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being replaced with larger ranch-style homes set back against the road. She had assumed by the suite number on her new address it was an apartment building. She scratched her head as she stopped before a very large modern-style house that ended at the long, gated driveway in front of her. Mandy double-checked the address and the GPS.Both were right. Unless this was some kind of terrible sick joke Stephen was pulling on her.She clenched her jaw as she rolled down the car window and spoke into the intercom. “Hi. This is, uh, Mandy Connors. I’m, uh, moving in today.” Why did she sound like an idiot? At least the person controlling the gate wasn’t laughing at her. Or if they were, they had the decency to turn the mike off. She ran her tongue over her lips and checked her watch. Half past eight and the sun had disappeared. It had grown dark quickly, telling us Mandy that summer had given way to fall.As she debated backing out of the driveway and returning to her parents’ place in defeat

“Are you sure you want to do this, Mandy?” her mother said. “Your sister’s wedding is only a few months away and she really needs you right now. Besides, I don’t think days of sitting down will do anything for your diet.”She wanted to throw a pillow at her mom. Really? Not one ounce of encouragement or congratulations? Mandy gritted her teeth. “Just think of it this way; now that I’m making money, I can get them a better wedding present.”Her mother still looked skeptical. “You had better get them a very nice present,” she said. “Stephen had to go through a lot of trouble to get you this job.”Yes, because I can’t get anything on my own merit. That was probably why he recommended me. To get them a better wedding present. She doubted the dickhead actually had anything resembling a conscience which needed easing. “I will, Mom.” Mandy forced a smile as she packed the rest of her belongings in the last cardboard box and taped it shut.It was eight o’clock at night, only a little less tha

Mandy got the call from Carl two days later. “First of all, I’d like to apologize for how we met,” he said after pleasantries were exchanged. “It was not my intention to disrespect you, or anyone else, in any way. I’m sorry for Stephen’s behavior.”Mandy sat up and set her laptop aside. “You don’t need to apologize.” She wanted this job, but she would not act like the weak, insecure person Carl probably thought she was. “You’re not responsible for Stephen’s behavior. He’s, well... Stephen.”“He’s an asshole,” Carl said bluntly. “I hope we can move forward and you won’t be insulted when I offer you an interview for tomorrow at two. The interview has nothing to do with Stephen. Your resume’s impressive and ideal for this position.”That’s not the only thing ideal for this position. You need someone un-pretty. Mandy grimaced and thought about the money she would make. You can move out of the basement. “All right,” she said, trying to sound professional and unbothered. “Tomorrow should wo

“Ican’t believe you just did that,” Carl hissed.Mandy could still hear him as she walked away.“I’m not sure who’s more embarrassed; me, or the girl.”“How was I supposed to know she could hear me?” Stephen cleared his throat. “Besides, it shouldn’t come as any surprise to her. She already knows she needs to lose weight.”“Stephen,” Carl warned. “Your lack of subtlety and shame is downright vulgar. Besides, the girl’s not even ugly. She has pretty light blue eyes, and a nice smile.” He paused and Mandy thought she’d stepped out of earshot until she heard him say, “When did you become such an asshole, Stephen?”Stephen clapped his friend on the shoulder. “I’ve always been an asshole, Carl. You’re just too busy to see it.”“Apparently.”Mandy pretended to drop something so she could hear the rest of their conversation.“Anyway,” Stephen said. “Come join us for dinner? Claudia’s parents are paying.”“I’m just on my way out,” Carl replied. “Have a nice night. Make sure Mandy gets my cont

She forced herself to calm down, knowing she wouldn’t go anywhere. She had the smarts, the common sense, the hard work ethic and even a friendly demeanor when her family wasn’t around. She just lacked the belief she could do it.Enough! She went to the bathroom mirror to touch up her makeup. It was bad enough Stephen had left her for her younger, hotter sister, she didn’t need to look like the rejected one. It hadn’t been meant to be. She and Stephen would never have lasted. She knew that, but it didn’t lessen the hurt and humiliation.To procrastinate more, she practiced her smile in the mirror, trying to make it look more sincere and confident. “That’s right, Stephen, son of Ass Hole,” she told her reflection and giggled. “I don’t need you. You can just kiss my derriere, you shallow son of a bitch.”She froze when she heard Stephen’s voice clearly through the door. The bathroom wasn’t even close to being soundproof.“Carl! How the hell are you doing?”Oh, shit!“It’s good to see you

One more hour and then you can leave. Just one more stupid hour.Mandy resisted the urge to look at her phone for the fifth time in twenty minutes. She didn’t know what she was expecting to see on it. It wasn’t like time would move any faster. She turned her attention back to her sister’s engagement party, which she supposedly should be enjoying – in theory. However, it felt next to impossible with her fucking ex sitting right across from her with his arm around her sister.Stephen caught Mandy staring and flashed a fake grin at her. Mandy looked away, down at the ice water she had opted for instead of the beer she really wanted. She might as well try to make an effort to show the family she wanted to lose weight.“Have you chosen the venue yet, Claudia?” Mandy’s mother asked. Her bony elbow jabbed Mandy in the side as she reached for her water glass.Mandy made an effort to straighten from her slouched position, only to slide her shoulders forward a moment later.“Not yet.” Claudia s