Chapter 42
Chapter Forty-Two
Sloan
I walk into the hospital, it’s my last week of clinicals before I graduate.
It’s crazy to believe that I’ll finally be walking away from these walls. Freedom is so close I can taste it.
Thankfully, the house sold in forty-eight hours.
I’ve been selling off everything inside and everything that doesn’t sell by the end of this week is getting donated.
I have no desire to take any of my old life into my new life.
Staying in a motel after leaving my parents’ place has been tiring. I’m looking forward to a fresh start.
I trade all three vehicles: James’ SUV and sports car, as well as my old car, to get myself a nice all black Suburban SUV. I figured, if we wanted to go on road trips in Pittsburgh, the entire crew would fit in it.
I also put in an offer on a house just outside of the city in Pittsburgh. Not far from the café, but far enough that I can have my own yard and garden. Hopefully someday Beck will want to move in.
“We just got you back, just for you to leave us again.” Kailey sneaks up on me, pulling me out of my head.
“I know. I missed you so much. You’ll have to come visit. Pittsburgh is a really cute city.” I smile.
“Is it just the city you want us to see or…” Maria giggles.
“I think you guys would get along great with Quinn and Sutton,” I reply nonchalantly.
“Anyone who kept our Reese’s Pieces safe is a friend of ours.” Kailey smiles softly.
“You know, I’m not talking about your friends. Even though I’d love to meet them too,” Maria sasses.
“I hear you.” I sigh. “I really miss Beck. We haven’t talked much, but we have texted a little.”
“That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe Beck’s giving you space,” Kailey offers.
“You did tell him you were coming back here to close out a chapter. Maybe he’s just letting you close it on your terms.” Maria shrugs.
“Didn’t you say Beck has a fight coming up too? Maybe he’s just been training a lot,” Kailey reassures me.
“I still can’t believe you have been sleeping with that gorgeous fucking Adonis of a man. Not to be weird but I have looked him up online. Girl. The Big Dick Energy on that man!” Maria fans herself.
“Oh, trust me I know. That man can give me one look and I am a puddle. Beck doesn’t even have to touch me. He just like turns on this aura or something and it’s like *poof* there goes my panties. Sometimes I don’t even bother to wear any.” I giggle.
Kailey and Maria are both staring at me beaming.
“What?” I ask, chuckling. Searching both of their eyes but coming up empty.
“This is that fire we were talking about. Look at you acting like a hot little minx,” Maria squeals.
“This”—Kailey sweeps her finger up and down at me—“is what true love looks like, my sweet girl.”
“You really think so?” I ask, tucking my hair behind my ear.
“Yes. You are glowing. There’s no fear behind those beautiful eyes. No discomfort or uncertainty. You are so in love with that man.” Kailey squeezes me to her.
“I really am.” I smile, tears forming in the brim of my eyes.
“Why are you crying?” Maria asks softly.
“Because I finally know what peace feels like after all of these years.” I break into a sob.
It feels like freedom. It feels like hope. It feels like happiness.
The three of us stand in a huddle, crying but holding each other together.
Kailey, Maria, and I are standing outside of James’ old house. We’re packing up my black Suburban with the few things I wanted to keep. Like photos of me and the girls, books, and a few outfits that felt like the real me.
Staring at the house from the road, a giant red brick mansion stands before me, but all I see is time lost. Painful memories. Tears cried. A prison where the dreams of who I thought I wanted to be, went to die.
“Too bad we can’t just set it on fire,” Kailey shouts, standing next to me.
“Then Reese’s Pieces wouldn’t have gotten that giant chunk of change she earned. It’s her justice being served after having to be married to that monster,” Maria chimes.
“I still can’t believe James killed his ex-wife,” Kailey says in a loud whisper.
“You know I had always wondered if he did. Not in the beginning but once we were married and he really started showing his true colors. I had this suspicion.” I sigh.
“And you never told us,” Kailey shouts.
“What was I supposed to say? I had a feeling but no evidence. James always said no one would believe that he was hurting me at home. No one for sure would believe my suspicion about his ex. James made sure every mark was in a place no one would be able to see. He threatened to ruin your careers. So, I stayed quiet. And besides, he ensured I didn’t get the chance to tell you.
” I frown, wrapping my arms around myself.
“James did try to ruin our careers and kept you from us. But fuck him. It was he said, she said. Yeah, he was ‘respected’ but James didn’t have the power to get us fired.
We didn’t believe that you were in a mental hospital like he was telling everyone.
So, we made sure to shut down those claims.” Kailey rolls her eyes.
“We didn’t know where you were though. We knew you were being distant.
You had changed so much after your marriage, but we didn’t want to upset you by questioning you either.
When we went to your parents and they had no idea, we filed a police report, afraid James might’ve done something to you.
I never would’ve guessed you ran, but I’m fucking proud of you, that you got out of dodge.
” Maria slides her arm around my waist and rests her head on my shoulder.
“I’m proud of you for slashing that motherfucker’s pretty face!” Kailey giggles maniacally.
“Shhh!” I shush her but I’m dying laughing. “Don’t let my secret out of the bag.”
“How did you know how to even do that?” Maria asks, laughing.
“Ash, Beck’s best friend, but Beck too.” I smile.
“Ran to Pittsburgh, banged a hottie and became an even bigger baddie.” Maria shimmies.
“Look at you go, Reese’s Pieces. I’ve never been prouder.” Kailey does a little dance.
“You guys kill me.” I laugh and then I’m bursting into tears.
“Fuck. I’m going to miss you. Promise you’ll come visit. My new house isn’t that big.” I point at the mansion in front of us. “But it’s big enough to have a few of my besties stay over for a girls weekend.”
“We promise.” Kailey and Maria cry, as we pile into a three-way hug.
“I love you. Now get your fine ass to Pittsburgh and don’t leave that gorgeous man waiting any longer.” Maria smacks my ass.
Kailey shuts my trunk and then walks over to the driver’s door, pulling it open for me.
“I love you. Call us if you need anything. We’re only a phone call away.”
Hopping into the car. I pull the door shut and roll down my window.
“I love you both. It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you soon.” I blow them a kiss and drive away.
I’ve officially closed this chapter, leaving my old life behind in Boston for good.
I’m looking forward to my future in Pittsburgh and for whatever comes next.