Chapter 9

Rome I decided to return early from work. I need to see the progress of my new hotel for myself, but first I needed to have a shower and something to eat.

I did not have to worry about bumping into Julia because it was already four fifteen. After washing my hands, I headed straight to the refrigerator, I open it and retrieve a bottle of water.

A note on the microwave reminded me that I had asked her to make dinner. Walking over I read the note, "I'm not the best cook, but I do hope you like my famous pasta bowl :)" I roll my eyes at the silly smiley face and continue reading,” I even made you dessert. Check the freezer, bon appetite;)"

Crumbling the note, I toss it into the trash can then went to see her, 'famous pasta bowl'. There was pasta like she mentioned, shrimp, vegetables, and garlic bread. It did look and smelled delicious.

Deciding to give it a try, I grab a fork and start eating. I was impressed, it seems as if I should hire her as my chef instead. She said she wasn't the best, but this was better than Josh's cooking. I'm not a fan of garlic, but I wouldn't mind having one of these every day and that's saying something.

I finished everything on the plate and was going to see what she made for dessert when my phone starts vibrating.

I glance at the table where I left it to see that it wasn't ringing. The vibrating sound continued, and I listened for a while before realizing the sound was coming from the pantry. Pulling it open I saw a black touch screen phone vibrating on the second shelf.

Emmie flashes across the screen. Julia must have left it here by mistake. Who forgets to take their phone with them? I should probably take it to her since I was going in that direction, or better yet, I could have Josh drop it off.

After having a shower, I got dressed in a white T-shirt and black jeans. It was a relief to get out of that damn suit. I don't know how people trod around in a suit all day.

Descending the stairs, I went to the kitchen to grab my keys and the phones, only to see that Julia’s phone was still vibrating. Either this Emmie person doesn't know how to take a signal, or she has something important to tell that annoying woman.

"Oh, Julia I'm so glad you finally answered. Are you alright?" I raised a brow. This girl didn't even wait for me to say something before she starts speaking.

"This is her boss. She left her phone here."

I could hear some shuffling in the background. "Right, Mr. Big Shot Billionaire who couldn't keep his end of the deal."

I wonder what she was going on about and then it clicked, she was talking about my deal to let Julia stay with me if she convinced that old woman to sell her grocery store.

"I—"

"If something happens to her, I'm holding you accountable," she says rudely. I hate when people interrupt me.

"Listen here little girl, I don't have time for your nonsense—"

"Just please make sure Julia gets her phone," she says cutting me off again then end the call.

There was no doubt in my mind that she was the same girl from the grocery store. She was rude even then. My curiosity grew as I recall her words, she would hold me accountable. My thoughts drifted back to this morning when Julia arrived, the bandage she wore around her wrist and the hood over her face. Could she be in some kind of danger?

Julia "No wonder your dad left you. You're nothing but a little whore," Gina says from the entrance of my room.

I was busy gathering my things to leave this place. I was nothing but a damn idiot for coming back here after all the shit they put me through. I have no idea what I was thinking, just like I have no idea where I will be going now. I can't even find my stupid phone to try and see if I could call someone. Who was I kidding? I had no family and no close friends. The only contacts in my phone were Emmie, Mrs. C, my old landlord and the pizza place all the way in Palmville.

The last thing I want to be to anyone right now was a burden. I already felt like a burden on Emmie, after running into to her and then having to tell her how I got a sprained wrist and an ugly bruise. I didn't tell her everything though, I just couldn't.

"He left you too, didn't he? Don't go blaming me for your misfortune," I say glaring at her.

I wish I had the opportunity to choose my own parents, Gina Parks would not even be on the list.

"Things were going great, he only left when he found out I was going to give birth to you."

Gina took a step closer and looked at me like I was the most disgusting thing she have ever seen. If that's what she thought, then she should definitely check the mirror.

"Maybe someone should have introduced you to birth control," with that said I grab my last bag and push my way pass her.

I already have my other two suitcases outside by the gate. Gina followed behind me, going on about how much of a burden I was and still am. I ignore her and pull the front door open only to be greeted by another nightmare.

"Where are you running off to again Julies?" Xavier says wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Let that bitch go, why are you bothered by what she does?"

"Stay the fuck out of our business Gina!" He yells back at her.

I couldn't help but smile, even though my face hurt from the slap she gave me. Those two were imbeciles and looking at Xavier now I don't know what I saw in him all those years ago. It must have been his good looks, along with his bed skills, other than that he was completely useless. He was like gum after it loses its flavor.

"Get your hands off me," I manage to break free from his hold and make my way through the exit.

"Julia if you think I'm going to let you walk out of my life again then you have another thing coming."

His words made me descend the outside stairs faster. I knew what was coming next. The first time I left here I had to do so when he was out busy with his crazy friends. I had it all planned out, I saved some money from the job I was working. It was enough to last me for a month and I packed my bags from a week before and hid them under my bed, I even marked the date on my calendar.

I wanted to do the same today, but unfortunately that didn't go exactly to plan.

"Go live on the streets, it's where you belong!" Gina yells after me.

I glance back to see her leaning against the doorframe with a smile plastered on her over baked face. Just then Xavier comes running from the house with a bat in his hand. I pull my bag harder while increasing my speed. How was I going to run from a man with three suitcases?

I could hear a car coming down the road, I was hopeful that Xavier wouldn't make a scene. I glance back once more only to trip and fall over on my stomach.

Thank God it was just a bunch of grass, therefore not much damage was done. Just as I was pushing myself up from the grass, I heard a car door slamming shut before black shoes came into my view.

"What's going on here?"