eager to spit me out. I step off, drag my suitcase onto t

the right. Even draped in tacky Christmas lights, the place hasn't changed. Not the glossy sidewalks, not the palm trees lined like

eflects off the clouds like a bad omen. It reminds me of the

n Atlantic City would've dulled the pull. But standing here now, I feel its claws sink right back into me, dragging out the

l's supposed

ind in a cloud of burned bridges and bo

els is goi

. not

with gum. Davensport-the closest thing I have to home-doesn't have a ride out for anot

uses, hitching with a trucker who stared at my thighs more than the road, and barely a full nigh

d that wasn't vacuum-sealed three sta

dig into my pocket out of reflex, even though I already know what I'll find-nothing. No cash. No coi

o mean

ing magic about a charm when you're hungry, broke, and barel

. I'm waiting for a bu

en I left Jersey. The last of what I stashed in the floorboards, gone on ticke

en the world slams a door in my f

my suitcase across the street. Just en

hat it made my stomach twist, that I f

on makes my heart pound. Makes my blood buzz. It's

oots echo on the polished promenade as I move past upscale lounges and overprice

atch my refl

t belong. My hair's a mess-like, actual bird's nest territory-and I've been wearing the same underwear sinc

annequins in silky dresses and heels that probably

"Let me know if you need anything," before going back to scrolling th

ck, all in tiny sizes, all without price tags. I run my fingers over satin, feign interest,

xit, jeans and sweater crammed into my p

n the alar

h

girl shouts

izes too tight-but adrenaline makes up the difference. I glance back a

turn, one

nside and slam i

nd laugh. I can't help it. That thrill is still alive and

mo

to loiter th

straight. Deep. S

and dressed like a banker. His face is all jawline and judgment. He l

ris

ask, glancing aro

Pope wea

bl

I snap, already

s me descend the stairs like I'

le," I

e air they breathe. Who think sneering at you is their God-given right. My

learned how

bottom ste