Page 87 of Anyone But You

Is this my out? Can I walk away?

“Right. We have the meeting with the board,” Blakenship reminded me.

“Yes, we do. Let’s get this over with.”

27

They Must Do Time

Victoria

“Those dirty bitches!” Alyssa shrilled as we stood in the aftermath of my apartment.

I stared at my destroyed diploma and tried to convince myself not to crash out.

How fucking jealous do you have to be to tear up someone’s college diploma because you never accomplished anything in your life?

“I’m so sorry, Ms. Caldwell,” the building manager apologized again. I glanced up from my shredded diploma and found Ms. Larkin nervously wringing her hands as she surveyed the damage. “Your family…they said they needed access to your apartment to get some items that could be used to locate you. They claimed there was a search party, and the dogs would need to pick up your scent. Initially, I was uncertain, but I wouldn’thave been able to forgive myself if I impeded efforts to locate you.”

I can’t even be mad at her. At least she was trying to bring me back home.

I waved her off and trudged towards the kitchen. My throat clogged up, and I was on the verge of tears again when I glimpsed the open cabinets and drawers. They took all my pots, pans, dishes, silverware, and whatever else they could get their greedy hands on. The bitches even took my fucking toaster.

The toaster, for crying out loud!

I cracked open the freezer, praying that the little fifth of vodka was still in there. I snorted and rolled my eyes at the empty icebox.

Now…I thought it was a sin and a shame to steal a toaster, but these hoes seriously took my damn ice molds.

“Ms. Caldwell, the management company is prepared to cover the expenses of replacing your belongings.”

I stuck my head in the freezer when I felt a hot flash coming on. “I appreciate that, Ms. Larkin. My lawyer will be in contact with you.”

“I’m aware that I am 100% at fault, but must we get legal involved?”

Her voice wavered as she attempted to plead her case, reminding me of a scolded child.

“Ms. Larkin, I don’t hold any ill will towards you or the property management company and don’t intend to sue you. Do I think you were gullible and naive? Absolutely, but your heart was in the right place. Trust me, you’d rather deal with Doug than Mr. Ramsey.”

“Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Caldwell.”

“Just cut me a check for $50,000, and we’ll be squared.”

Did I have $50k worth of shit in my apartment? Hell nah, but I had to add interest for my pain and suffering.

“Yes, ma’am. I have some calls to make.”

She left, and Brittney returned from the bedroom where she’d been dutifully taking pictures on her phone.

“Is it bad?” I asked, still unable to bring myself to enter the bedroom. I already knew the devastation that awaited me.

“It is,” she replied softly. I nodded.

“I need to step out and call Knox. I’ll be back.”

I stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind me and dialed. The first tear slipped when he answered.

“Just the woman I wanted to hear from. How are you doing, darling?”