Page 16 of The Favorite Girl

He nodded slowly as a small smile peeked out between his knitted lips. “That’s actually really good to know, because honestly, it looks like you robbed a designer ghost…” He lifted his eyebrows, and I couldn’t help but laugh as I looked down at my entirely white outfit that really didn’t match me at all.

Conrad’s face lit up in a bigger smile as he watched me unable to suppress my laughter.

“That… that was really funny.” I coughed as I choked on my spit, mid-laughter.

“Wow, thanks… Most girls make me wine and dine them, and then they’ll feel bad and just fake a laugh at my jokes.” He shoved his hands into his pockets with his shoulders slightly lifted.

Rubbing my arms, I tried my best to compose myself. Suddenly, my eyes caught a glimpse of the surgery textbook splayed on the ground. Dropping down, I carefully picked it up, attempting to smooth out the pages before closing it. Furrowing my brows, I noticed that Conrad was also wearing the thick padded shoes. While his resembled sneakers, they were the same shade of white, with the same thick, amplified soles.

Slowly standing, I carefully placed the textbook in the gap on the shelf and turned back to Conrad.

“Do you want to become a doctor, too?” I asked, only to prevent me from asking all the wild questions that were circulating through my mind.

“I have to.” Conrad shrugged and pushed his hair from his forehead.

“Have to?” My eyebrows lifted. What a peculiar way to answer a question about something you have complete control over.

“Yeah, I mean, I’m my dad’s prodigal son. Have to take over his—” Conrad stopped mid-sentence, pinching his lips to the side. I was guessing he meant his dad’s private practice? One look around this massive estate, and I didn’t blame him.

“What about you? You never really answered me. Why would a girl like you want to do a shitty job like this?”

I let my eyes wander around the space as I thought about my answer. I didn’t know how to lie very well. I mean, a girl like me—who had been living in a tiny closet for years, with another girl; a girl who was my sister that I watched get attacked daily so it wouldn’t have to be me; a girl like me, who hid crumbs in a tiny tissue in case there wasn’t another meal for a while…

“I’m saving up for college.” I lied, feeling my cheeks heat up as soon as the lie left my lips.

“Oh, yeah?” Conrad smiled at me. “I go to UNC. I’m just home for an extended summer. You should apply there. Maybe, if you want a tour or something…” He ran his hand through the back of his hair anxiously, and I couldn’t help but roll my lips together to hide the stupid grin that was tempting to come out.

Suddenly, a buzzing sounded, startling me. “Conrad. Your father wants to make sure you have the documents signed and brought to him promptly. He’s growing impatient. He said to bring the book she dropped as well. He needs to replace it since it’s probably damaged and has touched the dirtied floor.”

My eyes shot around the room. How did Dr. Ivory know I dropped his book? How…

Hugging myself, I realized something.

We are being watched.

CHAPTER

ELEVEN

I sat across the desk from Conrad as he shifted his voice and mannerisms. His eyes locked onto something in the corner of the room, but I was too uncomfortable to follow his line of vision, especially when he looked at me for a moment longer before clearing his throat.

“Working for the Ivory family comes with the understanding that confidentiality is the number one priority. Anything you may hear or see within these walls may not be shared with anyone. Know that if you do, the repercussions are severe.” He straightened his spine and kept his eyes down on the hefty stack of papers in front of him.

“There are a few guidelines that you must agree to in order to obtain this job. I’ll let you read them, unless you’d like me?—”

“No, it’s fine. I can…” I felt embarrassed that he even assumed I couldn’t read a simple document.

IVORY ESTATE RULES

Confidentiality. Anything you witness may not be repeated in or outside of the home.

You must not wear any form of fragrance, makeup, or accessories unless approved.

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