Page 129 of Finish Line

“I’m glad you found people who care about you, but in this case, it doesn’t matter,” she says.

When I turn to Mr. June, sad understanding fills his eyes. “One quick text, then you power it down and hand it over.”

I type a message to everyone in a new group chat, explaining the restrictions for Milestones.

I wait for the message to show it was delivered before powering the phone down and placing it in the bag. I gaze down at the rings the guys gave me, fisting my right hand over my left ring finger.

Tears fill my eyes as I remove their rings. I hesitate to put it in the bag, worrying I won’t see them again.

“I’ll return them to you. I promise.” He jiggles the bag.

“These are the most important things I own, so I better get my engagement rings back.” I drop them into the bag.

He eyes me. “That’s it?”

“I wasn’t allowed to collect anything before we left.” My hands clench into fists. “So yeah, that’s all.”

He smiles before he hits a button. “Julia, to the intake office.” He unclicks the button. “That’s all we need from you, Mrs. Abney.”

Mrs. Abney narrows her eyes at me as she stands. “Behave, Shelby, and I guess this will be the last time we meet. Have a good life.”

“Bye.” What else should I say to a parting comment like that?

She walks out the door without a backward glance.

Good riddance. I’m glad I never have to see her again.

“You called for me, Mr. June,” a cheerful voice says from the doorway behind me.

“Yes, Julia, this is Shelby.” He waves a hand at me. “Can you show her around? She’ll be in two-thirteen and needs some clothes.”

“Sure, I’ll be glad to help her.” She smiles, then looks at me. “This way.”

She takes me down the hallway and opens the door to a large storage room with shelves lined with supplies and clothes.

She leans against the door frame. “Find your size and grab some soap, a towel, and anything else you need.”

“How many are we allowed?” I ask.

She rolls her eyes. “Didn’t you pay attention to what Mr. June said?”

“A lot went down today.” This tour won’t end well. “I didn’t pay as much attention as I should have.”

She huffs, then tells me four. I grab the items I need and follow her to the second floor. She points to the door for room two-thirteen, and I open it.

I take a step in, and she slams the door behind her.

Julia knocks my items out of my hand and pushes me up against the wall, her arm across my throat. “Let’s get one thing straight. I’m in charge here. If you want an easy time, you’ll follow my instructions.”

She tries to sound like a boss bitch, but she comes across as a plain bitch.

“I don’t want to steal your reign here.” I shove her off me, and she stumbles back, surprised I pushed back. “I have three weeks until I turn eighteen, then I’ll be out of here. At the same time, I won’t be pushed around. This isn’t my first rodeo. This place is plush compared to some I’ve been in.”

Julia’s eyes roam my body, a bit of uneasiness showing before she sniffs and straightens her clothes. “Fine, just so we understand each other and how things work around here. Change. I’ll be back for your clothes.”

She opens the door and shuts it behind her.

What a way to start this adventure.

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