Exposure by Annie Jocoby Read Free Book Online Page A

cutting-edge of biotechnology for years, and he’s cornered the market in the countries where he sells his products.”
    “How do you know all of this?”
    She shrugged. “I try to keep up on the all the hot rich guys in this town, because you know I’d like to snag one. And he has stood out, head and shoulders, above all the rest. Not only because he’s rich, but also because he’s young, hot and I totally believe in what he does. So, yeah, I’ve had quite a few fantasies featuring him myself.”
    I chuckled. “Well, rest easy, because I’m quite sure that he’s still on the market. I mean, he can fuck like nobody’s business, but I’d be extremely surprised if I ever see him again.”
    She shook her head. “Yeah, but, even so, he’s off-limits to me now. Thanks a lot,” she said with a smile. “Sloppy seconds have never been my style. Oh, well. Looks like I’m going to have to start dreaming about the second guy on my list.”
    “Who’s the second guy on your list?”
    “Patton Meara. Oil tycoon. Not nearly as much of a hotty as Asher, though, but a girl can’t get too picky, can she?” Then she smiled. “Nah, I better stick with your average investment banker that you meet in the club. More in my league.”
    “Girl, nobody’s out of your league,” I said. “Most guys say that you’re out of their league.”
    “Well, Asher’s out of most women’s league. I mean, for a long-term relationship. Unless you’re like some kind of supermodel or something like that. Especially since you told me that he has a huge cock and he knows how to use it. Let’s just say that any girl who snags him is going to have a fine, fine, fine catch.”
    I smiled and knew that she was right.
    “At any rate,” she said. “I’m proud of you for finally stepping foot outside our apartment. It’s been months since you’ve done that, and that takes a lot of guts, girl. So, kudos to you.”
    “Well, thanks,” I said. “I mean, I’m still absolutely petrified about going outside our apartment, but I do feel pretty accomplished by finally venturing out of this place. Not that I can do it again any time soon.”
    Scarlett bit her lip and shook her head. “I really do wish that you would get counseling.”
    “Ah, but here’s the rub. How am I supposed to go outside to see said counselor? That seems like the ultimate Catch-22. I can’t go outside because of my condition, but, because I can’t go outside, I can’t see anybody who might be able to help me. Besides, there’s still the problem of lack of insurance.”
    “Yes, but CJ, you haven’t worked in so long and you now have very little money in the bank. You know that you can qualify for Medicaid.”
    “That would be as humiliating for me as getting disability insurance from the government,” I said. “It’s going to take a lot to swallow my pride enough to beg for a handout. I’m just going to have to keep trying to go outside, a little bit every day, and hope that I can get back to work soon.”
    She looked at me sympathetically. “Yeah, but CJ, that seems a long ways off, doesn’t it? I looked into social security disability for you. You can apply online and do a phone interview for it. Once you get that, you can qualify for Medicaid for sure.”
    “Scarlett, I know what you’re getting at. You’re worried that I can’t make rent soon. And you’re not far wrong. I think that I have about another month’s worth of savings, and then I’m tapped out. All I can say is that I have one month to get my butt in gear and get back to work. Because social security disability and Medicaid are not how I envision getting health care and money.”
    “But CJ, you know that it takes awhile to process claims. What happens if you run out of money, and then you apply for SSD and you have to wait a few months to get the money from them? Then what?”
    I sighed. “Maybe you should look for a new roommate. Not that I don’t love you, but the reality is, I doubt