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Rick walks right up to me, and his expression changes. “She owes me money.”

“Take it up with her.” I try to walk around him.

“She owes me money,” he repeats.

“Not. My. Problem,” I sneer each word at him.

“It is your problem.”

“Are you threatening me? Because you’re fucking with the wrong girl. I will cut off your balls and mount them to the wall. I’m not scared of you like your girls are.” That’s not completely true, but I can’t back down now.

Rick bursts into a deep laughter. “I’m just fucking with you, Baby Jade. You know I would love for you to join my payroll.”

I relax a little bit, but I know something’s up. It doesn’t feel right. “I’m happy with Big Mike. I got to get going.” I rush past him and into my apartment. I toss the clothes into my bag and grab my toothbrush and shampoo.

That’s it.

That’s my whole life.

I walk to Big Mike’s. I know he’s there for the deliveries. I go in and tell him that tonight would be my last night because I have another job. Of course he’s concerned I’m hitting the streets, but I tell him it’s a real job.

“When do you start?”

“I already have.” That’s not a lie. I cleaned up before I left, so technically I was working.

He gets up and goes to his bank bag. He comes back and hands me a fifty. “Here, take this and go on and get out of here.”

“Mike, I can’t–”

“If you can get out of this place, then run and don’t look back. Consider it a gift.” He kisses my cheek.

“You’re a big ass teddy bear, Big Mike.” I smile at him.

“If you tell anyone, I’ll deny it. Now, go.”

For the first time, I listen to him and head out and don’t look back.

Once I’m out of Greenwood, I get off the bus and go to the closest Goodwill. I should splurge on myself because something good is happening to me and I’m not lying about it.

I flip through the rack and find a pair of jeans that will fit and even a nice, purple, cap sleeve blouse. It’s only eight dollars for both of them. I smile as I walk down the street to a small taco stand. I grab a one and a small drink. I sit on a bench and watch people going to and fro, while I feel relaxed for the first time.

Is this what it’s like for normal people? No wonder they smile a lot. When I finish everything up, I head to the bus stop. Since I have the money from Big Mike, I won’t need to walk.

When I get home…wait…Valo’s house. That felt strange. I walk in and Honeybun greets me. I think we’re going to be best friends. I pet her head and then drop my items off in the bedroom. I know Valo said I could have the spare room, but why? I like sleeping with him.

Okay, it’s only happened once, and we actually slept, which is the craziest thing I’ve ever done, and that’s saying something. I jog back down and head to the kitchen. I quickly wash my hands and raid the fridge. If I’m the maid, that means I’m the cook. Since I don’t see Ramen soup or spam, I’ll need to cook real food.

I stayed at one foster home when I was eleven and the mom there liked to cook, so I can do a few things. I’m no chef, but let’s see if I can’t burn it. I grab a few chicken breasts and veggies and head over to the stove.

How the fuck does this work? There’s more buttons and knobs than on a plane. I stare and study if for a moment and finally, I have a flame. I start the meal.

Soon after I finish the food, the guys come in.

“Hey, guys. Are you hungry?” I sit the plates on the bar for them.

“Gus is always hungry. Thanks, Jade.”

“You’re welcome. I wasn’t sure what time you were going to be here, but it’s still hot. How was practice and your workout?”