That Girl (That Girl, #1)(2)

I figure I can get at least one hundred thirty miles from here with the money I have. I’ll find somewhere to stay and make some cash, then keep moving down the road. There is no way my mom would go any further than fifty miles past home in search of me. Hell, she might miss a party or a filming opportunity. With no high hopes set, my bag of clothes containing two outfits plus the one I am wearing, my scars, and half the money are the only things I am laying claim to. I will never need anything else from this town, this house, or this freaking neighborhood.

“Take it all. Old Man will make sure I’m taken care of. Take it all, and run like hell,” Jazzy says as she turns her back on me. She never looks back while exiting her room.

And just like that, I lose my best friend in a matter of moments. This is not a type of relationship that can be rebuilt over time. No, the door was closed forever on it. Jazzy saved my life every day. Growing up, she was my everything wrapped in one. I will never forget her, but I no longer have room for her in my life.

I wrap up my thoughts and tuck them into a deep, dark crevice amongst my other memories and gather all the cash from Jazzy’s mattress. Then I make my way out of her house for the final time. Jazzy is nowhere to be found. I thought she might be in her favorite spot on her worn-out couch watching some shit on television. She’s always nested there when she is pissed at me or Old Man. It’s her safe spot, but this time she’s gone.

“What the f*ck is going on?” Old Man asks from the kitchen.

Jazzy and I have lied to Old Man so many times in the past about our whereabouts or his missing money, but this time it felt really wrong to lie, almost like committing a crime. Old Man may not be the picture perfect dad, but he always took care of us and loves his daughter more than anything. If he knew of our plan to run away, he would have cut our legs off without a second thought. I do hope the poor sap who knocked up Jazzy runs fast, because he will be catching one of Old Man’s bullets to the ass otherwise.

“Girl, come clean, now,” he says as he walks closer.

Unable to look him in the eye, I try to tell him half the truth, or at least the most important part of the truth.

“I’m leaving, and Jazzy is pissed at me. I can’t stay here any longer, Old Man. I’d rather die than stay here,” I whisper, avoiding all eye contact.

“Lift your head up, child.”

If I’ve learned one thing, it’s to always listen to Old Man when he talks.

“Now, I know life has sucked for you. I’ve tried my f*cking best to protect you.”

Now with tears streaming, I respond, “I know. I love you and Jazzy, but I can’t stay here. You can’t protect me from all of them. Moving across town or in here with you guys just isn’t enough. I have to go. Please don’t try to stop me.”

“Why isn’t that stubborn-ass child of mine running with you?”

“That’s her story to tell.”

“You two little f*cking shits have always covered each other’s asses, but I’m not liking the sounds of this.”

“She’s hurt I’m leaving and not waiting for her. Take it easy on her.”

“So, am I to assume this is why you two have been stealing money from my jeans when you think I’m passed out?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“You f*cking call me Sir one more time, and I’ll beat your ass, child.”

I giggle at Old Man’s words, always so subtle.

“Thanks for everything. I wouldn’t be able to run if you hadn’t been protecting me all these years,” I say between a combination of tears and laughter from his threat.

“Here,” he says as he hands me a wad of hundred dollar bills. “Take it and don’t say shit about it. I’ll call a brother to come pick you up and drive you to the next town. I consider you my girl, and you’ll not be walking in the dark. No, you’ll be on the back of a bike, riding with one of my members to protect your ass.”

“Thank you,” is all I can manage to squeak out.

“And child, you best be checking yourself. If you think life here is rough, and I know you have your scars to prove it, you better keep your back to the motherf*cking wall out in the real world. Don’t let anyone f*ck with you, and if they do, you know my number and your way home.”

“Thank you, but I’m never coming back or calling you. This is the end for me.”

“Quit f*cking thanking me. I’ll call Animal to come pick you up. You’ll be gone in fifteen minutes, lil’ sis. Just don’t f*ck up your new life.”

“Never let Jazz forget how much I love her,” I whisper.





Chapter 2





156 Miles Gone



I have been groomed to survive; if survival is the game, I am the victor. Years of fighting just to make it one more day in hell is no longer my present reality or my future.

I have already been a Vicky, an Aleesha, and a Mayas as I have traveled from town to town, making it miles and miles away from my personal prison. Now in sleepy small town, USA, I’m Jillian the waitress. Thank God for Old Man, because the little money Jazzy and I collected didn’t last very long or get me very far. His money has been a nice cushion to fall back on when little surprises popped up along the trail.

I found a little family-owned diner where I currently work. It’s off the beaten path, and only frequented by locals. It’s the definition of low key, which fits my every need. At the age of eighteen, I want to avoid all the trendy places filled with vicious predators. My prior life has taught me to never trust anyone. I need at least a thousand miles put behind me before I will allow myself the privilege of breathing easily.