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I went back to the casino and begged for my job at the Blue Chip. It was only because Mr. Whitlock saw me with Vicente that he welcomed me back so easily. He doesn’t need to know I’m no longer speaking with one of the owners of the casino, but I’m grateful his fear of Vicente has allowed me back.
Two days after I got my job, I received a large deposit into my account. Vicente paid me for all the time I spent with him. He calls it work, but it makes me feel like a prostitute, because I was never actually working for him. Not to say I’m not going to keep it, because he definitely owes me, though what I want is more than money. Also, I’m not stupid. I’ll never make this kind of cash at any job.
Vicente sent me two-hundred and fifty-thousand dollars. I don’t mistake that as any sort of affection, guilty conscious, or form of apology. He’s a rich asshole who’s throwing money around because he’s used to paying people off. I don’t know if he’s fearful that I’ll run my mouth about the murder I saw him commit, but I doubt it. What do I have at this point? No proof, that’s for sure. It’s been weeks, and I’d only be getting myself in trouble for not reporting sooner. I also have no idea who that man was, and I’m sure Vicente and everyone in his family knows how to get rid of any evidence. I’d just be putting a target on my back.
Regardless of his reason, I’m putting the money to good use. I’ve paid the next six months’ rent, allowing Noah and Autumn to save some of their money and give them enough time to find another roommate if they need to. And I’m getting my own place.
I’ve found an apartment in Clover City. It’ll be nice to live closer to my job and school. I was able to start back up with my courses, though I’m slightly behind now. With one less job, I can focus more on school, so I think everything will work out okay.
Now, three weeks after leaving Vicente’s place, I’m packing up the rest of my stuff to make the final trip to my new home.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving,” Autumn says, dropping an old pajama shirt into a box.
“I’m still gonna see you all the time. We work in the same building,” I say with a crooked smile.
“I know, but now I just live with Noah, and you know I love him, but he does not understand what PMS is. He brought me a box of eight tampons when I said I needed the biggest box, and his version of cooking is Cheez Whiz on toast and Ramen noodles.”
I snort out a laugh. “But at least he’s trying.”
“What about late night girl talk?”
“FaceTime me.”
With a lip-trill, she reaches for another shirt from my closet. “Still gonna miss you.”
“I know. I’m gonna miss you too. Both of you,” I say, going in for a hug. “You think you’re gonna get a new roommate?”
She pulls away. “I don’t know. We can afford it just the two of us, but we’ll see. Now, before you go, are you gonna tell me what happened with you and Vicente?”
I sigh, turning to yank a pair of jeans off a hanger. “To the surprise of no one, he’s a prick. Maybe it was my fault for being naive and hopeful, but he’s got a heart made of ice.”
Her lips form a frown. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. I got some good memories from our time together.”
“I think they call that a spank bank.”
I bark out a laugh. “Well, whatever it is, it was nice, and I’m glad I got to experience it. I learned a lot about myself and what I like. So I guess it worked out okay. He’s just a lesson in my life. Not everybody is going to be your happily ever after.”
“And not every ex is going to pay you for having to deal with his shit. I wish they did.”
We laugh together. I guess that’s a good way of looking at it.
“You can definitely spend the night at my place sometime. It’s close to the casino, so whenever you don’t feel like taking the train home, let me know.”
“I will.”
“Furniture is loaded,” Noah says, coming in with sweat glistening on his forehead.
“Okay, thank you,” I say, taking the remaining clothes and just tossing them into the box. I give him a hug. “I’m gonna miss you. You’re the best.”
“Excuse me,” Autumn says from behind me.
I laugh. “You both are.” I grab Noah’s hand. “Remember, big boxes of tampons, lots of junk food, and silence. You know how she is.” I whisper the last part conspiratorially.
Noah cracks a grin. “Got it. I’ll call you for help if I need it.”
“Please come visit soon.”
