Page 84 of Make You Love Me

Richmond Hills

Needing to cool off, Ford finds us a spot in the shade to sit. I took him up on the chance to make some extra cash by helping clean the country club’s pool today.

“Damn, it's hot,” I say as I take a big swig of my water.

Ford uses the bottom of his shirt to wipe the sweat off his forehead. “At least you get to work by the beach this summer with that nice ocean breeze, while I’m stuck here sweating my ass off.”

“True, I’m ready for the beach life. But don’t even act like you work outside every day, Pretty Boy. Your ass is normally in the air conditioning, serving the rich folk.”

He laughs at that comment, knowing it's the truth. He only occasionally does work on the club grounds and when he does, he always recruits me or Nox. We get it done in no time and split the money.

“Yeah, I’m trying to be like Patrick Swayze inDirty Dancing. Find me a sugar mama and an innocent rich girl this summer.”

I roll my eyes at him and his damn chick flicks.

“This is probably my last summer in Nori Beach, since Trent is going to college in August. We always have a good time, but this summer I’m more about making money.”

Smirking at me, Ford says, “I’m sure you’ll find a surfer chick to warm your bed in that fancy guesthouse.” It is a pretty sweet set up I have staying in my aunt’s pool house with my cousin.

“It’s North Carolina, not Cali dipshit. Plus, most surfer girls don’t have enough meat on their bones for me.”

“Well, you know I don’t discriminate either way,” Ford replies… and he really doesn’t. Homeboy just loves pussy. As long as she has pretty teeth, he’s down.

Standing, I say, “Okay, go check with your manager to make sure we’re good before we head out.”

Ford goes inside and I look out at the beautiful acres of grass-covered foothills. The country club may not be my type of place, but it does have beautiful views.

“Excuse me, Mr. Rexwood, is it?” A polite, proper voice interrupts my thoughts. I turn around and see Ethel Richmond. She is “big money”, as we would say, well known in town for her bank account, not so much for her personality. She’s never spoken to me until right now.

“Yes, ma’am, can I help you?” I was raised to respect my elders and since she owns the club, she may have found something else she needs us to do.

“I couldn’t help but overhear that you’re going to be spending your summer in Nori Beach,” she says, and I nod my head in response.

She moves closer to me. “I have an opportunity for you to make some extra cash, and I want to run it by you.”

Does she have a place there? Maybe she wants me to be her pool boy?

“Okay. What are you looking for?”

She gives me a smile. I’m not sure if it's genuine or not, it's hard for me to read her. “Well, my granddaughter is about your age and she’s dating this young man who is quite awful to her. I don’t think she understands that there are other fish in the sea. I want you to ask her on a date and treat her well. Show her there are plenty of other people out there who could make her happy.”

Okay, that is not what I was expecting her to say. She continues before I can answer. “I’ll pay you two grand up front to take her on three dates. Then if she breaks up with him, I’ll give you another two grand.”

I almost choke on my tongue at the money she's offering for something that’s so simple.Typical rich people shit.At least she seems to have a good cause behind it.

Normally I’m a blunt and honest person, so deception is not in my nature. It’s not like I’m going to make the girl fall in love with me. In the end, it will help her see the punk she’s with is no good and she can go find someone much better than either one of us. Plus, four grand will get me a hell of a lot closer to purchasing the machine I want for the shop.

Ethel interrupts my pondering, “If you are unable to do the task, I understand—”

“No, I'll do it. A few dates. I’ll treat her good, but not good enough for her to catch feelings. I don’t want to hurt her in any way.” I want to be clear about that because if she’s asking me to be more than just a distraction, then I am out. I won’t stand by and hurt an innocent person.

“Of course not, I appreciate you considering that.” This lady gives me weird vibes, but she seems to care about her granddaughter.

“I leave for Nori Beach next week. How will I know where to find her?”

Ms. Richmond takes her phone out of her purse, handing it to me with a blank contact already pulled up. “My assistant, James, will be in touch to get you your first check before you leave. He will correspond with you in Nori Beach as well.”

I enter my cell number into her phone, and she gives me an eerie smile as I hand it back to her. I should be happy about this easy cash but for some reason, I feel like I just signed a deal with the devil.

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