Page 98 of Fake it For Good
“No, I’m fine,” I said. “I’m going to watch a movie and drink wine.”
“Okay, call me if you need anything.”
35
CANE
It was a little eerie to be in the office alone. Everyone was out for the holidays. I probably should be home instead of working like an old Scrooge. Being at home alone with that stupid tree was killing me. Last night had been the loneliest night of my life. I was certain I had never felt lonelier. Not even when I left Kelly.
I didn’t want to sit at home and chose to be at work instead. It felt like I was at least doing something instead of being a lonely sap at home. I wasn’t all that sure what I wanted to do. I turned on the computer and waited for things to load. The first thing I saw was an email from the Faux Agency. I ignored everything else and clicked on the email. I had no idea why she would be reaching out. I sure as hell didn’t want to book another date. I had learned my lesson. I preferred to go stag to any and all future events. I’d take the stares. At least I would go home alone and happy instead of attached and stressed out.
All it said was to call her. It was important. I couldn’t even begin to think why. I knew the money went through. Did Noelle report me? Claim I pushed her to have sex with me? I doubted I was going to get an answer soon. Everyone had somewhere to be with the special people in their lives. Except me.
I called the number and prepared to leave a voicemail.
“Faux’s, this is Della speaking.”
I blinked and quickly remembered I was supposed to talk. “Della, this is Cane Carver. I just got your email. What’s going on?”
“I have your check here,” she said. “I just wanted to let you know.”
“Why do you have the check?” I asked with confusion. “Aren’t you supposed to give it to Noelle?”
“I did. She rejected it.”
“She rejected it?” I repeated. “What do you mean she rejected it?”
“I’m sorry, but she’s declined the payment.”
“What the hell does that mean?” I growled. “She wants more?”
“No,” she replied. “She wants nothing. She does not want the money.”
“Why?” I asked. “Can she do that?”
“It’s her money to take or not take,” she said. “I’ll return the funds via a wire transfer. It might not clear until next week.”
“I don’t care about the money,” I said. “Why didn’t she take the money? Is this normal? I don’t understand how she accepts the job, does the job, and then doesn’t want money for the job.”
“I think this is definitely a unique situation, but I’ve had this happen before.”
“What happened?” I asked.
“I’ll tell you, and it is up to you to decide what you do with the information,” she said.
“Please, tell me” I said.
“Noelle told me she developed feelings for you along the way,” she said. “She didn’t think it was right for her to take the money. Apparently, there were some concerns on your part. She didn’t want you to think she was taking advantage.”
“She told you that?”
“Yes,” she answered immediately.
I was left speechless. What did I say? It was pretty much what I told her.
“I’ll start the transfer today,” she said.
“Wait! Don’t do that. Not yet. I need to talk to her.”
