Chapter 20
JESSI
Jack
Good girl.
My cheeks blaze as I go to my room to settle in.
Jack’s text shouldn’t turn me on so much, but it’s all I can think about as I make my bed.
(He ordered same-day delivery and professional installation, which must have cost a fortune.) I top off everything with purple bedding then set my sights on the walls.
I’m handy enough to hang a picture or two by myself.
After hanging up a few pieces of wall art, I relax. This slice of me brings me more comfort than my real home does. It has a cozy warmth to it and is a far cry from the stark and cold gray palette that Shannon shoved down our throats.
For the first time in so long, I can breathe. Adjusting to life in my neighbor’s house shouldn’t be so easy, right? And yet, I think I could grow to love it.
I check the clock—8:30. Even though I can barely keep my eyes open, I want to see Jack get home safely, so I go to the living room and turn on the TV, hoping to find something interesting to keep me awake.
The distressed, cozy leather of Jack’s sofa invites me to snuggle in.
I can’t even tell that the couch was blood covered less than twenty-four hours ago.
But unfortunately, I find nothing of interest on TV.
I take out my phone and begin to scroll my newsfeed.
Rachel posted that she and David went to the movies tonight.
Well, isn’t that fabulous? I shoot her a text.
Me
I hope you enjoy dating a sex offender.
Rachel
Grow up.
I don’t care if I’m petty. Rachel is a shitty friend, but I put up with her. Well, not anymore. Screw David and her. I hit Block Contact and move on to the next unopened text.
Dad
Checking in. I told Shannon to text you, but she decided to extend her trip. I wanted to make you aware. I assume all is well there.
Me
Yes, she texted me. I wasn’t really surprised. She is never home when you are gone anymore. Do you think you’ll be gone as long as you planned? I miss you. Maybe I could come out and hang there for a while?
Dad
Jessi, I’m busy. There would be nothing for you to do out here, and I can’t be distracted having to worry about you here alone most of the time. You’re nineteen. You need to learn to be independent. Please drop this.
I toss my phone on the coffee table and lay my head against the back of the couch. What a joke. The dad I know would’ve been happy to have me visit him. But that was before Shannon and the new job changed our whole fucking life.
I close my eyes and pray that I figure out my next move quick.