Chapter 64
Chapter 64
Jocelyn had barely set foot in the house when Melvin’s call buzzed in.
She was standing in the stairwell, leaning against the wall as she answered the call.
“Where did you vanish to?”
“Headed home.”
Melvin didn’t seem surprised, and said, “That sort of thing won’t happen again.”
Jocelyn looked up. Though she was clueless about what he had said to Willow, she wasn’t in any position to thank him either.
That scene she spotted before had left a nasty taste in her mouth.
She never looked down on her dad’s job, but the tangled web of relationships had bruised her pride just a tad
“Mhm,” Jocelyn was still lost in that earlier moment, “If nothing’s up, I’m gonna hang up.”
Melvin didn’t respond.
Jocelyn cut the call short and took a moment to collect herself before heading upstairs.
As she walked in the door, Daisy popped out of the kitchen, “Did you hitch a ride with Quinta?”
‘Yep. I did.” Jocelyn kicked off her shoes, looking a bit off.
Daisy, ever so perceptive, asked, “What’s up with you?”
Jocelyn forced a smile, “It’s nothing, maybe just a bit carsick, kind of queasy. I’ll go lie down in my room for a while.”
“I’ll get you some water.
“No need. I’ll be fine after some rest.”
She retreated to her room and closed the door. Immediately she hit up a friend to scout a new job for her dad.
At 5:30 PM, Calvin came home.
Jocelyn helped set the table, while keeping an eye on her dad’s mood, but he seemed normal.
During dinner, Calvin started talking about his work, ‘Today Willow came to the office to fetch some stuff and asked for my help. Got spotted by my boss. Guess what happened?”
“What?” Daisy asked inquisitively.
Calvin chuckled, “My boss told Willow she’s not allowed to boss me around since she doesn’t pay my wages.”
“Willow, the big-time celeb Willow?”
“Yeah. Alas, she seemed super nice on TV, but in real life, she carries this air about her. Calvin gave a helpless shake of his head,
“I get it. She’s a celeb, and she’s bound to have an attitude. But she and her assistant, they’re just too stuck up.”
Daisy frowned, “Did they give you a hard time?”
“Not really. I just ran a few errands for them, heard some not-so-nice remarks at first, but it all turned out to be misunderstandings Calvin shrugged it off with a smile, “It’s part of the job. Security guards, janitors, we’re always seen as lesser in the eyes of others.
Daisy’s face darkened, “What’s wrong with being a security guard? They’re people too, so why are they seen as lesser? How can they act like this? You’re old enough to be their dad; can’t they show some respect?”
“Let’s drop it. It’s all part of the job,” Calvin kept his cool, “Besides, the boss had my back today, so I guess it won’t happen again.”
Daisy wasn’t pleased, “Yes, your boss spoke up for you today, but how long will that last? Didn’t you say that woman is your boss’s girlfriend? If she becomes the missus, who knows if she’ll make things harder for you because of today?”
“That’s future talk. For now, I’ll work as long as I can. The rest is fate.” Calvin was philosophical about it.
Jocelyn knew her dad was just brushing it off, but at his age, being ordered around by youngsters surely couldn’t be water off a duck’s back
She also knew the words from Willow and her assistant were more than just ‘not-so-nice. Just the looks on their faces told how barsh were the words they spewed.
Chapter 64
Dad, maybe you should quit the security job, Jocelyn chimed in at the right moment. A friend of mine was just asking if you’re looking for a job. Their school library needs a librarian. Interested?”
“That sounds great, Daisy was all for it, “Yeah, take the librarian job. It’s way better than working as a guard and dealing with people’s moods
Jocelyn was on the same page, i haven’t said no yet. If you’re up for it, they can sort it out straight away.”
Calvin pondered for a moment, “Nah, I’ll pass. Librarian’s pay isn’t great, and my current job isn’t too taxing. I just roam around and monitor things. I’m the head of security, I’ve got people to manage.”
“What do you need all that money for?” Daisy scowled. “You turn down a cushy job for one where you had to put up with bullies?”
“Oh, what would you know?” Calvin shot Daisy an annoyed glare, “Isn’t putting up with stuff part and parcel of any job? Even our boss got to put up with stuff. To live a life in this world, you can’t expect to only cross paths with saints who always speak sweet nothings. I’m over fifty, if I can’t see that clearly, what’s my life been about?”
He looked at Jocelyn, Turn down that librarian offer. I’m sticking with my current company. It’s not right to quit over a bit of unhappiness, is it?”
“You really are. Daisy was out of words.
Jocelyn wanted to persuade him, but knowing her dad’s stubborn streak, she knew it was tough to sway him once he made up his
mind.
So, she just nodded.
After dinner, Jocelyn stepped into the bathroom. When she got out, she overheard her mom trying to convince her dad, who was keeping his voice low, I’m making there grands now. At my age, that’s rare.
My boss respects me. Why would I quit over a few words? Besides, Jocelyn will get married someday, I’ve got to save up for her wedding gifts.”
Those last words blurred Jocelyn’s vision instantly.
Fighting back tears and the lump in her throat, her mood sank even lower.
That night, Melvin video-called Jocelyn.
She stared at the screen until he hung up.
Then the phone rang again.
She still didn’t pick up.
Silence fell over the phone
Jocelyn figured he wouldn’t call again.
After a shower, there were no missed calls on her phone. She scrolled through Twitter, ready for bed, when a Facebook message from Melvin popped up.
She clicked it open to find just two words: [Come down.]
Jocelyn was taken aback, and just then, she heard a car honking downstairs
She quickly scurried to the window and yanked the curtains aside for a peek. The silver-gray Porsche lurked under the dim streetlights like a beast ready to pounce, its lethal power ready to explode at any moment.
Her phone buzzed again.
Thirty seconds. If you’re not down, I’ll make sure the whole neighborhood can kiss their sleep goodbye.”
His words were bossy with a hint of menace, no trace of jest in it.
Jocelyn muttered a curse under her breath. Not daring to dawdle, she dashed downstairs in her nightgown, without even changing.
Approaching the car, the window rolled down, revealing Melvin’s stern face. His eyes gave her a once- over, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly, “Get in.”
“It’s too late, and I need to sleep, Jocelyn pushed back, not wanting to cave to his will.
Melvin’s eyes narrowed, his hand slowly resting on the steering wheel, “Or would you rather have the whole neighborhood come out and see who’s disturbing their peace?”
Jocelyn was fuming.
He knew exactly how to push her buttons!
Chapter
She aimed for the backseat, only to find out he’d locked the back doors.
No choice left, she had to hop into the passenger seat.
As soon as the door shut, the car started moving.
“Where are you taking me?’ Jocelyn panicked.
Melvin, hands firmly on the wheel, replied coolly, “Weren’t you saying it’s too late and you needed to sleep? I’m taking you back to sleep.
