Was he for real? I was already a loser as far as my classmates were concerned. Asking for their money so I could show them how academically superior I was wouldn’t gain me any popularity. In fact, the only thing I’d probably get out of it was more dirty looks and nasty rumors. And knowing my luck—a flashy lawsuit for something ridiculous. Olivia was already under the impression I was “trading favors” with her brother.
“No,” I said after a moment. “I don’t have the patience to teach.”
“You should think about it.” He nodded as if that were the end of the conversation.
I didn’t bother to respond. He wouldn’t acknowledge me if I did, and I wasn’t going to fight with him. Though, his suggestion was burrowing deeper into my brain.
Being a tutor didn’t mean I had to tutor kids from my school. I could work with younger kids from the elementary school, or even kids from other local high schools. Maybe I should post an ad online, see what happened.
“Oh, you know what we should do, Frank?” Larissa placed her hand on his arm, her eyes bright with excitement. “We should pay Chloe to go through all those boxes of pictures and documents in the attic and scan them into the computer.” She turned to me, smiling. “What do you think? It would give you something to do and a little bit of spending money.”
“Yeah, but it won’t get me out of the house.” I mentally cringed and took a deep, calming breath. “I mean, how many new people am I going to meet in the attic?” I laughed despite the sinking feeling in my chest.
She sighed and nodded. “You’re absolutely right.”
“It’s a great idea,” Dad said before pinning me with a stern glare. “If you don’t have any luck finding a job, you can take Larissa up on her offer.”
“Yes, sir.” I gritted my teeth and clenched my hands into fists under the table. I had to find a job, and I no longer cared what kind of job as long as it got me out of this house.
“Great!” Larissa pushed away from the table and stood. “I bought a cheesecake for dessert. Would either of you like a slice?”
“No thanks. I still have homework to finish.”
That was a lie. I needed to finish going through the job listings, post an ad for tutoring services, and call Ellie. I took my plate to the kitchen, and then headed upstairs.
Little Frank’s room was across the hall from mine, and I could hear the nanny’s muted voice followed by Little Frank’s giggles. Despite myself, I smiled and debated peeking my head in to check on him. Allowing myself to get attached to him would only make leaving harder. It was best to keep my distance.
I veered off into my room and closed the door. My laptop was still on my bed where I’d left it. After changing into pajamas, I climbed into bed and opened the job listings site I’d found earlier. I applied to a few places, but I wasn’t really excited about them. Regardless, a job was a job, and anything that would get me out of this house was worth it.
An hour and six applications later, I’d exhausted my possibilities. I quickly wrote and posted an ad for tutoring services, noting I specialized in English, some math, and Biology. I included my name, cell phone number, and email, though I doubted anyone would actually hire me.
Closing my laptop and setting it on the floor, I grabbed my cell phone. I had two text messages.
Abby: SORRY I BAILED EARLIER.
Abby: WHAT’RE YOU DOING? CALL ME!
I also had a voicemail from Aunt Beth. Heart racing, I listened to it. “Hi, Chloe. I hope you’re doing okay. When you get a chance, please call me back. There are a few things I need to go over with you. Dean says hi. We love and miss you.”
I closed my eyes against the threat of tears. Since I’d been here, my father hadn’t once said he loved me. Opening my call log, I easily found Aunt Beth’s number. My finger was poised over the call button when my screen lit up with a notification.
Simon Parker has sent you a friend request.
A tiny thrill shot through me. I quickly accepted his request and then called Aunt Beth.
She answered on the second ring. “Chloe.” She sounded genuinely happy to hear from me. “How are you?”
“Okay.” My voice was shaky, but I didn’t know why. Abby had already given me the bad news. “Been keeping busy with school, and I’m looking for a part time job.”
“That’s great.” She paused, and I could picture her smiling, her eyes alight with pride and excitement. “Dean and I met with our lawyer.”
“I know,” I said, then cringed. “I mean, Abby already told me. She knows she wasn’t supposed to, but I begged her. Please don’t yell at her.” I frowned.
Silence.
“Aunt Beth?”
“That child.” She sighed. “I’m sorry I don’t have better news for you, but I promise we’re not giving up.”
“It’s all right.” My shoulders slumped with defeat. “It’s not much longer until I’m eighteen.”
Plus, if I got a job, being stuck here would be slightly more bearable. And I had one friend now, so that was cool. At least, I thought I did. I still wasn’t sure what Simon’s motives were.
“Well, you can guarantee that the day you turn eighteen, we will be there to bring you home,” she said.
My chest seized at her words and the intensity of her tone. “You’d really do that?” I expected to have to find my own way back to Keene Valley.
“Of course, we will. You’re part of this family, Chloe. You belong here with us. Besides, I’ve always wanted to see California.”
I laughed. “Thanks, Aunt Beth.” I leaned back against my pillows and closed my eyes. One more month… I could survive that long.
“You bet.” She sighed again.
She seemed unusually agitated. I hoped telling her that Abby had
