Page 237 of Fame & Rhythm

“Pathetic,” Loretta mutters.

Before I can react, her hand lashes across my face. My head snaps sideways, the force sending the chair skidding across the concrete. Pain blooms through my cheek, and my teeth slam together hard enough to bite the inside of my mouth.

Warm, metallic blood floods across my tongue, and I spit onto the floor.

Loretta smiles. “Did I make you bleed again, honey?” she asks, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

I don’t answer, shifting slightly, trying to get comfortable, but nothing feels right.

“Oh, Acacia…” She sighs. “Don’t go quiet on me. It’s unnerving.”

“What do you want me to say?” I manage.

She tilts her head, smiling. “Good question. How about… I’m sorry for ruining your life. I’m sorry, I’m worthless. I’m sorry, I owe you everything.”

“I’ve already said I’m sorry,” I mutter.

“Yes, but you didn’t mean it.”

I brace myself, expecting another hit, but her phone rings, and we both turn toward the table.

It… moves.

The table is moving.

It has legs.

Feet.

I let out a small, confused giggle as it shuffles across the room. Loretta glances back at me, narrowing her eyes. “Guessing you’re high?”

Oh.

Right.

Not real.

She grabs the phone. “Hello,” she says sweetly, flipping a switch I don’t buy for a second. “Oh! Hi, Colter.” She presses a button. “I’ll put you on speaker so Acacia can hear.”

“Annie? Annie, are you there?”

Dad.

My head snaps up, and I start crying immediately. “I’m here, Dad.” My voice sounds… floaty, and I giggle at it before I can stop myself.

“Annie, are you okay? Why are you laughing?” His voice is tight with worry.

“Because she’s high, Colt,” Loretta cuts in with a laugh. “Cocaine. One of your old favorites, wasn’t it?”

Silence.

Then Dad again, harder now. “What do you want, Loretta?”

“Money. One million dollars in my account, and I give her back.”

“Done,” he says instantly. “We meet. I bring cash. You hand her over. This ends.”

Loretta smiles, pleased. “Perfect. Park. Fifteen minutes. And if you bring the cops…” Her voice drops. “I’ll slit her throat.”