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Done with this conversation, I hang up and decide it’s time to make a plan.
It’s true that no good deed goes unpunished, but as far as I’m concerned, neither does being an asshole.
Karma is a bitch.
But sometimes, she’s a beautiful goddess, with a pert nose, full lips, and a smile that gives me hope for something I didn’t think I’d ever want again.
Don’t worry, angel. You’re in good hands now.
FIVE
MAKAYLA
After a long, hot shower, I slip on a robe and move to stand in front of the mirror. Using a hand towel, I wipe away the condensation and check my neck for bruising. Thankfully, there isn’t any.
The twisted expression on Victor’s face as he spewed those menacing words flashes through my mind, causing my entire body to shudder.
God, I hate him.
I was in shock after his sudden assault. My mind had shut down, but my survival instincts kicked in, telling me to get out of there in case he changed his mind and came back.
I moved on autopilot, going through the motions. When the Uber pulled up to my hotel, I couldn’t even remember ordering one, much less leaving the penthouse. It was like I was standing on the sidelines, watching myself do all these things. I’d even forgotten Victor said he was sending a car for me. Not that I would’ve taken it.
It wasn’t until I was safely locked inside my hotel room that his words truly sank in. I spent the last twenty minutes in the shower going over every moment I shared with Victor, and I just couldn’t wrap my head around it.
How could I be so stupid?
I walk into the bedroom and shake my head as I look over the five pieces of luggage lined up against the wall. Hard to believe everything I own fits into five suitcases.
The only place with last-minute availability was at the Heritage Bay Hotel less than ten minutes down the road. The one-bedroom suite costs almost as much as my car payment per night. I cringed when I’d handed the lady my credit card, knowing I’d have to get a job real soon.
I have money in my savings, which I plan to use for an apartment. That’s what it was always meant to be used for, even before Victor asked me to move in with him. I looked at a few places online and even reached out to a couple of realtors, but everything is so expensive. Even if I find a decent paying job, I’ll still need a roommate if I want to stay in this area.
Maybe I should just go home.
It suddenly hits me just how alone I am. The only friends I had were my old roommates. Neither of them liked Victor, which put a strain on our friendship.
Apparently, I was the only fool who didn’t recognize the wolf in sheep’s clothing. I already feel like an idiot for the amount of time I wasted on that relationship.
But the inevitable “I told you so” speech would be worth it if I had a place to live.
Falling back on the bed, I blow out a breath and consider moving back in with my parents. They should be home by now. I reach for my phone on the nightstand. Sure enough, there’s a text from my mom letting me know they made it home and are getting ready to go over to the Parsons’ for poker night. A half smile pulls at my lips. I text back telling her to have fun and I’ll call them tomorrow. What will I tell them? That Victor is crazy? They’ll insist I come home. I don’t want to worry them. Below my mother’s text is the distinct green dot of an unread message from a number I don’t recognize, but just under the number, it says:It’s Heather Reed. This is my number. Let’s get together for drinks sometime.
I’d been so distracted by Victor’s presence at the graduation ceremony, I’d forgotten about Heather. I don’t know her well, but maybe I can change that.
Though our interactions were school related, we’d always gotten along.
Rolling from the bed, I walk over to the window overlooking Pelican Cove. The place is known for its nightlife, upscale restaurants, and shopping. It’s late afternoon, the sun is out, and the sky is clear. The weather is perfect. It’s too early for dinner, but it’s never too early for drinks.
I save Heather’s number in my contacts, then tap the Call icon. She picks up on the second ring.
“Hello.”
“Heather, it’s Makayla.”
“Hey, girl. How’s it going?”
“Well….” I let out a disbelieving laugh, because what the hell happened to my life over the past week? “My boyfriend and I broke up, and I could really use a drink.”And a friend.
