I thought about calling Lizzy, but she’d have a hundred questions I couldn’t answer right now, or maybe ever. Instead, I landed on Betty.
Us non-hookers had to stick together.
Fifteen minutes later, she was pulling up at the curb wearing a shirt with ducks on it and had dyed her hair a bright pink color. She bent her head down and gave me a look that I couldn’t even begin to describe. It was a cross between excited and surprised to see me in my attire.
She waved me in the car. “Get in! What are you waiting for? You’re going to catch a cold out there dressed like that.”
“Hey Betty.” I said, sliding into her back seat.
She threw her arm on the back of the passenger side headrest and turned around. “Everlee.” She smacked her lips. “What have you gotten yourself into? You look well fucked and sad.”
I let out a snicker. “Well, Betty, your observation is spot on.”
She nodded, not speaking for a minute, then pulled onto the road.
“What’s got you so gloom and sneaking out of that mansion back there?”
“Mansion?”
“Oh child. This isn’t my first rodeo.”
I sighed. “I just needed to get away. I’m scared of getting my heart broken.”
“Oh, I see. Tricky thing, the heart. You break your own heart it seems to avoid them breaking it, maybe.”
She didn’t understand, and it was ok. No one could.
My phone dinged like I’d been sent a message from fate or serendipity.
Sophie.
Had a great time last night!
Headed to the airport so I’m sure you won’t get this until later, but if you ever need to talk, I’m only a phone call away!
I looked out of the window for a second, gathering my thoughts, then started typing.
Had a blast as well. I would love to chat.
Oh! Good morning! I didn’t wake you, did I?
No.
I started typing a long explanation and then deleted it all.
I was already awake. I just left them.
They don’t know?
No. I thought it’d be better this way.
Better for who?
I don’t know. I guess me.
Last night, per the contract, was my last night with them.
Rules and all.
