same while he's completed his doctoral degree. I need to get out of his face as soon as possible.
As if Grayson could hear my heart, he took me away after he said this to Owen, "I'll steal Quinn and you can meet your boss."
This time I surrendered and even thanked Grayson for doing the right thing. I also didn't look back at Owen but instead quickened my pace.
My gaze did not leave Grayson's face because I wanted to observe his expression. So if there was any change in his expression, I knew what to do.
"What did you do earlier?"
"Huh?" I was honestly surprised by the sudden question.
"Why? Didn’t I save you? You look uncomfortable." Grayson then stopped suddenly which made me bump into his back.
"I was just taking Owen to the management room," I replied while rubbing my bumped nose.
"Owen?" Grayson laughed. "When you met me for the first time, you called me Sir instead of my name. You know each other?"
Is that wrong? Well I mean why should I call Owen 'Sir'? He's not my boss. As for Grayson, I called him that because I knew I'd be working with him.
"Answer me, Quinn," he demanded sternly.
I sighed. "Because he's not my boss and I know him."
"How well do you know? Also, why did he apologize to you? What did he do wrong?"
"He's... my ex-boyfriend," I replied lazily.
"Your ex-boyfriend?"
I reflexively covered my ears because Grayson's voice was too loud. "Why so surprised?"
This was the first time I'd seen Grayson surprised to the point where his eyes were wide. "So that's the guy you were with before you met me?"
"What's the matter? Anyway, I don't need to be saved from Owen and I look uncomfortable because you look at us like two criminals caught in the act." I took a step back.
"I also told you I'll give you your money back. So I'm not coming tonight."
"Are you kidding me? I have a game in two days. As long as the contract is still valid. Then you're still working for me."
I sighed. Grayson was right. But I really didn't feel like coming anymore.
Grayson then brushed his hair roughly. "Okay you don't have to come tonight. But tomorrow you must come to fulfill my superstition." Then after that he went to the rink and started training.
“He apologized because he did me wrong in the past. He’s cheating on me,” I murmured.
"You are the last resident still living there. You should move out as soon as possible Ms. Roux."
I pulled my phone away from my ear for a moment. It was a call from the developer of the area that included my flat as well. And this was the second call this month asking me to leave urgently.
"I request for more time, sir. Please give me some time," I said carefully.
"That's my last warning. If you don't move out by next week, then this matter will be taken to court."
Thud.
I sighed after the call was cut off. The problem is that even if I wanted to move, I don't have the money to rent a new place. Besides, the flat was a place full of memories and I'd promised Dylan that he could return there once he healed.
The money Grayson had transferred to my account was running low. It'll be in the red soon. Humph.
I knew 26 thousand dollars was a lot, but it turned out I needed a lot more. That's why I was a bit humbled when Grayson pointed out how miserable I was because it was too honest.
Looks like I really need to get another part-time job. I might return to the nightclub because apparently they still need me and I can work in the dawn. Yeah it's a good offer and I'll take it.
"Hey, you tiny little mouse!"
I jumped in surprise as I was about to unlock the door because a big fat hand suddenly landed next to my head.
Oh no, it was those debt collectors and... the boss this time too.
I turned around and became alert. One of my hands was trying to find the chili spray in the bag but before I could find it, one of the debt collectors grabbed my hand.
"Let go!" I snapped.
"Hey, let her go," their boss said.
Finally, my hand was free. But it now had a red mark from the squeeze on my wrist.
I ventured to look at them one-on-one because I didn't feel wrong this time. "I've paid the rent for this month and the previous few months. So what business do you have coming here?"
The big man who was their boss swung the golf club he had been holding. Hitting the trash can beside the door made a loud noise. "Where did you get that much money, little rat?"
"It doesn't matter to you where I got the money from!" I shouted.
Unexpectedly, he slapped my cheek. Not just once but so many times that I felt my lips hurt and blood fall to the floor.
"I need to know because I don't want you to drag me into trouble in the future. You might steal or commit other crimes to get it."
I grasped my cheeks that were stinging and hot while holding back the tears from falling. It hurt so much. "I work in many places, fat man!"
I closed my eyes again as he waved his hand.
"Boss, I think that's enough."
When I opened my eyes, I saw them leave. Nevertheless, the pain and trauma they caused is still with me.
It wasn't the first time they were like that. Whether I paid them or not, they were often violent. And when I threatened to report them, they threatened to make sure I left my flat on the spot. That's why I always avoid them as much as possible. But unfortunately tonight I ran into them again.
I don't have any better options. If I wasn't here, I would still end up with pain all over my body from having to sleep with Grayson.
What a miserable life, just like Grayson said.
I picked up my fallen bag and walked into my flat. My body collapsed behind the door and then my tears fell as I couldn't hold it in anymore.
In this silence and darkness, only I could hear my crying. I was the only one hugging myself. And only I who was always with me and never left me.