Rick walks right up to me, and his expression changes. “She owes me money.”
“Take it up with her.” I try to walk around him.
“She owes me money,” he repeats.
“Not. My. Problem,” I sneer each word at him.
“It is your problem.”
“Are you threatening me? Because you’re fucking with the wrong girl. I will cut off your balls and mount them to the wall. I’m not scared of you like your girls are.” That’s not completely true, but I can’t back down now.
Rick bursts into a deep laughter. “I’m just fucking with you, Baby Jade. You know I would love for you to join my payroll.”
I relax a little bit, but I know something’s up. It doesn’t feel right. “I’m happy with Big Mike. I got to get going.” I rush past him and into my apartment. I toss the clothes into my bag and grab my toothbrush and shampoo.
That’s it.
That’s my whole life.
I walk to Big Mike’s. I know he’s there for the deliveries. I go in and tell him that tonight would be my last night because I have another job. Of course he’s concerned I’m hitting the streets, but I tell him it’s a real job.
“When do you start?”
“I already have.” That’s not a lie. I cleaned up before I left, so technically I was working.
He gets up and goes to his bank bag. He comes back and hands me a fifty. “Here, take this and go on and get out of here.”
“Mike, I can’t–”
“If you can get out of this place, then run and don’t look back. Consider it a gift.” He kisses my cheek.
“You’re a big ass teddy bear, Big Mike.” I smile at him.
“If you tell anyone, I’ll deny it. Now, go.”
For the first time, I listen to him and head out and don’t look back.
Once I’m out of Greenwood, I get off the bus and go to the closest Goodwill. I should splurge on myself because something good is happening to me and I’m not lying about it.
I flip through the rack and find a pair of jeans that will fit and even a nice, purple, cap sleeve blouse. It’s only eight dollars for both of them. I smile as I walk down the street to a small taco stand. I grab a one and a small drink. I sit on a bench and watch people going to and fro, while I feel relaxed for the first time.
Is this what it’s like for normal people? No wonder they smile a lot. When I finish everything up, I head to the bus stop. Since I have the money from Big Mike, I won’t need to walk.
When I get home…wait…Valo’s house. That felt strange. I walk in and Honeybun greets me. I think we’re going to be best friends. I pet her head and then drop my items off in the bedroom. I know Valo said I could have the spare room, but why? I like sleeping with him.
Okay, it’s only happened once, and we actually slept, which is the craziest thing I’ve ever done, and that’s saying something. I jog back down and head to the kitchen. I quickly wash my hands and raid the fridge. If I’m the maid, that means I’m the cook. Since I don’t see Ramen soup or spam, I’ll need to cook real food.
I stayed at one foster home when I was eleven and the mom there liked to cook, so I can do a few things. I’m no chef, but let’s see if I can’t burn it. I grab a few chicken breasts and veggies and head over to the stove.
How the fuck does this work? There’s more buttons and knobs than on a plane. I stare and study if for a moment and finally, I have a flame. I start the meal.
Soon after I finish the food, the guys come in.
“Hey, guys. Are you hungry?” I sit the plates on the bar for them.
“Gus is always hungry. Thanks, Jade.”
“You’re welcome. I wasn’t sure what time you were going to be here, but it’s still hot. How was practice and your workout?”