The Deal

Ch. 15

Driving behind Paxton my mind wanders. What's living with him going to be like? I've only ever lived with my family. Now, I'm going to be stuck with him, the way I left home is not easily forgivable. Pa is furious with me, I know he is. He's the most unforgiving man I know and Trevor and I are just like him. Yet here he is with open arms for my mother who doesn't deserve his forgiveness.

    What should I do now? I'm not working at the farm, I guess I should get a job somewhere. Yeah, that's what I'll do. I'll put in applications all over town. I know a couple places that are hiring. I'll go in and talk to them, even if I don't have experience, it can't be that hard...right?

    I wonder how long its going to take before Ma realizes I don't want her to help with the wedding...or that the wedding isn't happening, at least for a while. She'll leave then and maybe then I can talk to Pa about coming back home. I just want him to make her leave, I don't want her to leave him. I don't understand how he can't see what she did was shallow and disgusting. All I know is, I'm not saying a word about the wedding or including her in any part of my life.

We pull up to his gate and I look around. This is a ridiculously long driveway with trees on both sides. Why didn't I noticed this when I was here last? All I remember is the gate. When the house comes into view I gasp. Who needs this much space? It's a large Victorian style home with four white pillars over the front portico. The siding is white and there are tons of windows with black shutters. The landscape alone must cost him a fortune. I stop my truck behind his car and step out, he gets out with my bag in his hands.

"You didn't need to follow me here. I'm sure you have work to get to." I say, holding out my hand for my bag.

"Nope, I'm taking the day off to spend time with you." He really does look happy about this new arrangement.

"You don't need to do that. I was going to head to town to apply for some jobs." I tell him.

"You can do that anytime. I want to be with you today."

"Okay, if you're sure you can afford it." I reply, looking around. "You must to be paying an arm and a leg for this landscaping."

"I can afford it, don't worry." He replies, smirking. Then he turns towards the front door. He walks right in.

"You should really lock your door, mister."

"I have cameras and an alarm system. Anyone trying to steal anything wouldn't get away with it. By the way, I have some pretty interesting video footage of us."

"Pervert. You probably watch it every night." I tease.

"Don't be ridiculous...I watch it every morning too." I can't see his face because he's walking in front of me, but he sounded serious. I follow him to a bedroom...his bedroom?

"You want me to stay in your room?" He has more then enough rooms to let me stay in, or at least keep my things in.

He looks at me like I'm crazy, "Where else would you stay? You want your own room?"

"It's not like you don't have them to spare. I just don't want to impose and take over your bedroom." I say, feeling awkward.

He's still looking at me like he's trying to figure me out. "Do you want your own room?"

"No, it's fine. Just wanted you to know you had options. I won't be offended or anything." I state, truthfully.

"I want you with me."

"Alright." I say, nodding.

"Do you want to hang up your things?"

"Nah, I'll just grab what I need from the bag."