Bad For Me Read Online Free Page B

him. It’s best that he and I keep our distance.”
    “That might not be easy.”
    “What? Why not. I’ll just lock myself in my bedroom whenever he comes over.”
    “It’s not that.”
    “What then?”
    “He came over to offer you a placement with his company. I told him about... ”
    “You told him? I don’t want you talking to your brother about me. I don’t need his help.”
    “Megs—you’re being a prat.”
    Julie’s reaction stunned me for a few seconds. She never lost her rag with me.
    “He’s only trying to help. What’s wrong with that?”
    “I don’t need any help.”
    “Oh yeah—I forgot. The great Megan doesn’t need help from anyone, ever.”
    “That’s right.”
    “Bullshit. You’ve worked hard on that course, and now it’s all going to be for nothing because you’ve lost your placement.”
    “I’ll sort something out.”
    “How?”
    “I don’t know.”
    “There isn’t time. JJ has spoken to the college, and they've approved the placement. It just needs you to say yes.”
    “No.”
    “Give me one good reason why not.”
    I couldn't. I shook my head.
    “Then you’re an idiot. No wait—I’m the idiot. I actually told JJ that you would be pleased. He knows you better than I do—he said you were too stubborn to accept any help. I guess he was right.”
    “I’m sorry Julie. I didn’t mean to throw kindness... ”
    “So take it. Take the damn placement.”
    There was an uneasy silence for what felt like minutes, but was probably no more than a few seconds.
    “What is it? This placement?”
    “I don’t know the details. It must be legit or the college wouldn’t have approved it. That’s why he came over—to tell you all about it.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Does that mean you will take it?”
    “I suppose... I don’t have much choice.”
    “So, shall I ask JJ to come over to go through it with you?”
    “Not tonight. I’m not up to it.”
    “Tomorrow then?”
    “Okay. Do I have to apologise to him?”
    “You’d better not. The shock would kill him.”

Chapter 6
     
     
    “Cya,” Julie shouted.
    “Where are you going?” I called after her.
    “It’s Karen’s birthday.”
    “I thought you'd be here when JJ came over.”
    “Sorry. I did tell you I was going out.”
    “I didn't think I'd be alone with him.”
    “He doesn't bite. He's a big softy. Besides, he's only coming over to tell you about the placement.”
    “I guess. Okay then, have a good time.”
    “I will. Try to keep your hands off my brother.”
    I wasn't sure if Julie had told me she was going out or not. Knowing Julie—probably not. Either way, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing JJ by myself.
    Forty minutes later, there was a knock at the door—his knock. It was completely irrational, but even the way he knocked annoyed me.  When I opened it, he was on his knees, waving a white handkerchief. I tried not to laugh, but I couldn’t hold it in.
    “Truce?” he said.
    “Okay. Truce. Come in.”
    “Where’s Julie?” he asked as he slipped off his coat.
    “Birthday party.”
    “You didn’t miss out just for me did you?”
    “No. It’s one of Julie’s friends. I don’t really know her. Besides, I’m not big on parties.”
    “Too much like fun?”
    I gave him my death glare.
    “Sorry—bad joke.” He held his hands up in mock surrender. “Did Julie tell you about the placement?”
    “She didn’t give me any details. Just that you had spoken to the college about it.”
    “DraxSoft.”
    “What?”
    “That’s my company. It's where the placement is. You'll get to spend a few days in a number of departments: marketing, sales, accounts. The college seemed to think it would be ideal for your course.”
    “The one you think is a waste of time?”
    “You shouldn't take any notice of anything I say.”
    “Don’t worry—I don’t.”
    “Touché.” He laughed.
    “I won’t have to work with you will I?”
    “Would that be so bad?”
    “Yes.”
    “I’ll be around, so