Page 130 of Debts and Desires
“Did Jed… with you?” I asked. Cassie swallowed, looking away. She didn’t answer, but didn’t need to. Just how many girls did Jed prey on? “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.” She waved it off. “Anyway, can you give me your number?”
“My number? Why?”
“So I can text you directly when your next batch is available. I’m more than likely speakin’ out of place again, but it sounds to me like Carter’s planning on knocking you up, probably to keep you here. He’s tried it before.”
“He wouldn’t do that.”Would he?
“He did. Granted, we were drunk, but he mentioned wantin’ to make me have his baby, so he’d be free. It was weird… Anyway, just… be careful with Carter, okay? He’s not a bad guy, he just gets tunnel vision and morals go out the window. You’re a great girl, Em. You’re gonna make it big out there, I know it. Don’t let him take it from you.”
I didn’t really know how to respond. So I inclined my head in a friendly nod before leaving. My brain felt scrambled.
He’s tried it before.Wanting to have a baby?!
She’s just messing with you. Don’t believe a word she says!
My phone rang, jolting me from my thoughts. It was an unknown number. I was about to decline it, but something in my gut told me to answer. And I’m glad I did.
“Hello?”
“Hi, there. Is this Emogen Brighton, known as Emmy Rae?”
“It is.”
“Great. My name is Zac Belmont. I’m calling to congratulate you on landing a spot in the top three for Starry Records’ Star in the Sky Competition. Is now a good time to talk?”
My jaw had fallen open. I was frozen.
Zac Belmont was calling me?!TheZac Belmont?!
I was in the top three?! THE TOP THREE?! How?!
“Uh, hello?”
“Yes, hi, hello. Sorry,” I answered, clearing my throat as I quickly got into my car. “I do have a moment to talk.”
“Awesome.”
I don’t know what kind of future-seeing-witchcraft Cassie had, but she was right; I was going to make it big out there.
As I settled in my car, I realized something. I never sent in an audition tape. I said as much out loud. Zac only laughed and said, “One of your bandmates sent it in.”
And I knew just who.
51. MAC THE VAC
November 12
Day Seventy-Seven
“Carter?!” I screeched the moment I parked the car and got out. It was answered by a dullthudcoming from somewhere in the garage.
“Fuck! Ouch. What?!” He called back, the sound of the creeper sliding across concrete. He came into view seconds later, eyes wide, hand rubbing the top of his head. “Baby? What’s wrong?!” he asked, the moment he saw me, probably seeing the splotchiness left from the joy-filled tears I’d been spilling since the phone call. He hurried over to me.
I was vibrating with excitement by the time he reached me. I couldn’t find words, still slightly in shock. Wrapping my arms around him, I started happy sobbing again.
“Emmy?” I could hear the concern. “What’s goin’ on?” His hand rubbed my back softly. “I swear,” his voice deepened, anger and hatred pouring from his tone as he spoke. “If that no good son of a bitch came back, I’ll make him eat a fuckin’ bul?—”
