Page 98 of Fighting the Odds

“Talk to me, Sierra. I’m trying to prove to you how sorry I am. That I was wrong for what I did. Please, just tell me you forgive me so we can move forward.”

I see red as rage builds within me. What is he not getting?

I turn in my seat, facing him, as I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself.

“Wesley. I’m going to say this one more time and I’m done. I’m pissed. You turned in a video of one of the worst things that’s ever happened to me to the police. You had no right. Not only that, you allowed your girlfriend to spread it around the school for everyone to see. You’ve made my life a living hell, not once stopping to talk to me about why you were doing it.” I pause for just a moment and he sees it as an opportunity to speak.

“Sierra—”

“No! I’m not finished. There may have been a point long ago where we could move past everything you had done and be friends again, but not now. I can forgive you, but I will never forget how you’ve treated me since that night. Friends is something we will never be again. So, don’t talk to me anymore, unless it’s absolutely necessary. And for the love of god, don’t help me. Because of you, my life is shit and I can never forget you are the reason why.”

I close my book, grab my bag and stand, moving over to another table facing away from him.

I feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted. I stood up to the boy who I once thought was the love of my life, then became the worst person in the world to me, other than my aunt.

I stood up for myself. Something I should have done from the beginning.

Walking into the club, I pull the brim of my hat down, shielding my face as I make my way through the tables to the back. My eyes see movement off to the side. It’s the guys from yesterday sitting at a table, all with a beer, as they watch one of the newer girls on stage.

I look around but don’t see Rico. When my gaze falls back on the table of guys, I notice the two older men aren’t with them. Neither is Arizona. Is Rico with them in his office? Has something new happened?

The need to know takes over and I head straight for his office. The door is closed, so I knock. We still haven’t let anyone at the club know we’re related.

At first there’s nothing. I can hear deep voices on the other side, but they’re muffled so I can’t make out what exactly is being said.

This time I knock louder.

“Who is it?” is shouted from inside. Rico. I’d know his voice anywhere.

“Me!” I yell back, ready to walk in, whether he says come in or not.

“Come in,” he finally hollers. I turn the handle and push the door open.

Rico is seated at his desk with the older guy standing behind him, hand on Rico’s shoulder, as they look at something on the laptop. Arizona sits in Bash’s lap on the couch.

“Hey, girl. Rico said you were dancing tonight. I’m excited to see your moves.” She smiles brightly at me before giving the gruff man a kiss on his cheek. His demeanor changes instantly as he angles his head toward her and smiles.

“Yeah. You’re going to watch me?”

“You bet I am. In fact, I might just give all these yahoos in here a treat and do a little dance myself. Give them a little Arizona.” She winks at Bash and I notice him pull her body tighter to his.

“Cool. I’d love to see you too. Umm, Rico, any updates? Did you hear anything about how Sam’s appointment went today?”

“No, I haven’t. But I’m sure we’ll hear something soon. So just be patient and don’t let it slip that you’re getting videos from her. Make sure she knows that too.”

“She does. Umm, and what about Mr. Johnson?”

“I’ve made contact. Now, I’m just waiting for his reply. I’m sure with the video he may be a little reluctant at first. Just be patient. He’s obsessed with you and having you dance for him, so he won’t let it go too long without replying. He thinks he’s above the law since he hasn’t been arrested.”

“Okay,” I say weakly. I turn to leave, and almost make it to the door, when a soft hand lands on my shoulder.

“Can I come with you?”

I nod, and she drops her arm, following behind me.

“How are you holding up?” she asks as we step into the hallway, the office door closing behind us.

“Okay. I’ll just feel better when I can see my sister, hold her in my arms, and all of this is behind me. It just feels like it’s going to haunt me forever. Not to mention I know my aunt’s out there somewhere. I just worry she’s going to pop back up, just when everything is good and cause more trouble.”

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