Page 43 of My Mafia King

“Some guy I met. Beau and I had an argument. Well… It was more like he was dragging me out of the hotel when I ran into this stranger, and he stepped in. I asked him to. Anyway, I don’t want to talk about it. Do you have any news from Tina? Is anything going on at my place?”

“Not that I know of. Your father left. He’s on another road trip, heading to Louisiana. So things are quiet. He didn’t even notice you were gone. Can you imagine that?”

I suck in a long breath and exhale slowly.

“Uh… Yeah… I can. Well, things are good, then. As long as no one’s looking for me or clueing him in that I’m gone, we’ll both be fine. What about Stella? Is she still there?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen her. He might’ve taken her with him. That woman, though…”

“Don’t even go there. She does what she does. She doesn’t know any better.”

I pause, and then I speak again.

“Okay. I’ll call you when I have more news. Hopefully, I’ll meet that manager tomorrow. Wish me luck.”

We end the call, and I glance out the window, filling my mouth with chocolate cake and pondering the conversation I just had.

Interesting… Beau didn’t go to my place? He could’ve gone there, run his mouth, and done a lot of damage.

Maybe it didn’t cross his mind. He could still do it out of spite if nothing else. He is the vengeful type.

Fuck him.

I need to focus on my problems.

The day draws to an end, and I become aware I can’t stay here for much longer.

So far, no one has asked me to leave, but I need to get out and return to my car.

Make sure it’s still there, and Beau hasn’t slashed my tires.

Tense, I pick up my purse, rise to my feet, and tear away from the table.

Surprisingly, I’m not getting lost while making the trip back.

I reach the lobby and try to sneak out.

The doors slide open, and the hot air of the desert rolls over my face.

My cheeks burn, my eyes sting, and my lips are dry.

Beads of sweat dot my brow while my dress feels too tight.

I’d give anything for spending five minutes in a shower, but it’s too risky to roam around and try to find one now.

First, I need to do this fucking thing.

It’s things, actually.

Get to my car, make sure I’m not getting killed, secure that fucking job, and take care of everything else.

The most appealing thing about this job is that I’ll head to work right away, be able to rent a cheap motel room and save up some cash for a better place later.

Maybe I could get a room in this hotel. Jen’s cousin said it would be possible. Maybe. Who the fuck knows?

I look to my right. And then to my left. The road is clear.

I struggle with my heels but make it to the sidewalk, and after walking past a long line of cars, I cross the street and make a beeline to the parking lot where I left my ride.

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