Page 103 of Never Have I Ever
Fuck. I feel the tears start to rise, so I clear my throat. “Yeah. Listen, I’ve got to go.”
I hang up, blinking away the wetness in my eyes, and focus on my phone. If it wasn’t my mother, then who the fuck sent me that money. I call my bank, waiting for the music to end and for someone to pick up the phone.
Finally, the line picks up. “Hello, this is Mary speaking at National Bank. How may I help you today.”
“Hi, this is Grayson Livingston. I recently received a deposit, and I’m wondering who sent it. I can’t see the sender.”
“One second, let me check that for you.” A pause and the sounds of a keyboard clicking echoes on the other end. “Yes, it was sent anonymously.”
I curse silently. “Can you just tell me who it was?”
“I’m sorry, sir, we can’t discuss other customers’ details,” she says.
“I don’t want details, I just want a name. I want to uh… thank them.”
“Let me see what I can do for you.” Another pause and more keyboard clicks, and then she clears her throat. “Okay, I have here on record that a Miss Rosalie Whitton deposited the money into your account. Does that help, sir?”
What the fuck?
“Yes, thank you,” I say as I hang up the phone.
Rosie? Why the hell would Rosie send me money? I walk back into the house, grab the keys from the counter, and head out of there. I don’t care if she doesn’t want to see me anymore. I at least deserve a reason for giving me money. Is this a parting gift?
I race to her house, barely stopping the car before I step out of it, seeing her stand outside her apartment building, looking so beautiful in a white dress. My favorite. Fuck.
She lifts her head and smiles when she sees me. Her smile is so wide, making me forget why I’m here in the first place. I can’t help but get weak when I see that smile that makes me want to pull her into me and kiss her, but I’m mad at her right now.
“What the hell, Rosie?”
Her smile disappears, and a frown replaces it, and I instantly want to kick myself for removing that beautiful smile from her face.
“Grayson?” she asks, frowning as I step closer to her.
“Why?” I ask.
“Why what?”
“I know it was you that deposited the money into my account. I want to know why.”
She narrows her eyes. “I told them I wanted to remain anonymous.”
“What the fuck is going on? Is this a repayment for taking your virginity? I banged you good, so you pay me? I’m not a prostitute,” I snap.
Her eyes widen, and she steps back. “No, I just…”
“You what? What the fuck was that for?”
“I wanted to help you.”
“Help me?” I repeat.
“Yes. You needed money. I had some, so I helped you.”
I laugh bitterly. “I don’t want your daddy’s money, princess. I didn't need your help, and I never asked for it. You came to me asking me to make you the complete opposite of who you are, remember? I don't need to be your charity case.”
Her lip trembles, and I clench my jaw, fisting my hands to avoid pulling her into me. “I don’t need you. I don’t need a needy girl wanting to cling onto me like a wet dog,” I say, reciting Aiden’s words.
I don’t know why I’m doing this, why I’m hurting her. Why I’m saying these things I don’t mean. Maybe it’s the sleep deprivation, but whatever it is, I’m being a complete asshole to her right now, and I know it.
