Page 39 of Beyond the Spotlight Discreet Version
Only... it’s not from Reynold, as I expected. It’s from an unknown number... from Arkansas. Dread fills my lungs. There’s only one person who it could be because I’ve stored the numbers of everyone who’s important in my life.
I left Silo as quietly as possible. I quit my job as a server at Lilies Bar & Grill by texting my manager, Emily. The only person I called—and it wasn’t until a few days later—was my best friend, Justine. I told her about Brad cheating and how I couldn’t stay in Silo Springs anymore. She understood. She’s been there for me through the good and the bad, but she’s married with two kids. Our friendship relied on her getting a babysitter so she could hang out or me coming over to chill with her, the kids, and her husband, who always seemed annoyed that I was there.
She was ecstatic to see me escape the small-town life. She always said I was meant for something greater. She also hated Brad.
I planned to never think about that fucker again, so how the hell did he get my number?
Unknown Number
Savs. It’s me. Brad. I miss you. Can we talk?
It’s been a month since I caught him and Cara drunk as skunks, making out in her car in the parking lot of Lilies. I was off work that night and bored, so I went up there to hang out with Justine. Brad was supposed to be working a shift at the gas station up the road, but confessed they fired him a month before.
Lying. Cheating. Limp dick loser.
Me
Who? Sorry, I think you have the wrong number
Unknown Number
I know this is Savvy. I got your number from Justine’s phone when she wasn’t looking
Damn my best friend for not having a lock on her phone and always leaving it on the counter at the bar while she’s working. She’s going to get that thing stolen someday.
Me
I don’t want to talk to you. Don’t text me again
He tries calling, and I send it to voicemail.
Unknown Number
Please. Let me explain
Me
There’s nothing you can say to get me to understand or accept what you did. Our relationship has been over for years. Leave me alone
Unknown Number
I know you’re in New York from the phone number. What are you doing there? Are you with someone? Who? I’ll treat you better if you take me back. Please, Savs
I hate that nickname. I don’t respond and block the number, then toss my phone on the couch. He’s acting crazy. Why can’t he leave me alone? He has someone else now. Why can’t they go run off and live happily ever after together?
Dammit. I need to tell Reynold about this. He won’t be happy. I told him Brad wouldn’t come looking for me. I’m still sure he won’t because he can’t afford to fly up here to chase me. Still, Reynold needs to know. I’m his daughter’s nanny, and I’m responsible for her safety.
I turn on the TV, needing a distraction, but I can’t focus anymore, so I head to my bedroom to go to sleep. While I’m getting ready, I hear a quiet knock.
“Savvy?” Adeline’s small voice sounds as she opens the door.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, walking out of the bathroom.
“I can’t sleep.”
“Aww. I’m sorry Adeline.”
“Will you call me Addy? Like my dad does?”
