Page 18 of The Deal

I used their bathroom to change into my office attire when it was time and headed here.

Thankfully, Frank, the security guard at the building where I clean, let me stash the mop and broom behind the control room door. However, the bucket was too bulky, so I had to bring it with me. At least it will be easier to get on the crowded bus in the evenings without those two things.

“Seriously, though, what’s with the bucket?” she pries.

I pause before I reach the door and turn to face her. I want to tell her to mind her business, but I don’t. I may see this woman every day when I’m here, but she knows nothing about me or my personal life. I prefer to keep to myself.

“My car broke down over the weekend, and I have a cleaning job in the mornings before coming here.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that,” she says, wincing slightly. “That must be an early start for you then.”

“I had to leave home at two to catch a bus.”

“No wonder you always look so tired.”

“Wow, thanks.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you … you’re beautiful, Chloe, which I’m sure you already know. I have noticed that you yawn an awful lot when you arrive, and by the end of the day, you always look like you’re dragging your feet.”

This time, I wince. “I do?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm.” I’m always tired, but I didn’t realise it showed.

“Since you’re young … and so pretty, I just thought you were burning the candles on both ends. Living the high life with your friends or some equally gorgeous man.”

I almost want to laugh at her misguided perception of me. “Hardly,” I scoff.

“That’s a shame. Your youth won’t last forever, sweetie … trust me, I know. Maybe stop worrying about working so much and live a little.”

I force out a polite smile as I nod my head, turn, and continue to the door. If only it were that easy.

My little powwow with Belinda made me miss my bus.I had to wait another thirty-five minutes for the next one. Her words weighed heavily on me all the way home.

I’m only twenty-seven years old, but some days, I feel like I’m fifty-seven. I don’t have a lot to show for my adult years. Just countless blisters on my feet and callused hands, and probably a stomach ulcer or two from the constant worry.

I haven’t travelled anywhere since my mum left us. I no longer have friends because I don’t have the time to invest in them. I’ve never been in a serious relationship, and last time I checked, my bank account balance was a measly five dollars and nineteen cents.

Maybe it’s time to let go of the one piece of treasure I own … a beautiful diamond necklace and earring set. They are a family heirloom passed down from my grandmother to my mother. They are exquisite, and I remember thinking she looked like royalty every time she wore them.

I found the large, blue velvet box hidden in the top drawer of my dresser a few days after my mother split. There was a small folded piece of paper inside that said:

You’ll always be my little princess. When you wear these, think of me. I love you, never forget that.

Always and forever, Mum xx

I held onto that note for a long time but eventually threw it away. As the years passed and our situation worsened, my love and longing for her eventually turned into despair and, dare I say, hate.

I’m unsure why I never sold the jewellery when times got tough. There have been a gazillion moments when I could have used the money they would have brought me.

It was the only security I had left, and I think a part of me is holding onto my past … a life I miss.

Back then, my biggest worries were what to wear from my extensive wardrobe and what shoes would go with a particular outfit.How things have changed.Those days seem like a lifetime ago now.

When I arrive home, I place the bucket of cleaning products on the front porch and walk around the side of the house to climb through my bedroom window.

Once inside, I kick off my heels, dump my handbag and backpack containing the clothes I wore to my cleaning job this morning and go in search of my dad.

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