Page 5 of Leo
Leo puts the pen down on the desk and flattens his hands on the dark wood.
His fingers are thick and long, and I can’t help but imagine them between my legs. Inside me.
“Here’s what I’m going to do,” he starts, pulling out a checkbook from the top drawer, “how much did you say the Hawthorne Group owe you.”
“I didn’t,” I say, “but if you must know. It’s thirty thousand dollars.”
He raises his eyebrow at me. I can’t tell if he’s impressed or if he thinks I’m lying.
I fold my arms across my chest and stare him down. Forcing myself not to look away or blink like it’s some silly schoolyard game.
Eventually, he nods his head. “Right, thirty thousand dollars.” He picks up his pen and starts writing a check. “I'm buying your debt.”
He doesn’t even look up at me as he’s talking. Just keeps his head down and carries on writing. “I’m not going to charge any interest. In fact, if you never want to see me again after today, then that’s completely up to you. Although, I hope that’s not the case. I like having you… as a customer. And I don’t want anything to ruin that.”
“I don’t get it,” I say, trying to figure out what kind of game he has going on here. “Why are you doing this? What exactly do you get out of it?”
“It’s complicated,” he sighs, sitting back in his chair and running his fingers through his hair. “And if it’s alright with you, I’d rather not go into it.”
“Actually,” I say, standing up and making as if I’m about to leave. “It’s not alright with me. I don’t know how things work in your world. But when some person who’s practically a stranger comes up and offers you thirty thousand dollars, it seems reasonable that I might have some questions. You say it’s complicated. And, I’m saying I’m not willing to accept that. For all I know this could be some elaborate scam.”
“A scam where I give you thirty grand?”
“I said elaborate, didn’t I!” I fling my bag over my shoulder and start opening the door.
“Wait!” He jumps up. His legs bash against the desk, sending the folders and his checkbook onto the floor. “Please, just sit down. I’ll tell you. Just… promise not to judge.”
