Accidental Roommate

The LaGuardia Airport was bustling with people and luggage. People shouting, in happiness and anger. The wheels of the luggage and trolleys rolling could be heard, adding to the cacophony. All of which made Sharon Ashwood's head ache even more. With it being three in the afternoon, there was even more people, arriving and leaving.

Having just gotten off a connecting flight from Atlanta, she was exhausted and yearned to get off her feet for the next twenty-four hours. But first, she had to find her family. Standing on her toes, she tried to find the familiar faces of her sister, Amelia Ashwood Garnet, or her brother-in-law, Scott Garnet. Being 5'4", she was not able to see over the crowd. And the constant bumps and shoves were not helping. She glared at the back of a man she was certain had deliberately bumped into her. She was standing near the wall, away from the crowd. Why were so many people bumping into her?

Grumbling under her breath, she finally admitted defeat. They're not there. Disappointed and frustrated, she began to roll her suitcase to the taxi stand. Her lips began to tug down as she reflected that this was just the thing that would happen to her. Being forgotten. Being rejected. Her eyes welled up at the reminder.

Refusing to give into her tears, she joined the long queue at the taxi stand. She blinked the tears back into submission and decided to take her phone out. This was going to be a long wait and she did not want to be left to the mercy of her own thoughts. She'd decided that she had to distract herself and a mindless game was the way to do so.

However, the black screen of her phone put an end to that idea. Trying to switch it on while cursing under her breath, she had to accept that her phone was out of juice. Her level of horrified and despair were at odds with the situation but the tears weren't going to be held back this time. This was the last straw. A few tears rolled down her cheeks and her nose began to sting. The people around her shifted uncomfortably, making more tears roll down her cheeks.

Just as she was contemplating the disaster that was her life, she felt a tap in her shoulder. Startled out of her morose thoughts, she turned around and found herself facing an older, distinguished-looking Caucasian man. He was wearing some kind of uniform and had an impatient, superior air around him. And he was looking directly at her. Worry distracted her from her giant pool of sadness and her tears dried up.

"Are you Miss Sharon Ashwood?"he asked impatiently, surprising her. She didn't know anyone in New York, apart from the two people who weren't there. So while her first instinct was to nod, a sense of self-preservation stopped her. Instead, she turned the table on him.

"Who are you?"she asked. He looked quite frustrated at her question, removing his air of superiority. His hand disappeared into his pocket and he seemed to be digging deep into it. She watched him intently. However, the moving line diverted her attention and when she looked back at the man, she was surprised to find a phone being shoved into her face. "What-" Suddenly she heard a familiar voice from the phone and tears sprung back into her eyes. Grabbing the phone from the strange man's hand, she brought the phone to her ears.

"Hello? Brian, did you find Sharon?"

"Ames?"Sharon asked in disbelief and relief.

"Oh hey, baby sis. I'm so glad Brian found you in time. Sorry I wasn't able to get you. I had to leave with Scott-"

"Wait, who's Brian?"

"My driver. I had him pick you up. Didn't he tell you?" Frowning at the phone, Sharon continued moving with the line.

"Miss Ashwood, I believe it is best if you step out of the line, "the Brian guy said but he stepped back when she glared at him. She did not need anyone else to tell her what to do. Not today. Now now.

"Tall, white guy, brown hair, gray eyes, white gloves reminiscent of MJ and a stick up his butt?" She ignored the censure in Bryan's eyes as she passed her suitcase to him.

"I don't know about the stick but yes. He should also be wearing a suit. That's his usual attire. And what or who stuck that stick up your ass?"

"I don't know, dear sister. Maybe the fact that I was supposed to be picked up by sister and not her lackey, "she growled as she began to fight through the other people queueing and get out of the line. "You know a heads up would have been nice." Usually, she was the mellower sister but she was so tired and sad and disappointed that all of them coalesced into anger at Amelia. She'd expected emotional support and what she had was a sister who was on the other side of the country.

"Well, I tried but I couldn't get through. Share, this is a last minute meeting and we needed the jet. Why are you so angry?"Amelia shot back, further flaming Sharon's anger. She didn't even notice the dirty look the people were giving her. She'd forgotten the Amelia was the more volatile sister but she had not expected her anger to fuel her own. Until now.

"Fine. You can go back to your work and forget about me when you promised to be there for me. I'm sure your work is more important than me, "she shouted and hung up. That was when she noticed the people looking at her, staring at her like she had grown another head. Her usual reserve was gone, burned by her rage, and she stared back at them, her eyes feeling like fire was shooting out of them. They all looked away.

She wanted to just leave the airport but her suitcase was with Brian and he was nowhere in sight. She was sure he was going her back to Scott's apartment and as much as she wanted to be anywhere but there, she didn't have any other place lined up. And she had given her word to Scott that she would use the place to think. Even though she had been uncomfortable about staying at his apartment without him being there, he had insisted and Amelia had suggested a possible rent. She had caved and now she wished she hadn't.

With how she was feeling right now, she didn't want anything to do with Amelia.

--------

In the end, Brian returned with the car and she had gotten into it. When he had parked, she had sullenly followed him into the building and the elevator. It had not occurred to her to question why Brian had to tap a card before he could press the floor number. Nor had she noticed that he was pressing a button with only a P. But she definitely noticed that there was only one door on the floor. Dread had filled her when she found out that Scott's apartment was actually a penthouse. She was still recovering from her shock when Brian left.

Slowly walking around the cavernous living room, she felt so intimidated. It was so beautiful, the gray and white walls and furnitures gave a very minimalistic air. The furnitures included a black, leather couch set, a vintage brass, glass coffee table and side table set and black, faux fur rug. The television was mounted on the wall/separator which had some fake brick panels, adding a warmth to the otherwise cold room.

Moving on to the kitchen, which was just across the television and separated by an island, she went to check on the cupboards and fridge. The kitchen was continuing with the minimalistic theme with gray walls and black cupboards and cabinets. There was an added metallic sheen as the handles and stove a high quality stainless steel. The appliances added to the metallic sheen as most of them were of one metal or another. Which was something she would normally like but her stomach was demanding sustenance. Now that she had the time to process and not just react, she realised she had not eaten anything since last night's dinner.

Standing up from checking the drawers, she wasn't surprised to find them empty. Disappointed but not surprised. From what Scott had told her, they didn't use this apartment a lot. They had an apartment that was in the central part of Manhattan. This apartment was at the outskirts of Manhattan, nearing Queens, making it closer to the LaGuardia Airport. They mainly used it when they were coming back from LaGuardia and didn't want to battle the traffic in Manhattan. Which was not often.

Scott hadn't gotten around to letting this apartment go and Sharon was glad. She didn't want to impose on them too much and she knew Amelia was going to get too much into her business if they had stayed in the same apartment. Her mood immediately soured when her mind veered to her sister. It was not going to be much of a consideration since she was away from the city.

Mouth downturning, she half-heartedly opened the freezer and felt her eyes pop out. There, right in front of her, was nirvana. It was her savior. It was her knight in shining armor. Her hands absently drawing her love out, she was surprised to feel a hard edge on the lid. Curious, she got a hold of the envelope, opened it and felt her eyes pop out again.

Inside, there was a black Visa card. With her name on it.

Perplexed, she left her love back in the safe arms of the freezer and took a seat at the island. Her hands shaking, she took out the note and tears stung her eyes when she read the note from Amelia:

Hey, baby sis. I know I won't be here to welcome you but I bought the next best thing. Your favourite ice creams!!! I know right? I'm, like, the best sister ever.

Now, I know you don't like the card but we know how much crap you've had thrown at you the past few days. So don't look a gifthorse in the mouth. Just use it. We, honestly, don't care.

I'll come and see you once we're back.

Love you lots

Ames

Covering her mouth, hoping to stifle the sob, she wondered whether she had permanently severed her relationship with her sister.

Tossing and turning in her chosen bed, Sharon wondered whether Amelia was still angry with her. After reading the note, she had decided to settle into a room and freshen up. Then she had taken a tub of her love and slowly ate it as she constructed an apology text. She'd tried to call Ames but her call was rejected. It was possible that she was busy in a meeting but she had never ignored Sharon's texts. She would, usually, reply within the hour even when she was in a meeting.

Sharon was fairly certain she was angry since she had not replied to any of the twenty, or thirty, or fifty, messages she had sent in the last eight hours.

Sitting up, Sharon punched her pillow for the fifth time in two hours before she dropped back to her back. She wondered whether she should call Scott and ask his opinion. But the last they had fought, he had decreed that he was not going to be involved again. She didn't have anyone else to turn to, though. She had cut ties from her hometown and her mother was of no help. Mouth downturning, she turned to her side, eyes set on the wall.

Deciding to worry about it in the morning, she tried to sleep. Only her mind was too active. It was not letting go of her worries and problems. She was even remembering that time in fifth grade when she had fallen down and her skirt had ridden up, exposing her underwear and embarrassing her. Slapping her forehead, she sat up and got out of bed. Maybe a glass of milk- Strike that, the fridge was empty. Maybe just water would help. It would definitely distract her.

Slowly ambling down the hall, she was busy trying to get her mind off that moment in fifth grade when she heard a noise. Halting, she tried to push it off as a figment of her imagination. She succeeded and resumed walking when she heard it again. It sounded like words. A voice? Stopping and trying to listen closely, her brows furrowed as she confirmed that it was a voice. A strong, deep male voice. She was too far to make out the words and was reluctant to go closer but something about the voice called her. Made her want to find out who it was.

Stopping, having not realised she had taken a few steps towards him, she shook her head vigorously. What was she thinking? She was a woman, alone. She was in no state to confront that man. Or whatever her mind was thinking about doing to the man when she finally met him face-to-face. How did she even know he was alone? He could very well have an accomplice.

But he sounds like he's alone, a part of her mind chimed but she ruthlessly silenced it. She had to be smart. Take precautions. She silently went back to her room and tried to find a weapon. Something that she could brandish and do some damage if her trusting side was wrong. Hurriedly going through her room and suitcase, she stilled when her eyes detected light. She had switched off all the lights in the penthouse when she had gone to sleep, being quite comfortable in walking about in the dark. This meant that he had switched on the light in the hallway. He was a confident robber.

Crawling to the small side table placed by the entrance of her room, she brought her knees to her chin and took whatever was on the table, which happened to be a small vase, while her eyes were fixed on the slight opening of the door. She could see the man. He was a tall man, a bit on the lean side. His golden blonde hair was long and hanging around his face, hiding his features, but what she had been able to see, along with his chiseled, stubbled jaw, allowed her to categorise him as hot. Handsome even. Her eyes transfixed on his face, she was surprised to see a duffle in his hand when he passed by.

He really was a burglar, her stunned mind supplied. The vase slipped from her slackened grip and it made a loud noise when it hit the ground. Luckily, it didn't break but it caught the attention of the robber. His steps faltered and she could see his legs as it paused by her room. She grabbed the vase, giving herself some courage, a sense of security. She knew she had to find another spot but her limbs refused to move. She hoped he would move away but- No. He pushed open her door.

It was a matter of time before he saw her. Since he was here to rob the place, he was not going to be happy to see her. He was going to kill her. She was sure of it. Her heart beating so fast and loud that it drowned out any other sound, she knew she had to do something. Why hadn't she grabbed her phone from the side table? Stifling a groan at her stupidity, she waited for him to move in, move past her. Her muscles were tense, ready to move at her command. She thanked her lucky star that he didn't switch on the light, giving her the element of surprise.

Her muscles tensing further when he stepped in, moving even closer to her. It didn't occur to her then that he might go the other way but he made it easy for her and turned to her direction. Just a few more steps. Her muscles hurting from how tense they were, she sprung to her feet and threw the vase to his head.

It missed since she had miscalculated his height but it gave him pause. It was enough for her to run past him and to her phone. Cursing her level of unfitness, she managed a few steps, her phone almost in her grasp when she felt herself flying, something pushing her off her feet, and she bounced on the bed. The man was on her momentarily after. She had reflexively placed her hands on his chest, pushing him away. His weight forced her legs to part and he was cradled indecently between them. Eyes wide, she began to ramble and blubber.

"You can take anything. My wallet, my card. J-just don't hurt me-"

"Sharon, it's fine, "the man said, amusement rich in his voice. She blinked blankly at him. He knew her name? Why would he know her name? She was sure burglars knew whose house or apartment they were targeting but she had only arrived that afternoon.

"What?"she said, her eyes wide. A smile flirted at the edge of his lips. Nice lips, moist and inviting. And it was moving. He was talking. Talking! Paying attention to him again, she was shocked by his words.

"I'm Cameron Ballard. I'm Scott's friend."

---------@@@@@-----------

"Scott's friend?"the woman below Cameron said, her voice rich in doubt. Cameron couldn't help the smile that bloomed on his face. She looked so cute even in the darkness, all confused with her auburn hair all over the place. It had been amusing to recall her running for her phone but he hadn't known who she was then. He had just been attacked by a plastic vase and had erred on the side of caution when he had tackled her to the bed. He had been thinking she was reaching for another, deadlier weapon. But now, he was entertained by her bewilderment and gaping mouth. If he wasn't afraid to offend her further, he knew he would be rolling around the bed, laughing.

He wouldn't have thought he would even be smiling tonight. He had gone to the one spot the paparazzis didn't know and one of his havens in the city. After the game that had busted his shoulder and the way he had been acting since, he wasn't surprised to be hounded by the press. And the pressure by his agent and coach to go to physical therapy was making him want to lash out. Making him act wilder. Which brought even more attention on him. It was only when his mother began to put the pressure on him that he knew he needed some time away.

Which brought him to Scott's apartment. He still had the card/key that Scott had passed him when he first got the place. Scott was his closest friend, having met him during college. Scott was pretty wild before he'd settled down so this had been one of the places he used to hook up. He didn't like bringing them to the penthouse he used most often. Now that he was married, this place was not used often. He was also a generous man. When he had heard about the press hounding Cameron, he had offered the apartment as refuge. Although Cameron had refused then, he had still added his name to the list. As he had been passing through the area, trying to shake the dogs from his heels, he had been grateful that he had this hidey-hole.

It was when he had called Scott to let him know about using the apartment that he had been informed about Sharon. He had been pissed off that his sanctuary had been invaded but he'd kept his displeasure to himself when Scott had explained her situation. Not that he had heard anything. But now that he had the lush bundle that was Sharon Ashwood beneath him, despite her baggy shirt and sweatpants, he wasn't as displeased as before. Especially since she was wiggling quite delectably against him. Suddenly, she stilled.

"W-what is that?"she asked, her bright emerald eyes widening. He sent her roguish grin as Cam Jr awoken, liking the pillowy softness that was her thighs. He allowed the heat that was developing enter his eyes, making her squeal and try to push him away. "Get off, you lug!"

Laughing, he levered himself off her and got to his feet, his grin widening as he watched her scramble around the bed and under the cover. Resting his arms on his hips, he couldn't help but notice her unfettered breasts. They bounced gently under her shirt but was eventually covered by the duvet. Hiding his disappointment, his eyes travelled to her face and her angry eyes.

"How do I know you're really Scott's friend? All I have is your word, "she snapped, arms folded over the cover. She had a point. And he wouldn't like any of his sisters staying with a guy they had never met before. He was puzzled, though, that she didn't recognise him. That was something to ponder on later. Sighing, he took out his phone, amusement replacing the put upon feeling when he noticed her eyes lingering on his legs. He had to admit it was quite muscular. Then he tossed the phone to her, allowing it to bounce on the bed and landing near her feet.

"Why don't you give him a call? His number is listed under "Scott" on my phone, "he offered, watching her suspiciously eye his phone. Then she grabbed it. He heard the sound that meant the call was being connected and realised she had put it on speaker.

"For all I know, you could have listed any other number under this name, "she commented as they waited for the phone to be answered.

"Why would I give you my phone if I can't backup my story?"he asked dryly. That made her glare at him.

"Cam. Is there anything else you want from me?" Scott's voice was heard and Cameron sent Sharon a smug look, making her stick her tongue out. He had to stifle another laugh.

Maybe having her there was not such a bad thing.

-------@@@@@--------

Cameron was less than enthused about her presence when she demanded another photograph. Unfortunately, she had not taken Scott's word. Instead she had proposed sending Scott some photographs of Cameron so that he could verify it. She had sent more than five photos and Scott kept rejecting them. Cameron knew he was pulling his leg and he was becoming increasingly pissed off. But every time he tried to grab the phone, Sharon would glare at him and he would find himself posing for her again.

Finally, she returned the phone to him. And grinned impishly up at him.

"Are you satisfied?"Cameron asked crossly as he looked through his phone, deleting the photos of himself. It fairly embarrassed him to see that he had been flexing in some of the photos. He didn't remember doing that. Maybe it had been a subconscious need to impress a female.

"Actually, Scott corroborated your claims at the first photograph, "she said with a giggle. He shot her a glare. Her giggling intensified and she had a hard time stopping despite his fulminating look. He couldn't believe he had been tricked by this unassuming woman. But he wasn't able to sustain his anger in the face of her laughter. From what he had been able to garner from Scott, she had been through a rough time and was starting over in New York. It was nice to know he could get her mind off of it. And she looked so pretty when she laughed, her face lighting up.

Shaking his head slightly, he was sure his fatigue was hampering his eyesight. Despite his brief moment of arousal, she was not the type of woman he usually went for. He was definitely tired. Moving to the door, he grabbed his duffel. Time to get some sleep.

"So how long are you going to stay for?"Sharon asked as she followed him. Leaning against the doorway, she waited for his reply. Her hair flowing all about her face distracted him for a moment before he remembered her question. What was wrong with him? All the running about the city must have fired his libido.

"Just for a few days. Until the heat dies down, "he answered. He was certain she didn't attract him so why did the look of relief that passed her face offend him? Forcing his mind off, he added, "I definitely have to leave by end of May when training camp starts."

"End of May? That's like two months. That's much more than a few days, "she cried in shock and he had to hide a smile. For some reason, he liked pushing her buttons. He didn't say anything but bade her goodnight and went to his room. Leaving her sputtering by her door.

Hearing her phone ringing, Sharon was forced to grapple for it from the bedside table. She knew it was quite late in the day but she had slept much later than she had expected. After receiving confirmation from Scott about Cameron's identity- and laughing internally at his reaction - she had spent a couple of hours to calm down before falling asleep. She had been wrestling with the fact that she had a roommate. At least for the next few days. And a gorgeous one to be exact.

When she had said goodnight to him in the hallway, the light had revealed the utter handsomeness that was his face. His high cheekbones and sharp, aquiline nose. His big, hooded silvery gray eyes were warm and light, helping her overcome her embarrassment and slight hysteria when she had felt something against her thigh. She had been extremely aware of his wide shoulders and lean hips even as she conversed with him. And she was sure he was conscious of her awareness but he was friendly although slightly amused.

What she had been struggling with was the fact that this was the first time she was going to share a living space with a person of the opposite gender. She had not stayed in dorms when she had gone to college. Having chosen a college near to home, she had not had to worry about her accommodations as she would return home after class. So she wasn't sure what to do or whether she should do anything. She was not worried about him being attracted to her despite his hardon. She was sure that had been a fluke and with his good looks, she was sure he had had the company of women who were more beautiful than her. She was just overthinking her behavior and the common space, like the kitchen and living room. After finally wrestling her mind into submission, she was finally able to sleep.

Until her phone woke her up.

Finally grabbing it, she sleepily brought it to her ear and was surprised to hear Amelia's voice. Awake now, she sat up, trying to make sense about what her sister was saying. She was talking too fast and there was note of wildness in her voice that worried her.

"Ames, slow down. I don't understand. What are you trying to say?"she finally said, cutting into the one-sided conversation Amelia was having. "Breathe, woman."

"Alright. I am breathing, "Amelia said after she had loudly taken in a big breath.

"Good. So what were you talking about?"Sharon asked as she leaned back onto the headboard.

"I was apologising, you idiot. I can't believe you didn't catch that, "Amelia said peevishly. Sharon was shocked. It was not often that her sister admitted her fault and it was even rarer for her to apologise. Even so, Sharon was not sure what she was apologising for.

"Hold up. I think there's something wrong with my hearing. Are you apologising? Why? Not that there are not a long list of things you should say sorry for but nothing is coming to mind at the moment, "Sharon said, running her hand through her hair.

"I am saying sorry for abandoning you at the last minute. I know I said I was going to be there for you but, I guess, I have been working towards this meeting for so long that I kinda forgot about you." Sharon felt her eyes softening. She knew what a workaholic her sister was and Amelia worked hard as a model. She didn't wait for her agent to find projects for her. She would use her extensive connections, even tapping on some of Scott's, to get the best jobs for herself. Sharon could foresee that she would not be content working for someone else. But for the situation at hand-

"I understand. Well, I didn't yesterday but you'll have to excuse me. I had just gotten off a three hour flight after an hour's car ride. I think I was entitled to a hissy fit. But I guess what I am trying to say is sorry for my tantrum, "Sharon said, remorse stirring in her. Ever since they were young, Sharon had been the agreeable sister/daughter. She was the one who went with the flow and if something happened that she didn't like, she would let it roll her back and just changed her plans. She had never expressed her feelings, not as vehemently as she had yesterday. And she was embarrassed at her outburst. Which reminded her of her unanswered texts. "Wait. Why didn't you answer my texts yesterday? I thinked I spammed your phone."

"I was still mad at you. You've never shouted at me before, "Amelia said accusingly.

"I was distraught."

"Well, I complained to Scott about it and he may have mentioned that you were justified in your feeling. I had the night to sleep on it and maybe you were right." The way she practically spat out the words made Sharon's lips tug up. Amelia didn't have much practice in admitting she was wrong. She made it a practice to not admit anything that could bite her back in future. So this was a pleasant surprise. But, deciding not to torment her sister further, she moved onto another topic.

"Alright. I can accept that. Maybe, as punishment, you can talk to Scott about naming a figure for rent. I really don't feel comfortable just staying here."

"What? You don't even have a job. How are you supposed to pay rent?"

"I'm going to find one." Amelia was silent and Sharon knew she had won. She felt like congratulating herself. She had truly thought on her feet. For someone who was usually a few seconds late in every social situation, she felt like she had nailed this.

Until Amelia spoke.

"Alright. I'll talk to him. But since you are feeling so bad about shouting at me, I think you should be punished too."

"What? No. I don't feel bad-"

"I know you, baby sis. It'll be eating up at you. This will be a good outlet. So as punishment, you will have to charge at least a hundred dollars on the black card before I will agree to even talk to Scott. Buy all the kitchen stuff that you need. And some clothes. You have until five in the afternoon, LA time, or this entire exercise is void. I'll require a proof of purchase. Have fun. Bye."

"Wait. Amelia-"

Sharon put down the phone when she realised she was talking to thin air, mouth tugging downwards. She knew she had been outmaneuvered by an expert. She shouldn't have been celebrating so early. Now she was being forced to spend money that was not hers.

---------@@@@@---------

Having just woken up a few minutes ago, Cameron was walking into the kitchen to grab a glass of milk when he spotted Sharon sitting on the barstool, staring at something on the island. She was dressed to go out with her bright red long-sleeved shirt and black boots on her feet. But she was looking decidedly gloomy. Skirting around her, he grabbed a glass and opened the fridge door. He spared her one more glance before he looked into the fridge and stifled a groan when he saw that it was empty. He'd forgotten that since Scott didn't use this often, it was not stocked up apart from the ever present bottles of water. Grumbling, he grabbed one. Finally, he turned back to Sharon, still puzzling over her mood and the fact that she hadn't acknowledged him in the slightest.

She had not moved since he had entered the kitchen. Her eyes were practically boring holes in the island. He wasn't sure she had even blinked. Curious, he examined the card further and noticed that it was one of the most prestigious credit cards, commonly known as the black card, with her name on it. He was sure it was something Scott had arranged for her. Most women would be jumping with joy but Sharon seemed to be regarding it like one does a slug.

"What did the card do to you?"he asked, taking a seat opposite her. She spared him a glance before her eyes returned to the card.

"It existed, "she said morosely. "It's a reminder that I don't have my life together and I will always be under the care of my sister. That I will never escape her shadow. That she will always run my life. Do you need more?"

"That is a bit more gloominess than I need so early in the day."

"It's already noon. Not so early." Her monotonous tone was starting to grate on him. For some reason, he wanted to do something about it. Make her laugh or at least smile. Anything to get her out of her funk. But he feared that he would drive her further into her sullenness. The only thing he could think of doing was getting to the root of her problem.

"Hey, I slept at two so this is early. So you're mad at Amelia?"he ventured and she directed a glare at him, her shoulders practically vibrating with her anger. That answered his question.

"What do you think? I got her call like an hour ago and she's forcing me to use this bloody card and spend a hundred bucks, "she said, sounding so aggrieved. That stumped him.

"Don't women like to shop?"he asked hesitantly. She folded her arms on the table and laid her chin on the juncture.

"Well, kinda. I like shopping well enough when I'm looking for something but it's always been with my money. I've never shopped with anyone else's money since I began working. And it's galling to use Amelia's money." He barely stopped himself from correcting her perception. He was pretty sure it was Scott's. To his knowledge, Amelia had not had the chance to own her own black card. "I know that my life is a mess but this is a new low."

"Why do you even have to use the card?"he asked, still puzzled by her anguish.

"We made a bargain. She would talk to Scott about setting a number for the rent but only if I spend a hundred dollars on this card. And I have to send her some proof. Maybe a picture. Which is so ridiculous. What is stopping me from talking to Scott directly about the rent?"she ranted, waving her hand around.

"How about the fact that he would shoot you down before you even say anything?"he pointed out and she seemed to deflate right in front of him.

"Right."

"Why don't I come along?"he suggested, hating her unhappiness. He felt a sense of satisfaction when she lit up. But then, some of the light began to dim.

"But I thought you didn't want to be out until the heat died down. I don't want you to do anything that would jeopardise that, "she said earnestly but she was unable to hide her disappointment. So even though she brought up a valid point, his mind was thinking of ways to get around that problem. And he believed he had hit on the perfect solution.

"I will just wear a disguise. No one will recognise me."