Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 84250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Chapter 36
Claire
I fought the cloud-nine feeling all the way to Madison's house, but there was just something about having heat in the car for the first time in as long as I could remember that just wouldn't let me ignore it.
It really is the simple things in life, and I know I owe it to Walker. Just like I know it cost a lot more than fifty bucks to fix this old clunker because it's not even making that loud, embarrassing whining noise. If Boone only charged him that amount then he did it because he took pity on me. As much as I want to get upset about that, I just can't seem to pull up that irritation.
Larkin ran inside Madison's house like she was beyond excited to be there, and that made it easier. I know she's eventually going to ask for Nora and Leo, but that's a bridge I'll worry about when we get there.
I was feeling like a brand-new person, but as karma would have it, I got a call from the attorney's office, urging me to stop by as soon as possible. They mentioned not being open this evening when I said I could come by then, and it left me once again needing to call work and let them know I was going to be a little late.
I pull in a deep breath before opening the door to the attorney's office and stepping inside. The older lady smiles at me from the desk, her eyes barely moving away from the television she's watching to greet me.
"Hello, dear. Barrett is waiting for you. Go on back."
I blink at her, having thought they were using some sort of ruse to get me here to talk about the balance I owe them from him looking into that payout settlement for me.
Dread fills me with every step I take toward his office. I really thought things were going to start looking up for me, but this is what I get for thinking a working heater in the car had the power to change my life.
I knock on the doorframe, only stepping inside when he lifts his hand and waves me closer. He doesn't even bother pulling his eyes from his computer as I sit. I know he makes me wait on purpose because he's just a spiteful sort of man. That was clear when he just dropped the wombat bomb at my feet while hoping Walker would refill his flask with whiskey rather than calling me and either scheduling an appointment or telling me over the phone, either of which would've been more private than how he did it.
"I have to get to work," I say when it doesn't look like he's going to address me.
"Firstly, I want to apologize for how I behaved at Adalynn and Cash's wedding. It was uncouth and disrespectful."
I nod my head in acceptance because the days of telling people it's okay to mistreat me so long as they apologize are over. That era started yesterday when I walked away from Nora.
"And I wanted to touch base with you about the credit card issues. I looked into all the financials—"
"What?" I snap. "I didn't tell you a damn thing about my financials."
"Ms. Kennedy," he says with a sigh, frustration clear in the way he addresses me.
"Have you been talking about me with others?"
His lips form a flat line, but he doesn't answer me.
"I swear if I had the time," I snap as I stand. "I'd sue you."
"You wouldn't get very much," he says in a droll tone that makes me believe him. "If you'd just take a seat, I have some good news for you."
I stare down at him, unsure if sticking around would make me madder. Good news according to him might not be such good news for me.
"And before you think of calling another attorney, may I please remind you that you signed paperwork giving me permission to speak to others on your behalf. Although, at the time, I didn't know that would be credit card companies, but that's why we don't add a list of people."
Credit card companies.
He spoke with Walker. I have no doubt the man left my bed and came straight here, or at least was here first thing that following Monday morning after finding those letters and bills on my dresser. God, the man meddles too much. I know he's trying to help but he's making it so much worse.
Defeated, I drop back down into the seat across from Mr. Hyde’s desk.
"As you probably surmised, I did have a conversation with Walker."
"What did he say?"
His mouth clamps closed.
"Really, so the discussion of my information only goes one way?"
"Walker hasn't signed paperwork giving me permission to speak to others."
I huff a humorless laugh. "Can we get on with this? As you know, I'm broke and can't afford to lose my job."