Page 69 of Macon

I feel like I have to explain, so I tell Mac. “She knows some of my past but not any names or details. She’s literally been my only friend for the past five years.”

Before he could reply, I unmute my phone. “Okay, sorry.”

“Bitch, are you with someone right now?” Phoenix asks, teasing.

I hesitate.

Mac blurts out, “She sure is.”

Phoenix squeals, “Oh hello, sexy voice man. What are your intentions with my best friend?”

We all laugh. She’s so crazy.

“Um, none of your business, okay?” I fire back at her.

“I’m the reason she isn’t coming back,” Mac announces proudly.

Both Phoenix and I go silent.

“He’s kidding, right, Sin? Your ass can’t be leaving me in this hick town alone,” Phoenix teases, but I know by her voice that she’s serious.

“No, I would never leave you there alone. I’ll be back, but I don’t know when yet.” I tell her the truth because I will have to go back to get my stuff, and I don’t know when that will be.

“Fuck this. Tell me where you’re at, so I can come hang out with you. I’m done sitting around here, bored outta my damn mind,” she spits out, shuffling shit around.

Mac smiles. “I like her.”

“Jay, let me get some stuff settled,” I say, using her real name.

She stops moving around and is quiet for a second.

“Damn, it’s that bad?” she finally replies, sounding entirely serious.

“Yeah, just give me some more time, and I’ll let you know when I’m coming back.”

Silence. “Well, Mr. Sexy Pants over there better treat you right, or I’ll come beat his ass.”

I laugh. “Oh, he’s treating me real nice.”

“Damn like that. Oh-kay. Well, don’t forget about me,” she teases.

I reply, “Never. I’ll talk to you soon. Love ya, Jay.”

“Backatcha, biatch,” she says before hanging up.

Mac takes the phone from me. “I like her.”

“Yeah, she’s the only reason I haven’t left earlier. She knows most of my story but doesn’t know details like where I’m from, who took me, or anything else. She only knows I’m hiding from someone and can’t be with my sister.”

“So, she knows about Ray?” he questions.

“Yeah, I couldn’t keep that from her. She’s such a nosey bitch.” I chuckle, thinking about my bossy friend.

“Well, once things settle down, why don’t you have her come out here?”

Hearing him say that makes me feel all warm inside. He wants to get to know my friend.

Mac reaches up, gripping my chin and lifting my eyes to meet his. “I’m not letting you leave me, so if she’s important, we’ll figure it out. Plus, I want to meet her.”

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