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They’re good men.
Shit. I can never tell them about the money.
Shame rides through me as I wonder why I even did it.
But I was pissed at Theo for not looking after me. And then treating me like property he could just throw around. In that moment, I felt I’d earned it. I didn’t want to be some victim of abuse, so I took his damn money.
And I have no idea what to do with it now.
I spent a little of it on gas and breakfast this morning, but it feels like dirty money. I shouldn’t use any more of it.
So why keep it, then?
But I don’t want to send it back. Making contact with the guy repulses me… terrifies me.
Maybe I should burn the money.
But that feels wrong too. It’s a lot of money. It could get me a ticket out of the country. I’d have to get a passport, but I could do it, right? Maybe I could fly down to Jamaica and visit my mom?
But then she’d want to know why I was there and?—
“You coming?” Mikayla flicks her hand at me, hurrying me out of my thoughts and after her.
Jumping into the Uber she ordered, I try to hide my wince as I buckle up. Some movements hurt more than others, and I think I’ve done a pretty good job at keeping my expressions in check, but I’ll have to be extra careful around Mick. She knows me better than anyone.
I shift in my seat, tentatively readjusting myself so I’m not putting any pressure on my bruised back.
Thankfully, Mick’s not looking at me. She’s in a super chipper mood and going on about… I don’t even know what. Something to do with marketing that she learned about in class today. She’s seriously getting into the idea of becoming a sports agent. She’d be great at it. If I was an athlete, I’d totally want to be represented by her. She’s gutsy and feisty and knows how to get what she wants.
She might be pint-sized, but she’s fierce… and I love that about her.
“Here you go, ladies.” The driver pulls up in front of a pizzeria, and my stomach growls.
Mick glances at me, laughing as she thanks the woman, and we get out of the car.
“This place has the best pizza in town, and don’t even get me started on their loaded fries.” She threads her arm through the crook of my elbow and walks me inside. “But make sure you save room for dessert, okay, because they have these salted caramel choc pots that are to die for.” Her eyes roll back in her head. “Like seriously.”
I grin down at her, loving how expressive and fun she is.
I’ve missed her so much.
When she first told me she was moving to Colorado, I was petrified. I didn’t think I could live without her just over the fence. But then Theo came along and made everything better.
Until he didn’t.
And now I’m back with my bestie.
Taking a seat opposite her, I thank the waiter for the menu and peruse the options.
“I tend to go for the chicken and cranberry pizza with camembert. Because I’m fancy that way.” She winks at me, and I can’t help laughing. “But I know you’re a spicy girl, so we could go for the tandoori chicken. That bitch will burn your tongue right off.”
I giggle and take a sip of water. “Let’s share your fave, and then we can get a dessert each. I know you said those salted caramel pot things were amazing, but you know I can’t be passing up Mississippi Mud Cake.”
Mick’s head tips back with a laugh. “Too true!” Slapping the menu down, she gives me a meaningful smile that makes me nervous.
Are we about to get all serious about?—
“I really miss your baking.” She reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Like seriously. I miss your white chocolate brownies and your blueberry cheesecake and that lemon delicious soufflé thing you make.” Her voice starts to quake. “And those cakes. Oh my gosh, those cakes!” She tips her head back with a groan that’s basically orgasmic.
