“I had my stomach pumped yesterday, Charlie,” I snap right back. “Did you think that was like a day trip to the spa?”
“What the hell is happening with you? What are you doing with that man?”
“Charlie, Cade’s been so kind—”
“Kind?Look, I’m trying to not completely lose it, Cindy, but that man said he was your boyfriend. I didn’t want David to get into his face so I dropped it, but we both know that’s a lie.
“Do you owe him money? Is that why he was constantly coming in? How can I help you if you don’t tell me—”
“What are you saying?” I hiss, my face heating up at her opinion of me. “That no man could actually like me without me owing them money?” I toss my hair into a haphazard bun then peek out into the living room to see if Cade stuck around.
“Well, he’s not your boyfriend. And you had no idea he was waiting for you. What do you expect me to think? Just be honest. Are you in trouble?”
“Jesus Christ, Charlie! I never imagined he’d wait nine hours for me in the ER waiting room. Plus, I wanted to see my best friend—you know,my family?—after I had a bad day, the worst of days, even. But back to Cade—”
“Bad day?” she interrupts with a small growl. “You got that right. Cindy, you had to get your stomach pumped. You left Joy with a packed restaurant after yet another half-hour spent hiding in the restroom”—that has my face flushing with embarrassment—“andyou fucking tried to kiss Ryder in front of everyone.
“Now you’ve hooked up with some stranger who was dumb enough to get in David’s face and who’s claiming he’s your boyfriend. I just don’t—”
“Heismy boyfriend!”
“Why are you lying to me?” Her voice grows louder as I hear Madison start to fuss. “You tell me everything, and you wouldn’t be trying to kiss Ryder if you were with this guy.”
I close my eyes against her words. It’s either that or hang up. I don’t do well when cornered, but it’s Charlie and I love her.
“Look, the Ryder thing was a big mistake to make Cade jealous. As for Joy, I will straighten that out—”
“Do you even hear yourself? You know what? Don’t bother.” She shushes Madison, who must be feeling our bad vibe since she’s now crying. “Joy’s not happy and I’m completely overwhelmed. I can’t raise two kids, run a business, and worry about David and you at the same time. It’s just too much.” Her voice cracks.
“Wait,” I sputter. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying you should take some time to get yourself back on track again, go to some meetings—”
“Holy shit. Are you actually listening to David and firing me?” My mind spins.
Take some time?
How about three fucking years! How about thirty?!
I mean, I know David told me that I was fired last night, but I figured he was just being an ass. She knows I need this job. For fuck’s sake, I’ve been there for years.
Cade was right—they really are kicking me when I’m down.
“No, but until I come back, you need to—”
“You’re unbelievable, Charlie. I overdose and your first reaction is to kick me to the curb? You know what… I have to go.”
I throw my phone on the bed like it’s dipped in poison. This has to be David’s doing because Charlie is my bestie… She wouldn’t.Couldn’t.
“I can’t believe this,” I scream, sitting down at the edge of my bed, nails digging into the sheet to steady me as I try to think…Fired.Okay, maybe she didn’t say the word “fired” but that’s what she meant.
My phone vibrates and, hoping it’s Charlie, I grab it, but it’s Eve so she’ll be calling to tear me a new one too. I can’t deal with her or any of my tribe right now. I’m sure Charlie has twisted everything, so they’ll be on her side.
“I have to get out of here,” I mutter under my breath, jerking to my feet as, frantically, I look around for what I need so I can leave my condo. I’d rather live in my car than spend another second in this place.
Rushing to my closet, I pull out my suitcase, screaming, “Cade?” at the top of my lungs as I rip clothes off the hangers and toss them on the bed.
Please, let him be here. Please.