Page 33 of Pretty Heartache

I scroll through my transactions, wondering how it’s been spent so quickly.

A payment is pending for a photoshoot I did a few weeks ago, but it won’t clear for another two days.

Closing out my phone, I keep it in my hand while I figure out what to do. I shouldn’t be walking these streets alone at night.I’m not familiar with this part of the city, and I have no idea why Archer wanted to meet here.

It’s desolate and far from anywhere I would have chosen.

I stare at my phone, considering who to call.

Ember is working with a client, so I know she’s unavailable. I wouldn’t want to bother her anyway. There’s no shot in hell I’m calling either of my parents. I haven’t spoken to my father in years, and my mother and I rarely talk.

Before I talk myself out of it, I call the last person I expect, but the only one I can ask for help.

“Adeline?”

Micah’s deep voice travels through my phone and lands against my ear. Goosebumps prickle across my neck, and my heart skips a beat. Ever since my conversation with Ember, I haven’t been able to push the thought of him out of my head. Memories of how I used to litter the pages of my diary with doodles of my first name followed by his last play in my mind. Heat returns to my cheeks, as if he can read my thoughts.

“Hey, Micah,.” I breathe out. I didn’t realize I’ve been widening my steps and walking faster.

“Is everything okay?” he rushes to ask. “Why do you sound like that?”

“Sound like what?”

“Worried. You sounding worried is making me worried.”

“Um, well…” I bite my lip. I’m too embarrassed to admit the truth, but I have no choice. It’s either ask for Micah’s help or risk the dangers that come with walking the streets of Boston alone at night.

“What is it, Addy?” he demands.

Heat spreads between my legs at his use of my nickname again. He seems to use it when he doesn’t realize it, as if it’s instinct to him, falling from his mouth without effort or thought.

“Well, since I don’t have a car, I grabbed a rideshare here and figured Archer would have driven me home. But since he never showed, the café closed, and I was forced to leave.”

“Where are you?” I hear what sounds like him swiping his keys from the entryway table, followed by a door slamming shut behind him.

My chin wobbles and my vision blurs. Until now, I’ve kept my emotions in check. I realize I’m not heartbroken over Maddox or love lost. I’m heartbroken my life has dramatically shifted into one where I find myself broke and stranded in a city where I don’t feel welcome.

I swallow back the tears threatening to spill and look around. “I don’t know.”

“I’m coming to get you,” Micah says, an engine roaring to life in the background. “I need to know where you are, Addy.”

“Um,” I swipe my hand across my forehead and tuck my hair behind my ear. “I don’t...”

“Tell me where you are.” His voice solid in my ear.

I read the nearest street signs out loud to him and stand on the corner, under the streetlamp.

“Fuck!” Micah yells over the rumbling engine. “That’s not exactly the best neighborhood, Addy. Why the fuck did Archer want you to meet him there?” He doesn’t give me the chance to respond before he says, “I’ll be there as fast as I can. Is there anyone around, or are you close to anything?”

“No.” I quiver as a tear slips from my eye. “I don’t see anyone, but it’s kind of dark. I’m standing under a streetlamp.”

“Stay there,” he orders. “I’m coming to get you.”

He abruptly ends our call, and anxiety replaces the void. A chill creeps down the length of my spine. Silence overwhelms me.

Over the next ten minutes, I try my best to keep myself distracted. I scroll through social media. I play one of myphone games. All the while keeping my ears trained on my surroundings. From the corner of my eye, I keep my attention on the road. Every car that passes makes my heart race and my palms sweat.

I check the time on my phone. It’s been almost twenty minutes since I spoke with Micah, and my mind is starting to spin in all directions. I imagine the worst scenarios, frightened I’m going to be stranded alone, yet again. Or worse… I’ve watched too many crime documentaries and know what happens to women in my situation.

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