“Thank you, Nikki. By the way, I’m Lily,” I introduced myself.
After a few moments, I looked for Arlo. I wanted to ask him about what Nikki said about me being his girlfriend. When I found him in the library, I entered without knocking. He was standing near the window, speaking in an irritated tone to someone on the other end of the line.
“No, Dad, I won’t agree to this! This is my life, and I make my own decisions. Whatever Grandpa wants, it won’t happen because I already have someone I like, and you’ll meet her tonight!”
When Arlog turned and saw me standing in his library, he looked surprised.
“We’ll talk later, Dad,” he said before ending the call.
“What does Nikki mean by saying I’m your girlfriend?” I asked. He didn’t immediately respond to my question.
“Let’s talk. Have a seat. Miss…?” he said, trailing off.
“Lily,” I replied, realizing he didn’t know my name.
“Lily, you still haven’t answered my earlier question. What were you doing in the trunk of my car? Why were you hiding there? I saw those men looking for you. Aren’t you the receptionist at that small hotel?” he asked bluntly.
I was rendered speechless, unsure how to respond. As he waited for my answer, I prepared another lie.
“Well, it’s because my brother owes money, and they’re after me to pay for his debt,” I said, hoping he’d believe me. He nodded.
“Okay, so you ended up here in Alabama because you’re running away?”
I nodded again.
“Yes, I’m looking for a new job so I can save money to pay off my brother’s debt. Sir, if there’s nothing else, I’ll leave now. I don’t want to waste my time—I need to find a job. Thank you so much,” I said, standing up.
“Don’t you want to know my answer to your question about being my girlfriend?” he asked, stopping me.
“I can help you. Don’t you need money and a new job? Tell me how much you need, and I’ll give it to you right now. But I have one condition,” he said, making my jaw drop.
“This is your chance, Lily,” I thought to myself.
“Lily,” he called my name, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“You’ll really help me? I’ll do any job. What’s your condition, Mr. Arlo?” I asked nervously.
“First, stop calling me ‘Mr. Arlo.’ Second, drop the formalities like ‘sir’ and ‘sir.’ Third, pretend to be my girlfriend in front of my parents. And lastly, call me babe,” he said, smirking.
“What? That’s too many conditions, especially number three and the last one!” I said, feeling nervous.
“Deal or no deal? You need my help, Miss Lily,” he said seriously, biting the black pen he was holding.
He was right—I needed his help, but I decided to set my own condition too.
“Deal! But I have one condition as well,” I said boldly.
“No problem. Tell me,” he replied.
“I’ll live here in your house,” I said confidently.
He laughed, clearly amused by my condition.
“Yes! Perfect and the best condition ever!” he exclaimed, standing up and approaching me.
I was startled when he suddenly lifted me off the ground.
“Put me down!” I yelled.
“You’re a blessing from above, Lily,” Arlo said, laughing like he’d just won the lottery.
