Filed to story: Young Girls Forbidden Love Series: My Best Friend’s Daddy
“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand why that means you need to leave tomorrow,” Michael said somberly.
That was a fair point; Lauren and her father had paid for absolutely everything. It wasn’t costing me anything to stay on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation. I had to come up with a reason as to why I had to leave before he saw through the holes in my story.
“I have to get back to New York, get ready to move to Cambridge, and find a job there before the semester starts. I only have a few weeks of living costs saved up.” This was partly true; I did need to do all of those things, but it would actually complicate things for me to go back early.
I couldn’t move into my new apartment in Cambridge until two weeks before the semester started. So going back early would just mean I’d sit in my old apartment with nothing to do. Plus, If I went back early, I would have a few more weeks of expenses to take care of, and I had already quit my job.
“What if I could help you find a new position in Cambridge?” Michael asked.
“What do you mean?” I asked, surprised.
“I have some connections in Cambridge; if I helped you get a few interviews, would you be able to stay longer?”
I couldn’t find any words to respond. I’d been really worried about what I would do for work when I got to Cambridge. I didn’t know anyone there and planned on spending the two weeks before the semester handing in resumes at different restaurants.
“You would do that for me?” I asked.
“Absolutely. I will make some calls in the morning. You don’t have to stay, but I would enjoy your company if you did. The Bahamas are beautiful this time of year. I don’t want you to miss it.”
“Okay, I’ll stay,” I said quietly. “Thank you, Michael.”
I could not believe this man’s kindness to me. If it was important to Michael that I stay on the trip, then I would figure out how to deal with Todd and Lauren for a little while longer.
“I’m glad to hear it,” he said with a smile.
The sky started to lighten in the early morning hours, so I stood and told him, “I should head back down to my own room and get some rest.”
“Probably a good idea,” he said and followed me out of the sauna.
I went back into the massive closet and changed back into my clothes, hanging the robe back on the hook. I walked back out into the main room, and Michael was waiting for me, still in his robe.
“Let me walk you down.”
“That’s really okay. You have done so much for me already,” I said.
“How long will you stay?”
“I’m not sure. At least another week.” I smiled at Michael and walked out the door.
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Michael POV
I shut the door behind Shelby as she walked down the hall. I was relieved that I had convinced her to stay for at least another week, but I knew there was something else that was the real cause for her being so upset tonight.
I knew that Shelby was not part of Lauren’s usual friend group, but after talking to Shelby tonight, I was confused about how they were even friends at all. Shelby clearly had big goals and would work hard to see them happen.
Lauren didn’t have any goals other than becoming an ‘influencer.’
The thought of Shelby working at every spare moment to put herself through school made my stomach twist at how badly I had spoiled Lauren. Shelby deserved so much better than to be just scraping by.
I would do anything I could to help her find something better. Hell, I would have offered to pay for her tuition, too, if I thought she would accept it.
I pulled out my phone to send an email to the connection I had at a law firm in Cambridge. I had done some business with them in the past and figured it would be a much better fit for Shelby than making people drinks. With how much business I had given the firm, I knew I could at least get her an interview.
On my home screen, there was a notification of a phone call from my financial advisor, Alester, that I’d missed while we were in the sauna. Alester never called at this hour, so I knew immediately something was wrong
I called him back immediately, waiting impatiently to hear his voice on the other end.
“Michael, I am so sorry for the early hour,” Alester said.
“No need to apologize; what’s going on?” I asked urgently.
“I am afraid it is not good news,” he said.
“Just tell me, Alester,” I said, doing my best not to get impatient with the man. He’d worked for me for years, and I would trust him with my life.
There was an infuriatingly long pause on Alester’s end. He sighed before he finally responded.
“Blaine is back, sir.”
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Shelby POV
The sun was streaming through the glass doors of the balcony when I finally opened my eyes. My head was pounding from a lack of sleep and caffeine. I wanted to order coffee up to my room, but I needed to shower too badly to wait. After running all the way to the yacht and then sitting in the sauna with Michael, I was salty with dried sweat.
I probably should have showered last night, but, after reaching my room in the early morning hours, I collapsed on the bed and had fallen asleep in my clothes.
I walked into the bathroom, expecting to look like a mess from all the events of the night, my clothes were extremely wrinkled, but I was surprised to see my hair still looked flawless.
“I wish I could afford to get a blowout more often,” I said to my reflection, pulling on a few strands as I admired the style.
I put my hair up and stepped into the hot water of the shower, washing off the previous day. I stood under the steaming water until I was getting a little dizzy from the heat.
As I stood there, I couldn’t help but think about Michael. He’d been so kind to me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a chance he wanted more from our relationship than what one would typically expect between a man and a friend of his daughter’s.
I shook my head. I couldn’t allow myself to think that way. Michael lived in a world I knew nothing about. Not only was he much older than me, he was also Lauren’s dad. Besides, he could have any woman he wanted. Why would he want me?
Returning my thoughts to reality, I finished rinsing my hair and turned off the water. Getting out of the shower, I noticed my skin was as pink as a newborn’s. I wrapped a towel around myself, and made my way back into the bedroom to cool down.
The screen of my phone was illuminated, so I picked it up and lounged back on the bed. I had several notifications from the group chat between me and my roommates, Aubrey and Lin. I knew I needed to let them know what was going on.
Aubrey: Shelby? Are you still alive? We haven’t heard from you in days.
Lin: Maybe she has finally found herself a rebound, and that is why she is too busy for us. My guess is a sexy pool boy!
Me: Sorry, you two. Signal has been spotty. A sexy pool boy, Lin? Is that your guess or your fantasy?
Lin: I think a sexy pool boy should be everyone’s fantasy. ‘Pool boy, refresh my drink, and while you are at it, come rub me down with some tanning lotion.’
Aubrey: Lin, you are the reason I can’t let Gianni read our group messages!