From My Perspective (BWBM)✔️

II

Cleo Mitchell
June🌞
NY📍

There was a brief silence between my father and I. The only sounds that could be heard were coming from the loud inmates in the background.

"I was beginning to get a little worried that you weren't going to answer."
"I've been a little busy, Dad.", I lied.
"It's good to stay busy, my love. I know that this is difficult, but everything is going to be okay. I promise. Did you reach out to the guy I told you about regarding that job?"
"Not yet, Dad."
"Cleo, you are not in a position where you can wait any longer. You need a job ASAP."
"And who do you think put me in this position, Dad? I'm so sorry that I needed a little bit of time to come to terms with the fact that my father may be spending the next 25 years in federal prison, my mother is dead, and in another few weeks, the only home I've ever known will be foreclosed and I will be evicted. At least, you know where you'll be sleeping then."

There was a pause and I'm sure if it wasn't for the sounds of the inmates behind him, you would've thought he hung up.

"I'm sorry that you are dealing with the repercussions of my poor decisions. Please, when you have a chance, call Mr. Bradford. He owes me a favor and he will help you."
"Okay. I have to go, Dad."
"Okay, I love you, Peach. I'll talk to you soon."

I quickly hung up the phone before bringing my knees up to my chest. I could already feel the tears coming as I let out a loud sob.

I swiftly recovered and wiped my tears before picking my phone back up and pulling up the number my Dad gave me. I sighed before dialing the number.

"Bradford Enterprises. You've reached the office of Leo Bradford. Auriella speaking. How can I help you today?"
"I need to speak to Leo Bradford."
"Mr. Bradford is very busy. I can set up an appointment for you to speak with him. He's not available until Wednesday of next week."
"I just need five minutes. That's it."
"Unfortunately, he's n-.", she managed to get out before I cut her off.

"My name is Cleo Mitchell. My father is Clive Mitchell. Mr. Bradford owes him a favor and I need to speak to him right now."

I could almost hear her shudder at the mention of my father's name followed by a pause.

"Hello?"
"I apologize, ma'am. He has some free time today if you want to come in."
"Thank you."

I peeked out the window and let out a sigh of relief after seeing that the paparazzi finally gave up and left the sidewalk. I ordered a ride on Brad.

"Thank you.", I thanked the driver before exiting the car and heading into Bradford Enterprises.

I walked up to the receptionist's desk and gave her a small smile.

"I'm here to see Mr. Bradford. My name is Cleo Mitchell."
"Right, Mr. Bradford is in his office. Auriella here will escort you to his office.", she said, pointing at the curly-haired, dark-skinned girl who had a stern look on her face.

"Auriella Bradford.", she introduced herself as she stretched her hand out for me to shake it.
"Cleo Mitchell. Nice to meet you.", I said as I shook her hand before we got on the elevator. She hit the button for the 13th floor.

"So, are you married to Leo?"

She let out a small laugh before shaking her head.

"Leo is my brother."
"Oh, sorry, my dad didn't tell me much about him."

She looked at me before looking down.

"I heard about your parents. I'm very sorry.", she emphasized.
"Thank you."

She smiled before the elevator stopped on the 13th floor. I saw dozens of people in the space, all seemingly engrossed in their work.

Auriella led me to the office down the hall. I saw Mr. Bradford's name across it with the Bradford Enterprises logo surrounding it.

"Right this way.", she said before walking into the large office. I closed the door behind me and when I turned around, I met the cold chocolate-brown eyes of the large man behind the desk.

"Leo, this is Cleo Mitchell, the woman I told you about."
"I told you I was busy today.", he said as he set his phone on the table before glaring at his sister.
"You're free for the next hour and a half. I checked.", she retorted back, not even phased by his harsh tone or glare.

"Something came up. I'm busy. Try making an appointment next time, Clair.", he said before picking his phone back up.

"My name is Cleo. You are literally just on some girl's Instagram. I'm just asking for five minutes of your time, then you can continue your stalk session.", I said, earning a smirk from Auriella.
"I already know what you want. I saw the news. Let me guess, your father needs money for a lawyer or your mother's funeral."

Auriella sent him a death glare as I walked closer to his desk.

"Look, I usually try to keep it pretty respectful, especially when I'm asking someone for help, but I literally just put my mother into the ground and frankly, it's been a shitty day. I am here because I need a job."

"Why should I help you?"
"Because you owe my father a favor and I'm here to collect. Convicted or not, my father knows some very powerful people in the industry. Do you really wanna go back on your word?", I said as I sat down in the seat in front of him

He paused as he studied my face before leaning back in his chair.

"You start tomorrow."