Page 234 of Unexpected Heroine

After rage-texting Tomer earlier this morning, I messaged Stella and told her to get ready since I’d need her and Freya to give me a lift to Redleg. Then I popped downstairs for breakfast while I waited. That’s when things got weird.

The vibe was different. Guards were present in the common spaces and at the end of each hallway. On the doors leading to the outdoor areas, there were signs stating beach yoga was canceled, as was the morning nature walk. The meditation garden was closed. The guards manning the front entrance of the facility had guns. Not the big, long ones. But it was clear they were carrying. They didn’t try to hide it.

Essentially, we now have armed guards.

Because... more drama. That’s exactly what the women in this place need more of in our lives.

Concerned, I asked if whatever was happening would make it hard for me to return after my little trip. That’s when they told me we were on lockdown, and I wasn’t allowed to leave. No explanation. No clue how long it’ll last.

So here I am. A captive once more.

Pacing the room, I fire off a series of texts to my very-much-ex boyfriend to let him know what I think of his latest decision. I’m too fired up to stop myself.

Me:

First off. Fuck you.

Me:

Second off. Fuck you again.

Me:

For the last time, this isn’t your decision to make. I’m gonna meet him today. You can deal with it or not. I really don’t care.

Me:

And just in case you were wondering, I have no “needs” that you’ll ever be tending to again. We are sooo through.

Me:

Honestly, fuck you so hard. Are you that afraid to fess up to him? How can you be so brave about some things and such a coward about others?

Me:

Consider yourself blocked. If you so much as contact me ever again, I’ll lose my shit. And stay the hell out of my phone.

And then I do it. The thing I stopped Stella from doing. The thing I told Freya I wasn’t ready to do.

I block his number and delete him from my contacts.

Done.

After setting the phone face down on the dresser, I toss a shirt over it to prevent him from spying on me through the camera lens.

Fortunately, Freya said my new debit card arrived at the apartment the other day, so I’ll be able to buy a new cellphone as soon as possible. One without his little gadgets installed. I’ll ask Amber about that later. She could probably get me one sent in without Tomer knowing. If I order one online, he’ll likely track the purchase and intercept it.

New phone. New dad. New me.

When my cell rings a few moments later, I nearly jump out of my skin, arms flying in all directions. My klutzy hands fumble to pick it up under the shirt, and I quickly swipe to answer. Since accepting a call isn’t a skill I’ve honed, the damn thing goes skittering onto the floor. Classic Lettie.

“Sorry. Amber, hang on,” I yell at the phone as I bend down to reach for it under the bed.

Still on my knees, I answer, “Hello?”

“Sugar, don’t hang up.”

In my haste, I didn’t look at the caller ID. Not that it would matter, given he can get around my phone blocking. Dodge rammit!

---