“Seriously, Verity, come and have dinner with us. I don’t have any vacancies at my store, but between us we own a handful of businesses, and if none of us need staff, one of the guys might know someone who is hiring.”
“Honestly, I’m exhausted. Before you called around, I was planning on cleaning up, then taking a shower and heading to bed. But please ask your family about the job. I don’t really have much experience in anything but waitressing, but I’m a hard worker and a fast learner.”
Cora’s expression is conflicted, and I can tell that if we knew each other better, she’d insist on me going to her place with her. But right now, I’m grateful that she’s as much of a stranger as Warrick is.
“Come for dinner tomorrow instead then,” Cora offers.
I screw my face up into a grimace. “I actually have plans with Octy and Knight tomorrow night,” I lie.
“Fine, the day after.”
“James mentioned—” I start.
“Oh my god.” She laughs. “Fine. But once Warrick is back, you’ll both have to come around.”
I nod, but don’t actually agree, because if I can find a way down the mountain, I won’t be here by the time Warrick’s four-day shift is finished.
After I help Cora to her feet and watch her waddle to the golf cart and drive away, I close and lock the door behind her. Heading outside, I collect the glass I’ve been drinking from, then lock the back door and carefully wash the glass, putting it back in the cabinet I took it from this morning.
Pulling the leftover sandwich from yesterday out of the refrigerator, I eat it over the sink, then wash the plate and put it away, making sure to sanitize the counters and sink before I head for the stairs. My gaze drifts to the cell phone sitting on top of the sheet of paper, and for a moment I consider taking it upstairs with me. But even if Warrick calls, I don’t think I want to talk to him, so I turn away and climb the stairs, retreating into the bedroom and shutting the door.
It’s far too early to go to bed, but I still climb beneath the covers fully dressed and pull them over my head. The darkness and the familiar soundtrack of my own breathing settle me. I don’t fall asleep, instead, I stare into the darkness, contemplating what to do.
My tent and the rest of my meager belongings must still be in Warrick’s car, and although I could leave it behind, if I do, I might be forced to actually sleep out in the open for days, or even weeks, while I search for a job in whatever town I end up in next.
The thought of literally having nothing except a ratty backpack full of equally ratty clothes makes me feel sick. Hotacid burns at the back of my throat, and I physically cover my mouth with my hand to stop myself from being sick. My tiny tent and sleeping bag might be old and cheap, but when having them or not having them is the difference between having some cover, safety, and privacy or not, then I refuse to leave without them.
I hear it when the cell phone starts ringing downstairs, but I don’t move. Instead, I stay hidden beneath the covers and let it ring until it eventually stops.
THIRTEEN
WARRICK
The line rings and rings and rings, eventually connecting to a robotic voice that prompts me to leave a message. Where is she? What is she doing that she can’t answer my call or reply to any of the messages I’ve sent her since our brief conversation this morning?
Pulling the cell away from my ear, I find Knight’s number and hit call. He answers on the second ring.
“Warrick.”
“Brother, I’m sorry to call, but has Octy spoken to Verity at all today?”
Knight goes silent for a moment, then a second later, he speaks. “According to Octavia, James added Verity to the group chat they have with the other women and Henry, but she hasn’t responded, or even viewed any of the messages yet. Octavia gave Verity her cell number yesterday, but she hasn’t reached out today. Is she okay? Do you need me to call around to check on her?”
“No, not right now. She could be up at the Barnetts’. I’ll give Huck a call. Thanks.”
“Okay. If you need us to make contact or check on her, just let me know.”
“Will do. Thanks, brother.”
Ending the call, I pull up Huck’s number next and hit dial.
“Hey, Warrick,” he eventually answers.
“Hi, Huck, I’m sorry to bother you, but Verity isn’t answering her cell. Is she at your place?”
“No. Cora went down there to bring her here for dinner, but when she got there, your girl said she’d already eaten and was planning to have an early night. She told Cora that she was looking for a job so she could afford an apartment.”
“The fuck?” I mutter.
