“Yeah.” I force a smile before looking up to meet his stare. “I just need to make a quick call. I’m really sorry, but it won’t take long.”
I excuse myself from the table and step outside the restaurant. It’s bitterly cold and snow flurries float on the wind, but I won’t risk being overheard by Brady or his family.
His mom would probably rescind her invitation if she knew the mess I was in.
I pull up my call log and redial the last missed number.
Mike picks up on the first ring. “Iss about time.”
Jesus. Is he drunk?
That would certainly explain the texts…
“How did you get my number?”
He snickers. “WildcatPATH. Obviously.”
Just when I thought he couldn’t sink any lower, he goes and proves me wrong. Because of course he’d abuse his system access.
“What do you want?”
For the last four weeks, he hasn’t even acknowledged me in class, so why is he drunk dialing me now?
“I need you to transfer three thousand dollars to my Venmo.”
My blood runs cold. “You’re unhinged. I already gave you five thousand dollars.”
“That was before my laptop crapped out.” He snickers. “I’ve got my eye on a new MacBook and those things aren’t cheap.”
No shit. It’s why I use a PC.
“I don’t have the money,” I bite out, clenching my phone so hard it’s a wonder the screen doesn’t crack.
“Bullshit.”
“It’s true.” I haven’t been filming as much because I’ve been busy with Brady, but I can’t exactly say that. The last thing I want to do is drag him into my mess. “If you think it’s so easy to make money, start your own channel.”
Surely there must be a market for rich women who enjoy entitled white dudes with big egos and small dicks…
“Why would I whore myself out when I’ve got a cash cow at the end of my leash?”
Red-hot fury tears through my veins, but I bite it back. Antagonizing him will only escalate the situation. I’ll have to take the money from my savings. There’s no other choice.
“This has to stop.” I speak slowly to ensure his alcohol-soaked brain receives the message. “These large payments aren’t sustainable. If this keeps up, I won’t be able to pay my bills.”
“That’s hardly my problem. I want my money by Friday or Barnes gets an anonymous email.”
He disconnects and I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with icy air. I need to calm down before I return to the table. If Brady senses I’m upset, he’ll push until he gets the truth out of me, and I can’t allow that to happen.
This is my problem and I’m the one who has to deal with it.
I’ll transfer the money from my savings account in the morning and then I’ll have to ramp up my cam schedule. It’s the only way to stay afloat, and judging by tonight’s call, I’m going to be stuck with Mike, at least until I graduate.
32
BRADY
“It’s justanother mile or so.”
