Chapter 44 Savannah
FORTY-FOUR
SAVANNAH
Josie: Okay, you’ve been out sick for three days now. Do I need to come over and drag you out of there? Or take you to the hospital?
Sutton: Maybe she’s just in a Camden love bubble.
Addie: Um, guys…TMZ is reporting that Camden was arrested. Savannah! What the hell is going on?
Josie: That’s it, I’m coming over.
I groan at my phone. Shit. I can’t ignore them any longer.
Dammit, Camden. Not only have you destroyed me, but now you’re destroying my peace.
I just want to wallow in self-pity for one or two more days. Then I’ll make a plan. Get my act together.
And what do they mean he’s been arrested? Fucking idiot.
I refuse to look it up on the internet. I won’t give that man even another second of my time.
I fell apart when he told me to go home on Saturday.
But I only allowed myself five minutes to break down.
Then I reminded myself that I’ve been in this position before.
Unwanted, unloved, and without a home. I picked myself up at eighteen when I had no money and no job.
I got loans, worked in restaurants, and got my freaking degree without the help of another soul.
Now, at twenty-seven, I have people. And a job.
Yeah, I’m dead broke right now, but it’s nothing compared to those days. I can figure this out.
Once I dried my tears, I called John Donovan, and he helped me move my stuff back to the studio. Then Rosalie fed me, and not a single one of them asked me to explain.
They’re the family I’ve chosen, and they show me far more love than I’ve ever had before. I won’t spend another second thinking about the man who didn’t even care enough to break up with me in person.
With a sigh, I respond to my friends.
Me: Fine. We broke up and I’m wallowing. Let me have this. I promise I’ll be back at work next week.
Addie: I’m so sorry, babe. I’m here if you need me.
Me: I just need time. And to be left alone. Josie, I’m serious. Don’t come storming over here. I’ll be okay, and I love you all for caring, but I just need time.
Sutton: I’m sorry too. You know where to find me if you need to get away for a few days. You can even hide out at the island house.
Me: I think I’ll pass on a ferry ride in February in Maine, but thanks.
Josie: It’s taking everything in me to remain at my desk. I love you. And for the record, I’m going to castrate Camden when I see him.
Me: Don’t. He’s not worth it.
A man who could walk away without even a glance back after promising the world truly isn’t worth the energy it takes to even hate him. Or at least that’s what I’ll keep telling myself.
I drop my phone and groan. Rent is due in two days, and I don’t have near enough to cover it after my mom disappeared with that envelope of cash.
Stupidly, I spent too much on Christmas gifts and decorations for Camden’s house. I wanted to make it homey. Add my own little touch to the place. He said I should make myself at home. He also gave me his credit card. Not that I used it. That’s not who I am.
Maybe it’s who I should have been.
Then maybe I’d have the fifteen hundred dollars I owe my landlord on Friday. I asked if I could pay by credit card. That was a no. Not that mine have enough credit left on them anyway.
The next few months are gonna be tight. But I’ll find a way. I always do. I just need a quick influx of cash now. Then I’ll pinch pennies until things level out.
When my phone buzzes again, I drop my head back and whine. “Why can’t they just leave me alone?”
With a huff, I pick it up. But the message on the screen isn’t from the girls. Or at least not from my girls.
Kacie: Hey, babe. We still need that rain check. What are you up to this weekend?
Kacie. Nerves swirl in my belly, but a little bit of hope blossoms in my chest. This is exactly what I need. The perfect way to make some quick cash.
Without letting myself overthink it, I tap out a reply.
Me: Hi! I’m free, but I could actually use your help. Is your boss still hiring new dancers?