Page 23 of Macon

I don’t want to go back to that or even be around it.

“Ray!” Dexter shouts into the phone, snapping me from my internal thoughts.

“What?” I scream back.

I’ve pissed him off now, and by the sound of his voice, I’ve pushed him too far. “Don’t make me regret keeping you around all these years. I could have just given you to them.” His voice filled with a sinister tone.

“Then let me go,” I reply softly. Hoping he’ll get the hint. I’m over him, this situation—all of it.

“I’m coming over,” he tells me before hanging up.

I look at the phone, see the call ended, and laugh. “Too bad I’m not home,” I say to the phone before slipping it into my leggings’ side pocket.

After he hit me and everything went down, I packed my stuff and took off. I’m in a hotel room in Detroit, where my next event is. I canceled the hotel we had and went to a completely different hotel and paid cash. I know how to stay hidden. Until I can talk to Steve, I’ll try to stay clear of him.

Heading across the street to pick up some dinner, I’m dressed in leggings and a sweatshirt. I pull the hood over my head, hoping no one will recognize me. The festival is in full swing, and I’d rather not run into a fan right now.

This festival is packed with tens of thousands of people. I need to talk to security and let them know it’s only me and no one else is allowed on stage. I can dodge him once I get off the stage. But my guess is he’s too busy with whatever he has going on. He hasn’t even wanted to stay with me, which is nice, but that also tells me he’s definitely up to something.

I pull my phone out as I walk across the street to the restaurant. I’ve ignored so many calls and text messages from Vi. All the girls, including Ruby, are worried about me. I’ve tried to ease their minds by answering as little as I can.

Not wanting any of them around to get hurt if this shit goes south, I’ve tried to evade all of their questions, but it’s getting hard.

I know Mac is looking for me, which is another reason I left town early. I can’t deal with anything right now besides getting my life together and away from Dexter.

If I saw Mac, I’d let him take me away, which would only lead to more problems.

Maybe Vi and I will move away together. She wants to leave Chicago.

I need to reply to Vi. She’s a stubborn ass who’ll threaten to come find me. I don’t want her to worry.

ME: Sorry, been dealin’ with shit. Headed out of town. Call when I can.

If I say I’m heading out of town, maybe she’ll let it go.

I see the dots at the bottom signaling she’s typing, but they stop. I laugh. She’s rethinking her words.

VI: You good? Dexter? Mac?

Of course, she wants to know about Mac.

ME: I’m ok. Not good with Dex.

“Ms. Walker,” the hostess greets me. I tilt up my head and smile, peering out from under my hoodie.

“Yes, I’m here for my pickup,” I say softly to the woman.

She smiles. “We’re sad you’re not dining in tonight,” she says, looking disappointed. I come here often, and they know me. They know I like my privacy.

“It’s just me tonight, so I’m headed back to bed,” I say with a smile.

She smiles back. “Of course. Give me a second.”

My phone chimes again.

VI: Talk to Mac? Where are you?

I see the lady walking back with my food, so I hurry and type.

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