I pay the cab driver and rush up the front walk. Once inside, I shut the heavy front door behind me and lean against it, not sure what to do next. My phone starts buzzing from inside my purse. I dig the phone out of my bag and see Brandon’s name on the screen. I’m sure his little assistant ratted me out as soon as she realized I wasn’t coming back from the bathroom. “Charity, where are you?” Brandon’s voice is frantic. “At the house,” I answer my voice shaking. “Brandon, I’m sorry but I can’t do this.” “Do what? What are you talking about?” “This! Any of this!” “I don’t understand, what happened?” “You know what? It doesn’t even matter. I just need to get out of here,” I say as I start towards the stairs. “Oh, no no no, you’re not going anywhere!” Surprised by his demanding tone, I stop at the top of the stairs.
