It was not until 4:00pm before Paige's phone rang.
"Hello Anna,"
"Simon found him at a Casino in Warren City. He's rather wasted and have just Six thousand left with him. Do you want the money or both?" Anna asked her.
"Is Simon sure he wasn't kidnapped and nobody is making him spend that money nor threatening him."
"Paige, you ain't a baby. Nobody is threatening him. Except for the girlfriend he was with, there was nothing else note Worthy." Hearing that he was with another girl caused a tear drop.
"I need the money. But I'm scared he might die or suffer to death if he has no money on him to sustain him. I know he stole from me, but I can't leave him to death."
"Like he will reciprocate." Came Anna's reply. "So, Simon should let him go?" Her question was followed by silence.
"Paige, talk to me." Anna coaxed.
"I don't know Anna. I jus...
"That's okay.you can get a loan from Simon. He's a kind and generous man. Get a loan from him and have him deduct it from your salary." She suggested
"My salary is not up to $32,000." Paige replied.
"We'll think of something. You can offer to work at his Cardiac Surgical center for a period of time. At least till you pay up. He has one for the less privilege."
"Will he accept." Paige asked.
"My brother is a very kind man. He definitely will. I'll do the talking myself. Now should I tell him to let your boyfriend go? Simon is everything but Patient and I already fear for your boyfriend with all the time we've wasted on this call.
"Please, tell him to let him go. He shouldn't hurt him please. Paige pleaded.
"I'll do just that. I'll see you in few days for June's Engagement party."
"I'll see you soon. Thanks a lot Anna. I'm so indebted to you." Paige said gratefully.
"That's fine. Bye for now." She hung up. Paige cleaned her eyes and held the vase containing the sunflowers. Her life have really changed just in a couple of days.
"So much for Boyfriends." She thought.
********
Dinner was served early and Paige was notified. Simon was present at today's dinner. Emily seemed to know something was up with Paige so she didn't bore her with discussions. Rather she encouraged her to eat. Such a wonderful woman.
Dinner was ate in silence with Emily asking if Paige loved the meat or vegetable or just about anything. Paige understood that was Emily's own way of showing concern and she was grateful for that.
Emily finished her food earlier than the others. Reason being that she had just Vegetables and chicken. She excused herself from the table to her room.
"Some people's prayers just got answered" Paige thought.
"Excuse us." Simon spoke to nobody in particular. But the maids and security started leaving the room. This made Paige shift uncomfortably in her seat. Once they were successfully gone and the door closed behind them, he spoke again.
"How much loan do you need?" He wasn't looking at her but she knew he was talking to her.
"$32,000."
"How do you plan on paying back?" He asked now looking at her. The room suddenly felt cold. He was looking at her but it felt like he was undressing her. She felt naked under his gaze.
"With my Salary and I could work at the Cardiac Center till I pay up everything I owe."
"I don't need more workers over there. We're good."
"I could work for you, I mean if you have an opening that might suit me." Paige interjected.
"Oh, I have lots of openings that can suit you." He continued. "You could be my Fuck mate."
Paige turned sharply at him when she heard the last sentence. She looked at him, he was unborthered. She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out.