83. Let's be Friends

Sheila

"It's not true. Those are just stupid rumors. Lies spread by..." I stammer.

"By who?" Jack asks.

"I don't know! But it's ridiculous if you actually believe I am part of a Mafia family," I say and let out a nervous giggle.

Oh god, this is so embarrassing. I wish I had let my dad send me to a boarding school far away or had me homeschooled. But I was the one who begged him to let me stay.

I can tell Jack doesn't believe me and I feel my heart sink in disappointment. I had hoped that he would believe me and give me a chance to prove myself, but instead, he just stares at me with a look of disbelief. I take a deep breath, trying desperately to think of something that might convince him otherwise.

"Look," I say, mustering all the courage I have left. "Maybe you don't know this about me, but my parents were actually really wealthy before the mafia rumors started."

"I'm not saying I believe it," Jack says, studying my expression. "I just...I'd rather not take the risk. I rememb