She cleaned meticulously, and Sherry was very impressed. What she didn't know was that Chloe was trying to clean off her own black marks. That's exactly what she'd become in Matthew's eyes. A big black mark … Please, just let him get the truck before he leaves.
At the end of her day, Sherry approached her with a look of concern.
"Did I do something wrong? I'm new at this, so if I messed up, I'll go back and fix it."
"No, dear. Can you come and sit for a minute?"
Chloe sat down on the edge of her seat in the office, not because of the dirt on the fabric, but because of sheer nerves.
"What's bothering you, Chloe?"
"Nothing's wrong, I'm just tired I guess."
"Listen, no matter what it is, you can come and talk to me."
"I'm okay, Sherry. I'll keep that in mind." Chloe wasn't looking forward to the impact her deceit was going to have on these people she cared about. She wasn't even honest to Matthew about her parents or her best friend's real identity.
Chloe opened the door to her apartment and then slid to the floor. Maybe she wouldn't be able to keep the new wonderful feelings she'd gotten from people accepting and loving her, but at least she now knew what it felt like. For that, she was thankful.
Chapter 6
Matthew didn't get his lunch break until two o'clock, and he was famished. Being across town made it impossible for him to stop home, grab some food, and then be back at the job site in thirty minutes. He hurried out of the house, late again, and was unable to pack himself a lunch. His father was taking more time in the mornings to get up and take his treatment. His coughing spells were lasting longer, worrying Matthew so much. He wanted to take him to the doctors, but his father refused due to the medical bills that were piling up.
It'd be three more days before he was able to pay himself and the crew, but he needed food and his lunch break was almost over. Hopefully there're a few bucks in the account. Pulling up at an ATM, Matthew used his debit card to check his balance and pull out ten bucks if he could. Fifty thousand, thirty-seven dollars on the receipt under 'balance' made Matthew crack up. Are you kidding me?! Even though it was a rush to see that kind of money, he knew better than to touch it. The bank made a gross error and would demand every cent of it back. Man that looked amazing, even though it wasn't mine. Shaking his head, he took his ten dollars and headed to a drive-through. He wouldn't bother calling the bank; they'd be quick about recovering that amount of money. I can't wait to show this to Chloe. She'll laugh as hard as I did.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Chloe was glad to be working. Her anxiety about this contest was making her crazy. She was tempted to call the dealership and find out what the delay was. While she was vacuuming the long hall, she felt her phone vibrate on her hip. It was Bob, letting her know the truck was in. She opened the door to the supply closet so her call wouldn't be overheard, and so no one could see her jumping up and down with excitement.
"Mail the congratulations letter to Matthew. Get it here through same day mail. The thousand bucks will help cover the postage. Make sure you have his address correct because I want the truck over here tonight around eight."
"Am I still delivering it? If I do, who'll drive me back to work?"
"That's your problem. Make the whole thing look official." Chloe wouldn't have been so mean if Bob wouldn't have wanted extra favors for helping her.
"My brother can follow me. He's not going to be too happy about going to that neighborhood."
"Bob! Figure it out, but first, get to the post office!" Chloe hung up the phone, hoping the creep wouldn't mess this up.
She stepped out of the supply closet trying to look normal. The huge grin on her face wasn't easy to cover up. Matthew was going to blow up once he found out she was behind all the help, but that was okay. Her main concern was to make life easier for two people who deserved it.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
At six-thirty that evening, Chloe heard the heavy footsteps of someone running down the hall. Before she could go out to investigate, Matthew slung her door open with a letter in his hand.
"I won!! I won, I won, I won!!!" His eyes were water-filled.
"You won the contest for that truck?"
"Yes!" Matthew picked her up and swung her around. "I can't thank you enough, Chloe. If it wasn't for you bringing me the entry and talking me into filling it out, this wouldn't have happened. My dad is happier than I am if that's even possible. They're delivering it this evening!" He kissed her deeply.
Chloe was so relieved her plan worked and that he was getting a new, safe vehicle. But when Matthew kissed her, she couldn't help but feel like he was kissing her goodbye.
At eight o'clock, Matthew's phone rang. Chloe was trying to act as nonchalant as she could.
"I'll come down. Thanks, Sherry."
"Is everything okay?" Chloe hoped it was Bob.
"Maybe it's about my new truck. Sherry called to tell me a man is downstairs requesting to see me."
"I'll come with you."
Matthew held her hand down to the lobby. There stood Bob in a brown suit, and he even combed his hair.
"Are you Matthew Sharp?"
"Yes, I am. Can I help you?"
"Come with me, please." Bob walked outside and smiled as he held the truck key out to Matthew.
"Oh my God!"
"Congratulations, sir. Enjoy be the winner, and thanks for entering."
Matthew ran to the new pickup, and while he was climbing up behind the wheel, Chloe handed Bob the thousand dollars she had stuffed in her jeans.
"I have to get back to the office. Best of luck, Mr. Sharp."
As Bob drove off with another man, Matthew ran around to the other side of the truck and held the door open for Chloe.
"Climb in, babe! We're going for a drive!"
They drove around for a good hour, testing it on the highway and cruising slowly down the streets. Matthew looked so happy and proud.
"You have no idea how close my old truck is to dying. I can't believe this!"
They stopped by John's apartment to show him the truck, and the next day, Matthew was beyond happy driving it to work. The crew congratulated him over and over, knowing no one deserved this more. They knew that Matthew paid himself last to make sure everyone had money to put food on their tables, gave them time off when situations arose, and thanked them every day for their hard work. The men who worked for him were like family, and they knew of his struggles and were careful not to complain about raises and health insurance. Even though Matthew did everything he could for his crew, he wouldn't blame them if they quit for a better paying job with benefits.
Because the new truck got better gas mileage, Matthew wouldn't be sinking so much money into the tank. Every few extra dollars would help to pay the bills. He had to rely on his income to keep him and his father above water. Public assistance seemed the best way to go to help with the medical care expenses. But when Matthew tried to fill out the paperwork on his own, the whole process turned out to be a vicious circle. Ultimately he was refused. Conner was furious when he found out. In his father's mind, there were folks much worse off and who deserved the help more. What Matthew didn't know was that his father had a five hundred thousand dollar life insurance policy he bought after he got married. When he died, which Conner knew would be soon, Matthew wouldn't be dragged down by medical bills and could have a clean start. He just hoped his time to go came quickly.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
On a clear Sunday, Matthew went to the grocery store and found a small roast on sale. He had a great idea to cook a nice dinner for Chloe and his father. He was hoping he still remembered how to make one. Conner's eyebrows rose when he saw the meal ingredients.
"Matthew, that must have been expensive!"
"Not really. Everything was on sale, and besides, I'm not dumping every spare dime into the gas tank anymore."
The two men laughed and talked while the meal was being prepared. The kitchen, even with all the cigarette smoke, smelled good. Hopefully it'd taste as good as it smelled.
Conner thumbed through the paper while Matthew cut up the salad. He was ecstatic to see his son in love and so happy. He thought Josie had ruined him for good. Chloe was such a sweet girl and would hopefully become a member of the family. Even in Matthew's last relationship, his happiest days were nothing compared to the ones he experienced with Chloe.
After finishing with the sports and news sections, Conner thought he'd get some kicks out of reading about the social elite. The big photograph of Earl and Sylvia Burlington holding shovels for a groundbreaking ceremony made Conner shake his head. Africa. Why not do something in America? The article was huge, describing Burlington Enterprises and the contributions that were made to different organizations. The ceremony was for a new school. Detroit just closed three schools because the repairs were too great. He was getting ticked off.
Then he saw it; underneath was a photograph of Chloe Burlington, the young heiress. It went on to tell about her recent breakup from Edmund Lauer, and how she was one of the wealthiest women her age. The picture showed a smug-looking young man sitting next to Chloe. There was no mistaking who she was. Conner felt like his heart was going to stop. The last thing his son needed was to get more involved with a woman who'd never find him good enough. After struggling with his decision, he folded the paper back and set it on the table.