As soon as Evan leaves, I unlock my bottom drawer and dig out the newspaper clipping. I ignore the headline and find the photo, putting them side by side.
It’s him.
It’s really him.
He’s younger there, wearing a school uniform and looking grim, but I found him.
Putting the newspaper away, I lock the drawer and lean back, holding the new photo of him. He’s older, his face has lost some of that baby fat, and that smile is gone, but it’s him. He’s all sharp, perfect angles.
In my world, we would call him a muse, but he’s more than that.
He’s the one I’ve searched for in vain for years.
Mackie. I roll his name on my tongue before turning to my computer. I minimize the images and type in his name and Starfire Racing. For the next two hours, I read everything I can on him, pouring over every image and interview. He’s smiling in most. It’s infectious, everyone around him reacting, even me, and I know Evan was right. The photographer messed up. He should show this side of him, not that stern face.
Mackie, like Evan, is sunshine, not a dark moon.
I suppose it’s good for me though.
I guess I can finally repay my debt.
THREE
“You have got to be kidding me!” I exclaim, gawking. “I’ve lived here for three years?—”
“I will refund last month’s rent,” Otis responds. “Look, Mackie, I like you as a roommate, but my girlfriend wants to live with me. You have to understand.”
“Without warning? Where am I supposed to go?” I snap angrily. I’ve lived here since college. Yeah, it’s small and cramped, and I could afford something better, but it worked. Besides, I like having a roommate, even if Otis and his girlfriend can be loud when I need to sleep.
“You have money. Stay in a hotel until you find a place.” Otis shrugs. “You can pack your stuff another day, but we’d like you out tonight.”
I can’t fucking believe this. Otis and I aren’t besties in any sense of the word, but I thought we had more loyalty. I guess not. My jacket and shoes are still on, so I storm to my room, pack a bag, and stomp past. “I’ll be back for the rest,” I snap, “and I want two months refunded for the hassle.”
He swears, and I slam the door behind me, taking the stairs down to the lobby since the elevator has been out of order since I moved in. Like I said, I could afford better, but it never bothered me. It was closeto Starfire, and I’ve never needed a lot of space. Yes, my income is better now, but that doesn’t mean I want to splurge on a crazy place where I only lay my head to rest. Most of my life is on a track, and I’m barely at home, but I suppose I need to find somewhere else.
Where am I going to stay tonight?
My first thought is to go to Noah, but I don’t. This isn’t his problem to solve, and besides, he will never take me seriously if I keep relying on him to solve everything for me. I could stay in a hotel, but the closest one to the track is on the other side of the city in the richer area, meaning my commute would be a bitch, and I need to be there early tomorrow for the new photographer.
I wander the pier the apartments overlook then lean against the railing as I watch the boats pass. It’s cold, so I wrap my jacket tightly around me, my bag at my feet. I’ll need to figure out arrangements soon. I can’t afford to be tired because my schedule is packed.
My phone vibrates, and I pull it out. When I see Sky’s name, I answer, knowing he’ll just keep calling otherwise.
“I’m hungry,” he whines.
“Eat with Bones,” I reply grumpily.
“He’s studying at the library and told me I wasn’t allowed to bother him. Apparently having sex with me isn’t studying,” he grumbles. “It isn’t my fault he looks hot when he’s reading.”
“You’re like a feral street cat,” I mutter.
“You okay? You sound stressed,” Sky asks, and I frown as I stare at the city, shivering in the cold. “Mack?”
“I am stressed,” I admit.
“Meet me at Grandma’s.” He ends the call so I can’t argue, and I sigh. Sky is a good man, and he’s as close to a brother as I’ve ever had, but I know he won’t understand. I like my routines, and I don’t want change. He’d just throw money at the problem, but that’s not my style.
Putting my phone away, I spare the river one last glance then sling my bag over my arm. I head to Grandma’s, knowing he’ll just keep bugging me if I don’t.
