Chapter 6 - Brooklyn

“Brooklyn!”

Vincent yanked the office door open as Brooklyn swung her purse over her shoulder.

Not for the first time, she was working much later than usual, but because of her late start, she had been behind all morning.

Not to mention the delicious distraction that hadn’t left her mind since that morning.

“What, Vincent?”

Vincent came in and closed the door firmly behind him.

Vincent was attractive enough, in a rugged, bad-boy sense. He was wearing his leather jacket that covered the tattoos on his arms but left the ones on his neck in full view. His shirt that was once cleanly pressed this morning now held a few wrinkles, but still managed to keep his dark appearance professional.

“I have a job for you tomorrow night.”

He was lucky Brooklyn’s the only person that wouldn’t have plans on a Friday night.

“I’m looking into completing some business with some new clients. Their names are Oliver and Peter Arroyo. It’s a type of business I’ve never been involved in before, but it can bring in some crazy profit. Anyway, I already have another meeting tomorrow night, so I need you to go.”

Brooklyn felt her stomach twist in uneasiness.

“I don’t think so, my friend.”

To say Brooklyn was even friends with Vincent was only slightly true. Brooklyn didn’t do friends, but he would be the closest thing she had.

“Brooklyn, you signed your promise. I need you to go.”

When the debt from her and her mother’s medical bills became too much, Vince offered to pay for the debt in return for her work. Nearly ten years later, she had hardly made a dent in her overwhelming medical debt.

To settle the amount, Vincent offered her a deal. If she married him and stayed married for at least two years, the debt would be forgotten.

But she had to do everything she could in return to see the business succeed. If the business failed, their deal was off and she was once again indebted to him.

Brooklyn knew he was right.

“Fine. Text me the time and address. I’ll go. Is there anything in particular you need us to discuss?”

Vincent shook his head. “No, I’ve been in contact with them. You only need to show up and tell me what they have to tell me.”

Brooklyn couldn’t help but feel like a pawn.

“Whatever, Vince.”

Vincent’s lips twitched in a slight smile. “Thanks, Brooke. You won’t regret it, I promise.”

Brooklyn dismissed him with her hand and grabbed her keys from the rack, almost running from her office. “Lock up for me, will you?”

Brooklyn didn’t wait for his answer before rushing for the parking lot.

She felt loyal to the man, but that didn’t mean she enjoyed being around him.

Brooklyn was the type to enjoy her solitude. She didn’t mind being alone.

She headed for her car and slid in quickly, rushing through the relentless rain that started hours ago.

Brooklyn said a silent prayer and turned the key to her car. She had charged the battery all day while at work, so she hoped it would start right up.

The engine made a sputtering sound and Brooklyn released the pressure, giving it a break. She took another deep breath and turned the key, this time nearly shouting for joy when it started right up.

She had the car since high school. It was honestly a miracle that she still had it and she knew she needed a new car, but never had the funds to buy one.

She felt she was going to owe Vince another favor soon if this car continued to have problems. She may still need to get a new car.

She quickly pulled out of the parking lot, her windshield wipers fighting furiously against the never-ending rain. She started on her twenty-minute drive, making sure to focus on where the road was.

Ten minutes into the drive, Brooklyn heard a loud ‘bang’ from the hood of her car.

She cringed from the sound and pulled over as the check engine light popped on immediately after.

A small puff of smoke covered her sight as it mixed with the rain in front of her. Unable to go any longer, the engine sputtered and died.

“No, no, no,” Brooklyn muttered to herself and twisted the key again.

More sputtering.

“Are you serious?” Brooklyn angrily yelled at her uncooperative car. She gave it one more spin, hoping the result would be different.

Brooklyn huffed as her engine once again sputtered and gave out.

Stupid car.

She released the key angrily, slamming her hand against the steering wheel in frustration.

Brooklyn tried to tune out the pouring rain thundering against her car as she thought of what to do.

She hated calling Vincent. She knew he would help her, but she knew she annoyed him and took him away from more important things. But without another option in hand, she snatched her phone.

She quickly found Vincent’s name and called him.

He was probably about to leave work now. Vincent was one hardworking individual.

The phone rang until it hit voicemail.

She tried again, but it went to voicemail after a couple of rings.

The rejection left her more irritated as Brooklyn banged her head against the headrest.

It was pathetic, but she didn’t know anyone else. As an introvert, Brooklyn rarely went out of her way to meet people. Because she worked so much, she found it very difficult to do anything else, including on the weekends.

Regardless, Brooklyn scrolled through her contacts, searching for anyone else that she could call to give her a ride.

Her short contact list was pathetic and ineffective.

Not having any other ideas, Brooklyn searched on her phone for a tow truck.

Her frustration boiled over as she found all of them were closed. Regardless of their unavailable warning, she called, but every single one went straight to voicemail.

She felt hopeless.

This couldn't be happening.

Out of ideas, Brooklyn pulled her keys from the ignition and stuffed them in her purse. She slipped her phone in as well before zipping it closed and pulling on her jacket.

It looked like she just had to brave it tonight.