The Caretaker | Levi x OC

Chapter 2

Thinking of Investing? Read This First!

June 2nd, Stacy Burns, BBA

For those with a little bit of extra change looking to invest, New Marley staples such as Waters Province and Ackerman Enterprises seem like the obvious choice. But before you swipe those credit cards, consider this:

Insider sources from Waters Province claim that real estate "[is] a seller's market. Now is not the time to buy." Got your eye set on a rental property or vacation home? We'd advise you to hold off!

What about firms that specialize in financial investment? Surely those are dependable? It seems these are a no-go as well. When asked why he removed his sponsorship, Walter Milston of Milston Entertainment turned the tables with his own questions: "What kind of person is [Ackerman]? How can we trust our money to a man of loss?"

As far as Marley Today is concerned, now is the time to put your money where your wallet is and stop gambling with your savings!

"I'll give you a raise if you can get him to write a personalized message."

Sage stood in the door frame with Jean slung on her arm.

Karma's eyes felt heavy as she rolled them. Sage had insisted on false lashes and adding a little color to that "boring" face. Karma's only condition was no eyeliner. Surprisingly, Sage had respected her wishes; she feathered Karma's cheeks with blush, dabbed her lips with nude lipstick, and each honey-colored eye was curtained with two swipes of mascara.

"To fit in, you've gotta look top-notch," Sage had said. "These people are loaded, so you know they're gonna be gorgeous. It's like Gam-Gam used to say, 'if you're rich and ugly, it's your own fault.' Here, try this on."

It was one of Sage's favorite dresses. Cream-colored and flowy, it skimmed just above the knee on Sage's slender form, but it sank midcalf on Karma. The tight cinch at the waist made Karma appear slimmer and bustier than she really was.

It was perfect. She felt like a goddess.

"To Sage, please give Karma a raise. Love, Mr. Ackerman. Something like that?" Karma said, scratching Jean's chin as a goodbye.

"If you can get him to write that verbatim, I'll make you acting manager."

"Please don't give me that kind of responsibility. Oh, will you bring a change of clothes to Vinny's for me? I'll be there by five. Maybe six if the MSA does walk-in tours. Seven if they let me tool around in the concert hall."

"Damn, you don't waste time. Alright, sure thing."

"And don't forget to feed Jean before you head out. He loves ham—there should be some in the fridge. He also loves frilly things, so hide your decorative pillows. Oh, and—"

"Wait, let me fix your makeup." Sage pinched Karma's peeling false lashes into place. "Don't want you looking wonky. And don't forget your resume." She held out the small stack of Karma's accomplishments. "Now go make me proud."

Feeling like a child on the first day of school, Karma hugged the resume to her chest and stepped into the familiar noise of Old Marley. She bought a tram ticket then tested a yellow pleather seat for sticky residue and crumbs to keep the dress clean. A city of glued-together ruins rushed through the windows like a river of brown and gray.

As they neared the south, the polluted river gradually cleared until it sparkled. Karma's mind bubbled as she imagined stepping into New Marley, a city untouched by The Rumbling and gilded in champagne and shiny cars and tailored gowns, her dream school glowing at its heart.