“Yeah,” he said.
“And we can redo a contract.”
“Sure.”
“But there’s one thing you should know.”
“Yes?”
I bit down on my lower lip. “I’m not saying that I’m going to keep the job, but if I do, just so you know, I don’t work Fridays.”
ChapterTwenty-Seven
Checking Account Balance: $75
Savings Account Balance: $10
Boyfriend Count: Officially a hoe.
Dear Diary,
I might be one of the most stupid women in the world. I know you might think I’m being too harsh on myself, or maybe you don’t think that, but I feel like I have made so many mistakes in my life that have led to so many compromising positions, and it’s all my fault. For example, who told me to go to the fair with Finn and do unspeakable things in the spooky house? Because let’s just say what happens in the dark always comes to light. I don’t even know if I’m alive right now because I’m still so embarrassed.
XOXO, Harriet.
“No way, Harriet. What do you mean you’re staying?” Polly looked at me with wide eyes. “I told you, you can come and stay with me.”
“I know, but I spoke to Finn, and we’re going to see if we can make this work. I really want this job and—”
“You really want to be a housekeeper,” Chelsea said, shaking her head. “Does he know that you’re still taking art classes for your master’s?”
“Well, no. I don’t even know if he knows I’m an artist,” I said, shaking my head.
“How can he not know you’re an artist?” Polly said. “That’s your life.”
“I know, and maybe I’ll tell him later.”
“Okay,” Chelsea said. “I can’t believe this.”
“Believe it. I thought you guys would be happy. You get to keep all your money.”
Polly bit down on her lower lip. “I don’t know if we can keep all the money. I still feel like we should save it just in case tomorrow you call and you’re like, ‘Look, if it doesn’t work out, I will go to Mom and Dad’s.’”
“You guys have been so helpful and so great, and you deserve this money. You deserve to buy something nice for yourself. You deserve…”
“I know what we deserve,” Chelsea said, “but we also have to be practical. You’re our sister. And if shit hits the fan…”
“It’s fine. He knows I’m not really a housekeeper. He knows I didn’t go to the Culinary Institute. He knows…”
“Yeah, but it seems like he’s been playing you,” Polly said. “What’s this shit about he’s a professor and was doing a test and what? What is this,Hunger Games?”
Chelsea started giggling. “Right? Or what was that other one?Divergent?”
“Did either one of you readThe Hunger GamesorDivergent? This is nothing like either of those.” I’m not sure they understood those movies or my current situation.
“It kind of is,” Chelsea said. “You’re getting played for a fool and…”
“And, what, are you volunteering as tribute?”