Page 75 of Bad Boy Neighbor

He made sure I paid for my mothers mistake.

And in the end, the only mistake made was me believing someone else owned my life.

People are walking past me, turning their noses up with their judgmental eyes. I don’t care. I’m completely motionless right now, trying to comprehend everything that has unraveled only moments ago.

Lana bursts from behind the curtain, reaching out her arms and embracing me as my river of tears collide with her shoulder. The weight of my decision becomes so real I almost feel myself ready to collapse into her arms.

Sebastian is standing beside her with a mixed expression of sympathy and irritation as Frank, our head security guard, appears beside him.

“Miss Carmichael, your father has demanded you leave immediately,” Frank demands. His expression is remorseful, but I know he has no choice but to follow orders.

“Oi, give the woman a moment,” Sebastian responds, annoyance present in his tone.

“It’s okay.” I sob, my lips still trembling. “Goodbye, Frank. Thank you for taking care of me all these years.”

Frank extends his arms out to hug me, drawing me into his manly hug. He’d been more of a father to me than my own, and saying goodbye to a man who has always protected me is harder than I thought.

Frank leans his head down, lifting my chin with his hand. “You take care of yourself, okay? You’re stronger than you think. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

I hold onto him tightly one more time before taking Sebastian’s coat he offered me.

Between Lana and Sebastian, I remain in their embrace as we walk toward their car. Each step becomes a harsher reality, the panic setting in within moments.

“I don’t have a place to stay.”

“Hey, you’ve got a home, okay?” Lana reassures me. “Your home is with us as long as you need it.”

The car ride to the hotel is quiet, because all I can do is stare out the window entirely numb. We stop at the hotel to pick up their stuff, and Lana lends me a change of clothes as Sebastian books us on the next flight home. I have absolutely nothing to my name, exactly as my father had threatened.

In two short hours, my father disconnected my phone and canceled all my cards including my personal banking account which was linked to his main account. I have my driver’s license and social security card. I don’t even own a toothbrush.

He delivered on his promise and left me with nothing.

I was glad to get on the plane back to Los Angeles, equally relieved to see the familiar sight of Manhattan Beach. I’d spent only a short time here, but it felt more like home than the one I grew up in.

Yet, every single thing reminds me of him.

And I don’t know what pain stabbed me deeper. I’m drowning no matter which way I turn or try to climb out.

“I’m sorry, girl. It’s our only spare room,” Lana apologizes, falling into a digestive silence as we stand in what was once Oliver’s room.

Instantly, I smell him everywhere.

The scent is overbearingly present. It’s a manly scent mixed with rainforest and a fresh summer breeze. It ran through my veins, reminding me of his touch, his skin, and the way he caressed every part of me.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like a train wreck.” I sit on the edge of the bed, rubbing my face into my hands. I’m beyond exhausted, my eyes puffy from the constant tears. My body aches as if it has run a marathon. “I have nothing, Lana. Not a single cent to my name. I don’t even have fresh underwear.”

“All problems with simple solutions,” Lana says, placing her hand on my shoulder. “The universe must be on the good karma trail or something. We have an admin job opening at the law firm, and it pays decent enough for you to get back on your feet until you decide what you want to do. Meanwhile, there’s a spare toothbrush in the bathroom cupboard. Brand new, of course. Never use the green one. Sebastian uses it to unclog the sink.”

The corners of my mouth turn up into a small smile, making a mental note never to use the green toothbrush. How disgusting.

“First thing tomorrow morning, we’re going to stock up with everything you need. Have you ever been to Target? It’s the one-stop-shop for everything.”

“Target? Lana… it’s too much.”

“You can pay us back when you get paid. In instalments, of course.”

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