Page 20 of Valentine's Slave

She knows I don’t have a lot of friends.

“The people at work are nice,” I say, which is a partial truth. “I didn’t want to put you out with everything you’re going through.”

“I would always make room for you,” Hailey promises. “Next time, you come to me.”

“Fine.” I crack a smile despite the serious tone. “But you don’t have to worry about me anymore. With the cash from the arrangement, I’ll be able to quit Cora’s, get my own place, and hopefully find a new job.”

I’ll be utilizing every free minute I’m not with Valentino. I assume he won’t require my participation twenty-four seven, and I’ll be able to make some headway on the blog once I figure out exactly what I’m writing about.

“You guys banged tonight, didn’t you?” Hailey asks.

I pause, trying to explain. “It was sexual, but he didn’t use his dick at all or even take off his clothes. He wore this impeccable suit the whole time.”

“And what were you wearing?”

“By the end of it, almost nothing.”

“Ava!”

I chuckle despite myself. “It’s a done deal, Hailey. And I have to admit, I don’t regret it.”

I can practically hear her rolling her eyes. “I assume you enjoyed the sexy time? I bet he killed Shawner the Goner.” That’s been her nickname for Shawn for the longest time.

“He did,” I say. “And you were right—Shawn was a dick.”

“Thank you for finally admitting it, but this guy isn’t? I don’t exactly trust your taste in guys with your track record.”

“Hey now,” I interrupt. “You have no idea about Valentino.”

I don’t know why I’m suddenly defending my slave master. I haven’t even told Hailey the details, including the word ‘slave’.

“You can tell me all about how dreamy he is tomorrow,” she says. “I’ve gotta hit the sack. You still coming over after work?”

“You bet,” I say. “I’ll keep it out of Malcolm’s earshot.”

“Good. Thank God he doesn’t like girls yet,” she added.

Hailey’s more relaxed, I can tell. And so am I, strangely, with a mad excitement building in my core. Also, this will be my last week working at Cora’s Diner.

The next morning, I give my boss my three days’ notice, which she’s not pleased about, to say the least, but there’s nothing she can do. It’s as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. This deadbeat job no longer has to carry me through finding an apartment and a new life. I’ve been given another way out, and I feel incredibly blessed, as Dad always used to say.

As soon as I finish my shift, I jump on the bus to Hailey and Malcolm’s place. It’s a cramped two-bedroom apartment, but they make it work. Hailey’s been styling hair since she was seventeen, but it was only recently that she decided to start up her own gig.

I make it just in time for dinner at 5:30.

Malcolm jumps up to meet me at the door, and I give him a big hug, messing his wavy dark hair.

“How’s my favourite little trooper—all ready for the big day on Sunday?” I ask.

His blue eyes beam up at me. “You bet. Mom said I can’t go in the circle pit, though.” He hangs his head a little bit.

“You’re going to be ten,” Hailey calls from the kitchen. “Circle pits have full-grown men jumping around, bodychecking each other. You really want to get in the middle of that?”

Malcolm smirks at me as he flexes his bicep. “I’ve been doing chin-ups at school during recess.”

I squeeze his arm. “Someone’s got guns,” I say. “Don’t worry. When you’re bigger, you can go into as many circle pits as you want.”

He grins from ear to ear.

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