2. Jackson
2
JACKSON
J ane Riley.
Wow.
I hadn’t spotted any photos of her on the library’s social media pages, so she was the last person I’d expected to see here.
When I’d noticed the main library doors were open, I’d decided to go in and ask for Theo. But just as I’d headed down the corridor, a text had come through from the agency about the job this afternoon and I’d got distracted.
Next thing I knew, I’d crashed into something and saw a woman scrambling to pick a pile of books up from the floor.
And as soon as I saw those pretty brown eyes, I knew it was Jane.
She had the kind of eyes you couldn’t forget.
Jane hadn’t changed much. She still wore her chocolate-brown hair up in a neat bun.
She still wore glasses, although I noticed these ones had a tortoiseshell pattern instead of the plain thick black-rimmed ones she had at school.
She still seemed sweet and softly spoken.
And she was still so damn beautiful.
‘Did you find the library easily?’ Theo asked as he stopped in front of a pink door and stepped inside an office.
As I followed him, I snapped out of my thoughts. I didn’t have time to think about how good Jane looked in that pencil skirt and silky cream blouse. I was here for an interview and I really needed this job.
‘Yeah, thanks.’
‘Please.’ Theo gestured to the chair in front of the desk he was now seated behind. ‘So…’ He pulled out a printed copy of my CV and put it on the desk. ‘You used to work in finance in the City? Why’d you leave?’
‘Needed a change of pace,’ I answered quickly. I knew this question was coming. There was no way I could go into the real reason. That shit was still triggering. ‘It got too intense and started to have a negative effect on my mental health.’
It was true. That job had fucked me up.
‘I can relate.’ Theo nodded sympathetically. ‘I used to work in a high-pressured job too. My quality of life is much better now.’ That was good to know. So far I liked this guy. I could tell that he’d come from a privileged background, but he still seemed down to earth and genuine. ‘So why would you like to work at The Romance Library?’
‘I love books. They’ve helped me through some difficult times. I used to mainly read thrillers and non-fiction, but I recently started reading romance and I’m really enjoying it. I like knowing there’s going to be a happy ending every time, because that’s not what always happens in real life.’ My stomach tensed. ‘And from a commercial perspective, I’d like to work here because I’m confident I can help you make more money.’
‘Sorry!’ A woman I instantly recognised from some online articles and the library’s social media pages burst into the office.
‘Jessica, right?’ I stood up and stretched out my hand. ‘I’m Jackson. Nice to meet you.’
‘Nice to meet you too, Jackson. And please, call me Jess.’ She smiled. ‘I had to make some calls, but I’m here now. What did I miss?’
‘Jackson was saying he could help generate income for the library.’
‘I like the sound of that!’ Jess pulled a chair from another desk and sat next to Theo. ‘Tell us more.’
‘The Romance Library is a cool concept, so for starters you could capitalise on that by selling branded merch. It’d be good to do some social bookish events and charge an entrance fee. And if you can start selling drinks and snacks that will help straight away.’
‘Great ideas!’ Jess grinned. ‘We’ve always wanted to sell branded stuff and organise events, but we haven’t had the time. Work starts on our new cafe next Sunday, though.’
‘That’s good to hear.’ I nodded. ‘If I got this role, I’d also like to contact publishers and let them know they can rent the library for romance book launches, events and signings.’
‘Brilliant!’ Jess said. ‘And who are your favourite romance authors? ’
‘I was saying to Theo that I’m new to the genre, so I’ve got a lot to learn, but I started the Bromance Book Club series by Lyssa Kay Adams, because the books are about men who read romance and I can relate. My mum used to read a lot of Beverly Jenkins…’ My voice trailed off and my chest tightened. I shouldn’t have brought Mum up. I hated that she couldn’t enjoy her favourite books anymore. ‘I want to read more romance, so working here would be perfect.’
‘And you know this will initially be a part-time role?’ Theo asked.
‘Yeah,’ I confirmed. ‘That’s great for me.’
Although they hadn’t advertised the salary, I knew it wasn’t going to compare to what I used to earn. But the other job I’d started recently did. I didn’t enjoy it, though. And I knew that if I didn’t have something to balance it out and distract me from the pressure I was under, I’d crack.
Working with books would be an ideal distraction.
Books fed our minds and enriched our souls. And based on what I’d read so far, romance novels gave me the joy I needed right now.
‘Are you flexible with your working days and hours?’ Jess asked.
‘In the daytime, yes. But I can’t work evenings.’
Jess and Theo’s faces instantly fell.
Shit.
‘Why’s that?’ Theo asked.
‘I…’ I paused. This was a question I hadn’t prepared for. I didn’t like hiding the truth of what I did, but it wasn’t the kind of thing you mentioned in an interview, so I ne eded to think of something else to say, fast. ‘Because I have to… clean,’ I blurted out.
What I did had nothing to do with cleaning, but it was the first respectable job I could think of that people did in the evenings.
‘Oh! I had a cleaning job too before I started the library. I’m sorry we can only offer part-time right now, but hopefully we can offer more hours soon. I know that cleaning can be tough.’
‘I actually enjoy it.’ That was also true. Although doing housework was different to cleaning for a living.
I probably had an unhealthy obsession with it, but when your world got turned upside down like mine had been, you needed all the distractions you could get.
‘Thanks for coming in,’ Theo said. ‘We have everything we need for now. We have a couple of other candidates to see, but we’ll let you know our decision in the next few days.’
‘Thanks again for seeing me early.’ I stood up. ‘I’ll wait to hear from you.’
As I stepped out of the office, I scanned the corridor, hoping to catch another glimpse of Jane. It was for the best that I didn’t see her, though. I couldn’t afford any distractions in my life right now.
After getting the train back to Shamwick, a small town close to Sunshine Bay which was where I grew up, I walked to Mum’s house, then raced upstairs to get dressed.
As I stepped into my tuxedo, my chest tightened. I really didn’t want to do this job. But Mum needed me. I couldn’t let her down.
My phone rang. It was the agency.
‘Jackson! Hi!’ Fearne answered. ‘Thanks for replying to my text earlier. I just wanted to brief you on the client you’ll be meeting at the luncheon.’
‘Okay.’ I tried to sound enthusiastic. Normally they booked me in the evenings, but today I was working earlier, which was why I’d asked Theo if it was possible to change the interview time. I couldn’t afford to miss the opportunity to earn some cash.
‘Mrs Buckingham is one of our most important clients. Impress her and you’ll be set. She’ll book you for at least two nights a week.’
‘That’d be… good,’ I said. Financially at least.
‘You received the address?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Fantastic! Enjoy!’
Once I hung up, I slipped on my shoes and caught the train to central London.
A text came through from my best friend, Marcus, asking how the interview had gone. Even though I was sure I’d blown it, I tried to stay positive, so told him it was okay. I also casually mentioned that I’d bumped into Jane, who I knew he’d remember me mentioning from my days at Northwood.
When I looked up from my screen, I saw we were pulling into the station, so put my phone in my pocket, got off the train, then caught the bus to the posh Mayfair hotel.
Before I’d had a chance to find the client, someone touched my arm.
‘You must be Jackson,’ she purred.
The lady who I assumed had to be Mrs Buckingham, considering she already knew my name, was a tall, slim woman with white skin, dark hair and bright red lipstick. She was wearing a silver dress, and if I had to guess, I’d say she was in her mid-fifties.
‘That’s me. Mrs Buckingham?’
‘No need to be so formal, darling.’ She flashed her perfect white teeth. ‘Call me Helen. Or sweetheart.’
‘Okay, Helen.’
The thought of calling a stranger an affectionate nickname made me cringe, but it probably made sense if we were supposed to be dating. I’d only been working as an escort for a few weeks, so I was still getting used to this. I had to put my thoughts about how uncomfortable it made me feel aside and do what was necessary to pay the bills. It was as simple as that.
‘And if people ask how we met, what would you like me to say?’ I whispered.
‘Oh, I don’t know, darling!’ She patted my bum and I flinched. She knew that touching wasn’t part of the arrangement, right? I was very clear when I signed up that I wasn’t prepared to offer any sexual services: just companionship. ‘Just say we met at a dinner party. Darling!’ she called out to a woman who’d just walked into reception and waved her over.
‘Lovely to see you, sweetie!’ The redhead air-kissed Helen before scanning me from head to toe. ‘And who is this handsome fellow?’
‘This is Jackson,’ Helen said, stroking my bicep suggestively.
Bile rose in my throat. I didn’t like her touching me. It made me feel sick.
Think of the money. You can’t afford to lose this job. Think of the money. Think of the money.
‘ Ding-dong! ’ The woman licked her lips .
‘Nice to meet you.’ I stretched out my hand and plastered on a smile.
‘Oh, come on, sweetie.’ She lurched forward and planted a kiss on my cheek and then a second one on the other side. ‘We’re all friends here.’ She stretched behind me and squeezed my butt and it took all the strength I had not to swat her hand away and walk out. I hated this shit. ‘ Very nice.’ The woman smiled at Helen approvingly. ‘I like this one. Might have to book him myself.’
This one?
She made me sound like a piece of meat she’d picked up from the supermarket counter.
I’d known this was a bad idea when Marcus had suggested it. After what had happened before, I shouldn’t put myself in situations like this, but right now, I didn’t have a choice.
I fought the urge to grind my jaw and reminded myself to suck it up. This was just a job. And the fact that it wasn’t a secret that Helen used escorts was good. Especially as her friend was interested in booking me too.
More bookings meant more money.
More money meant I could pay for the care Mum needed.
That was what was important.
For the next three hours, Helen paraded me around like a shiny new trophy. I did my best to smile and charm everyone she spoke to and I tried not to flinch every time she squeezed my arse. I knew my job was to make her happy, but the physical contact made me uncomfortable. I’d speak to the agency tomorrow about that. Let them know that if she wanted to book me again, that wouldn’t be part of the deal .
Finally, the event came to an end.
‘I’m going to head off now.’ I glanced at my watch. I was booked until six, but it was now twenty past.
‘So soon?’ She cocked her head to the side. ‘I thought maybe you’d like to continue the evening back at my place?’
‘No.’ I shook my head. ‘I only offer companionship services.’ I lowered my voice, trying to keep things discreet.
I knew that for some escorts, sexual services were part of the package. If those guys were fine with that, it was their choice. No judgement. But it wasn’t for me. Even though I knew I could earn a lot more, I couldn’t cross that line.
‘Oh, come on, darling.’ Helen stepped forward, smiled, then casually grabbed my dick.
‘What the fuck?’ I shouted, jumping back in horror. ‘That is not okay,’ I snapped, my nostrils flaring. I’d put up with her pawing and groping all night without saying a word, but grabbing my cock was taking it too far.
I couldn’t deal with this. Not again.
‘Don’t be such a spoilsport!’ She rolled her eyes.
‘ Unbelievable .’ I shook my head. ‘I’m leaving.’
‘Wait!’ She grabbed my arm. ‘You can’t! I paid for eight hours and it’s only been five. You owe me. I demand that you come back to my house!’
‘You paid for six hours and it’s been almost six and a half, so I think you’ll find that you owe me .’
‘This is your last chance, Jackson,’ she warned. ‘If you leave, I’ll make sure the agency never uses you again. You need money, correct? I’ve got plenty. We can come to a little arrangement. Keep me satisfied and I’ll take care of you. All of your debts could disappear, just like that.’ She clicked her fingers.
Helen was right, I did need the money. But despite my financial troubles, I wasn’t even tempted. I’d been blackmailed before and I wasn’t going to let someone do that to me again.
‘No,’ I said firmly.
‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you!’ she hissed. ‘You’ve just missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t come crying to me when you’re forced to sell your body on a street corner or have to strip on the internet to make ends meet. Good luck. You’re going to need it!’
As Helen stormed off, reality suddenly hit me.
I’d just upset the agency’s biggest client. What if that meant I didn’t get paid for today?
And if what she said was true, I had bigger problems to worry about. Like how I was going to clear those overdue invoices and pay for Mum’s care this month.
And next month. And the month after that.
I couldn’t go back to what I’d done before. Not after what it had done to me.
If I got the library job, it’d help my sanity. It’d be amazing to do something I really enjoyed, and I really felt like I could make a difference there. But it wouldn’t be enough. I needed money. A lot of it. Fast .
And after today’s shitshow, I was fresh out of options.
Fuck.