I shake my head no, wishing that I did.
We don’t say much as I walk in the middle of the road, hoping to avoid any creepy critters in the ditch, until I comment, “I feel like I’m in the Blair Witch Project.” Shivering, I stop for a minute and say, “I’m putting you down so I can grab a sweater.”
“Stay in my sight.” Carly’s frustrated growl used to make me laugh; right now, I’m holding onto it like a damn lifeline. A hissing sound comes from beside me. I squeal and dress quickly before picking Carly up and running until my lungs hurt. “What was that?” she shrills.
“I think a snake, but I wasn’t sticking around to find out.” Glimpsing the flickering city lights in the distance, I start feeling better about things. “I can see Gulfport now.” We share a brief smile.
“Who knew where you were staying?” Carly’s sudden question makes me stop and stare at the phone screen.
“He found me at work first. Maybe he followed me home?” I reply, but the question remains the same: how? “You, Miles, and the PI are the only ones.” Our eyes widen at the same time. “John sold me out,” I say. That thought is kind of terrifying.
“He wouldn’t do that,” Carly counters, but she doesn’t sound any more convinced than I am. “I’ll talk to Miles, see what the hell happened. They’ve known each other so long, I just don’t see him doing it.” I wish I had her faith.
Traffic is slow as I enter the city, and disappointment squeezes my chest as I realize it’s been almost an hour, and the guys haven’t come looking for me. They probably figure that they’re better off without my baggage. Still hurts like hell though.
“The battery is almost dead, so I’m going to let you go. I’m in the city, and I still have some money left for another cheap motel for the night.” I hope.
“Text me once you’ve got a room, and I’ll help you figure shit out, even if you have to move again.” God, I really hope I don’t have to.
“Love you,” I mutter, wishing I could hug her one more time.
“Hey, stop looking like this is goodbye. We’ll talk in the morning.” She waits for me to agree before hanging up.
Crossing the street when the light turns green, I hear a motorcycle, and my heart races until I see it’s not them as three bikers ride in the opposite direction. At a well-lit bus stop, I dig through my bag to check how much cash I have, grateful that Miles gave me so much. I count out a hundred, hoping to find somewhere for less than that.
Spotting a fast-food joint a block away, I head towards it. After ordering my meal, I find a table near the front where people can see me, and I can plug in my phone. The girl behind the counter brings my tray of food with a smile, and I eat the burger and fries while sipping the Mountain Dew I got to go with it.
As soon as my phone is charged enough, I start searching up motels and overhear the two girls at the counter talking about needing a third roommate now that their rent has been raised again.
Taking a fortifying breath, I empty my trash and approach them. “Hi, uhm, I couldn’t help overhear you say you’re looking for another roommate?”
Their eyes roam my frame, pausing at the bruising on my face. Clearly, they’re apprehensive, and I don’t blame them one bit.
“We are,” the one girl hedges.
“I’m new to town. I’m a server at Euphoria, and I could really use a place to stay.” Do they hear the desperation in my tone?
“What happened to your face?” the second girl asks.
I nibble my lip and fight off the tears. “My stepbrother tracked me down and attacked me in my motel room last night.” Saying it out loud really brings home how horrible a situation I’ve been in.
“Tracked you down. So, you’re like, what…on the run?” the same girl asks.
“Not because of something I did, but because he and my stepdad have control issues. I’m eighteen; I’m allowed to be on my own.” Defending myself feels weird because I’m an adult, technically speaking. Having my own life shouldn’t be something I need to fight for.
They carry on a silent conversation with their eyes before the first girl finally nods and says, “I’m Connie, and this is Marie. Welcome, roomie!”
Relief sags my shoulders, but I keep it together.
“Thank you, I really appreciate it.” The lifting of this one weight makes me nearly sick to my stomach.
“Your portion of the rent is $400. That includes utilities. We pool money and do grocery shopping together. That said, if there’s anything you want that’s just yours, either keep it in your room or write your name on it.” She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a few keys. “This is yours.” I accept the single key. “We’ll bring you home after shift if you want to chill here, and then in the morning, we’ll go over all the things you need to know.”
I nod. My emotions are almost too much, and a stray tear slides down my cheek.
“Hey, don’t cry,” Marie says, reaching out and rubbing her hand up and down my arm.
“It’s just been a few tense days. Thank you.”
