This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.
All trademarks, service marks, registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Runaway
Copyright © Burned 2017 Eve Vaughn
Electronic book publication October 2017
With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means without permission from the author, Eve Vaughn.
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means electronic or print, without the author’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement without monetary gain is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in Federal Prison and a fine of $250,000. For more information regarding the government’s stance on copyright infringement visit: http://www.fbi.gov/ipr.
Dedication
To my group members who have always been loyal and supportive. I don’t know where I would be without you guys. Thank you so much. You all mean the world to me.
Prologue
“I don’t want you anymore.”
Sadie who had been in the middle of cutting her chicken, froze. She must have heard him incorrectly because no one simply blurted something like that out. She looked up from her dinner. “What?”
Jordan took a deep breath as he adjusted his tortoise shell glasses. “I’m breaking up with you.”
Her heart beat erratically and her chest felt tight. Was he dumping her in the middle of this restaurant? There had been no indication of major problems between them besides the fact that whenever they were together, his mother always chose that time to call and like a good son, he’d run to do her bidding. Sadie couldn’t fault Jordan for being attentive to his mother but at times it was to the detriment of their relationship.
She often overlooked the fact that most of his sentences started with, “Mama says…”
Jordan’s mother had serious health issues according to him so Sadie tried to be as understanding as she could, even when Jordan often changed their plans because he had to do something for his mother. And through it all, Sadie stuck by him because he was a nice, intelligent, and fun to be around, when he wasn’t talking about his mother.
He was her first real boyfriend and Sadie was certain that she loved him and up until this moment, she thought he loved her too. “I don’t understand. I thought we were doing well.”
Jordan released an exaggerated sigh. “I haven’t been happy for a long time. Look, Sadie, as you know, I just got a promotion at my investment firm and I’m on track to make partner. Mama says that I’m going to need the right kind of wife, one who supports my vision.”
Sadie was at a loss for words. “But…I do support your vision. Why do you think I don’t?”
He adjusted his tie, something he did when he was uncomfortable. One of the things that fascinated Sadie about him was that he was a sharp dresser. Jordan rarely wore jeans or casual clothing and refused to use what he termed as ‘street slang’. He said that one should dress and act how they wanted to project themselves to the world. Her sisters said he was uptight but Sadie saw him as driven. Sure he had an abrupt way of speaking, but she appreciated his straightforwardness…until now.
“Look, Sadie, you’re a simple woman, not executive wife material. Even your name is ridiculous. I don’t understand why don’t just go by your first name. It’s much more regal.”
Sadie had always been slow to anger but Jordan certainly testing her limits. “Because I don’t like it,” she spoke between clenched teeth.
“See? Simple. I need someone who aspires to be more in life than just a file clerk in the county office. You don’t even have a college degree. Sure you’re marginally attractive, but it wouldn’t hurt if you lost some weight and maybe did something to your hair. Mama thinks I can do much better, and I agree.”
He delivered that statement as if he didn’t just eviscerate her entire being. Jordan had essentially ripped her heart out of her chest and didn’t take her feelings into consideration.
Tears ran down Sadie’s cheeks unheeded and Jordan began to fiddle with his tie again. “Don’t make a scene okay. That’s why I brought you here. I was hoping you’d have a little dignity when I broke the news.”
“Broke the news?” she asked incredulously. “You make it sound as if you were telling me about some inconsequential thing that happened on your job instead of breaking up with me. Not to mention, you did it in such a callous way. What kind of man are you?”
Jordan looked around the restaurant and shifted in his seat. “Lower your voice, you’re embarrassing me.”
“I don’t care. I gave you everything!” she shouted not caring that the other diners were watching them. Then she burst into loud noisy tears.
“You’re making a spectacle of yourself!” he hissed at her.
His lack of compassion made her cry harder.
“My mother was right about you. You’re so pathetic.” He stood abruptly and tossed some bills on the table. “This should be enough to cover your fare for a taxi. Take care of yourself, Sadie.”
And without a backward glance, he walked away taking her heart with him.