Page 10 of End Game

Maybe my living situation didn’t start out like I planned it, but I’m sure everything’s going to be fine.

Just fine.

“Oh my God.”I stare in horror at my 2015 Honda Civic and the broken window on the driver’s side, my stomach twisting into knots. I open the door carefully, shattered glass falling to the ground as I peer inside to find ...

The back seats are devoid of the boxes I had in there earlier. The boxes full of everything I wanted to bring to Santa Mira.

My heart lurches, and it suddenly becomes difficult to breathe.

Leaving the door open, I rush to the trunk and open it, crying out when I see that it’s empty too.

All my stuff is ... gone.

Glancing up, I see two blonde girls exit the coffee shop. They’re about to walk by my car, and they’re talking and laughing, their outfits cute, their attitude carefree. I envy the sound of their laughter, the joy that they’re radiating while it feels like my life has just imploded.

“Hey.” They both come to a stop when I speak, their expressions open and friendly. “Did you see anyone near this car in the last few minutes?”

“No,” one of them says, while the other one shakes her head. “Just you.”

“Okay,” I say weakly, unable to even smile at them. “Thank you.”

I watch them go and then return my attention to the car, swallowing hard. I should probably call the police and file a report. I have car insurance, so I’ll be able to get the window fixed, but how long will that take? I can’t lock up my car at night if there’s no window.

And what am I going to do about all my stuff?

Thank God I had my backpack with me, which also has my wallet, my laptop, and my favorite hoodie. But all my other clothes and personal belongings? Like even my toothbrush?

Gone.

Leaning against the side of my car, I cover my face with my hands and close my eyes, trying not to lose it. I want to cry, but what will tears get me? I’m even tempted to call Brad and ask for help. I know he’d rush over here to do whatever he could to support me. He’s three hours away, but he’d drop everything and come to my rescue in the hopes that we might get back together.

He’s not mine to depend on anymore. I need to learn how to stand on my own two feet.

I take a deep breath and drop my hands, reaching for my phone in the back pocket of my denim shorts, when I see a black-and-white police car approach. I step off the sidewalk and wave at him, and the officer pulls over, putting the car in park before he gets out.

“Everything all right?” He reminds me of what a good dad should look like. He’s a little older, his dark-brown hair graying at the temples, his expression one of genuine concern.

My dad was never around. Not that I can remember. He left when I was young, barely a toddler, and never came back. My mom resented him for leaving, and I can’t blame her. But she also resented me too. Like I was that constant reminder of the man who bailed on her, and it didn’t help that I resembled him.

“Miss? You okay?”

I jerk my gaze to the officer, who is watching me with a slight frown pulling at his brows.

“No. No, I’m not.” I shake my head, my lips trembling from holding back the tears. “My car was broken into. I’d like to file a report.”

Chapter Five

NICO

“You’re such a schmuck,” I tell Dollar the moment Everleigh leaves the house.

“What are you talking about?” He acts like he has no idea what I’m talking about, but come on.

He has to.

“You wouldn’t let up on her about making you dinners. You even want her to grocery shop for us,” I remind him.

Poor girl. Look, I can’t lie. I’ll take some home-cooked meals a couple of times a week, but I don’t want her to be our mama. Dollar is taking it too far.

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