Page 2 of Painfully Merry

“I’m sorry, but you know how it goes. It’s protocol. Would you prefer it, if I were to fire you on the spot?”

1

Parker

December

I toss the empty bottle of beer toward the garbage can without looking. The smash against the wall isn’t enough to make me move off the couch. I mindlessly grab another bottle off the coffee table, cracking the top. I couldn’t tell if it was night or day anymore. I don’t give a shit. The only thing that matters is getting revenge. I lost everything—my house, car, and friends. I have absolutely nothing.

For what? A few millions. That bitch makes that in a day, but she’s worried about somebody stealing it, and I was the easy prey. Did she even bother looking for the person who stole from her? Or was that it? Blame Parker; it’s his job to check the finances.

I slam my beer back, not even tasting it. Christmas is in three weeks, and I’m already over it. If I walk into one more store listening to all that holiday cheer, I’ll blow my brains out. I could be packing for an island vacation. The only thing I can afford now is another six-pack.

“Parkster, you here?”

The sound of the fridge door opening sends my heart into a flutter. Did that asshole bring home more beer? I would love him forever if he did.

“I’m where you left me hours ago.” I hurtle my now empty bottle at the garbage. “I need another.”

“What you need is a fuckin’ shower! I can smell you from across the room, and I thought I was the sick one.”

I slowly sit up, swinging my feet to the floor. “Chaos, being disturbed doesn’t have anything to do with hygiene.” I head to the kitchen to grab my own beer. I’ve lost count of what number I’m on. Does it even matter anymore?

“So, what’s the plan then Park? You’ve been moping around for weeks now.”

I slam the fridge door, spinning in his direction. “I’m not moping, dickwad. I’m thinking. It takes time.”

He chuckles. “No, it doesn’t. I could’ve planned this out in a day. Easy.”

“That’s because you are a psycho and live for this. I don’t want to kill her; I want to take everything from her.”

I watch as he moves to the table, tapping three times. “Why don’t you just walk back into that fancy building of hers and demand your job back? I’m sure by now she knows you didn’t steal from her. She’s just too humiliated to admit it.”

“Sabrina Black doesn’t get humiliated, Chaos. She has way too much pride for that.”

A slow grin quirked his mouth. “Then we make her humiliated.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “You haven’t met her. She has a way of making you feel like an ant.”

Chaos stares at me, his icy blue eyes sinking deep into my soul. Leaning back in his chair, he lets out a long sigh.

“Parky, how bad do you want your revenge?”

He’s been asking this question since I asked to move in. And every day, it’s been the same answer. I want that bitch to bleed. How dare she take my entire life from me. I worked day and night for her, and she took it away with a snap of her fingers. Does she even care? How long did she wait to replace me?

“We’ll start planning in the morning. I’m taking a shower.”

“Good, then the only thing that stinks is this house.”

I don’t know why I’m friends with him.

“I’m your friend because no one else wanted to stick by your side when you became a broke-ass bitch, Parker.”

“Stay out of my head, Chaos.”

His chaotic laughter follows me to the stairs. Chaos suits him. No matter where he goes, Chaos ensues. Climbing the stairs, I kick a pile of newspapers over; Chaos has a habit of collecting things. Many things that I gave up trying to recognize. He’ll stop eventually and find a new passion. It’s something I’ve grown accustomed to.

Setting my beer down on the bathroom counter, I turn on the shower. Glancing at my reflection in the mirror, I don’t see the man I did before. Now all I see is a worthless piece of shit who can’t seem to get his life in order. And it’s her fault. I’ll bring her to her knees.

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