A/N not mine, I own nothing but the plot.

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Kiddie Games

When I got home, I grabbed my laptop and sat cross legged on my couch. It was time for some research. I have already placed an order with UberEats for a meal from the diner where I met Ranger. What can I say, I am feeling nostalgic. Also, they had a great egg custard pie.

It was time to find myself away from the crazy of this town. First I need to go over my budget before I make a plan. On top of the estimated 1 million after taxes (I'm erring on the side of caution), I have another 250,000 saved as I have been saving to buy a house. That doesn't even include what I have in investments. I know I live like a pauper, but the amount of cars and belongings that I have had destroyed, it seemed like a better idea to live this way and make a plan to get out of Trenton. This had be coming to a head for years.

I always knew that Morelli and I wouldn't work out. I just didn't love him. He was just someone who was a distraction from the man who actually held my heart, but didn't want it. Now it's time to walk away from it all and I definitely have the means to do it. I know I want to head to Florida, maybe Miami. I know Ranger doesn't spend much time there, but I'll still have to feeling of security of having Rangeman nearby if need be. I also want to look into their colleges and universities. I want to get my degree in criminology. I have enough real life experience dealing with criminals that it's time to actually get a degree.

I hear a knock and get up to grab my food. I find a surprise with my food, Ranger. He hands it to me and silently follows me in, a quick glance at my laptop gives me a feeling of relief. I shut it when I got up. He sits with me on my couch as I go about eating. I figure I could wait him out, I've waited for him this long.

"Babe," he asks me softly.

"What Ranger? I'm not a mind reader and that question was only one word."

"Why did you quit the bonds office this time? Morelli wear you down?"

"Get out," I snarl. "I told you about Morelli. I will never be with a serial cheater, especially when he was with the walking STD and town where. If you think so low of me, just get out!"

He looked at me in horror, as though I had grown a second head and replied, "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for on my part. I'm not sure why I said it."

I looked at him carefully. This was the most emotion I had even seen or heard from him. His look had something niggling in the back of my brain. I just couldn't place what it was.

I let out a large sigh and calmed myself for once before I spoke again. "We often time say exactly what we mean when we're upset. You're obviously upset about something and I'm not sure exactly how to take what you just said.

"I know I never let you know about how much you've hurt me emotionally since I've known you, but over the years you've said a lot of things that have left me feeling worthless and confused. Probably, you aren't aware that I'm in therapy now. Part of that is for me to deal with my low self esteem. Please understand that I'm not blaming you, but part of that stems from a few of the things you've said to me. The majority of it is from growing up in an emotionally abusive environment.

"You know how my Mother treats me and my Father has always been emotionally unavailable. I've been dealing with Morelli's crap since I was 6 years old when he first sexually assaulted me. I'm a mess, but I'm learning to cope with it. You can take with a grain of salt, but maybe you need help too.

"I'm working on improving myself. I've already removed my abusers from my life as well as the users. I love you and have for a long time, and I'm working on letting the idea of any kind of romantic relationship with you go. As you've told me a number of times that it is something that will never happen. I'm making some major life changes and I don't want to lose your friendship, because I think that will hurt me more than I can ever deal with; however, I will learn to accept it if you no longer want to be part of my life in any capacity."

We sat in silence as he watched me. I saw a myriad of emotions cross his face. It was almost as if he was replaying everything he has ever said to me in his head..

"I want you to know that I am moving out of state. I need to start over. I need away from all the shit that is my life here. I'm not sure where I'll be going yet, but I'm making some tentative plans. I would like to keep in touch, but I'll understand if you don't want that.

"I'm looking at condos to purchase and going back to school. I've invested and saved some money and have just had a large bond that was an easy capture that I earned. It will be a large help for wherever I end up."

"You're really leaving. You won't stay and work this out?" He asked softly.

"I think it would be for the best. You're my best friend and I don't want to lose that. I do want to stop by your building some time in the next few days. I want to talk to the guys and see if any of them want to stay in touch with me as well."

He let of a soft huff of frustration and dragged his fingers through that silky long black hair of his that I've come to love.

"Will you let me know where you go and stay in contact with me please? I'll consider therapy as well. You were right when I think about all the things I've said to you and how it could hurt. I'm sorry I can't give you more right now than what we've had. I've just never had anyone call me out on it like this before. I shouldn't have done any of it.

"I don't want to lose you from my life either. I've tried to stay emotionally distant from everyone and everything in my life since I was 14 and sent away from my family. My sister Celia, Tia Ella, Aubela Rosa, and my cousin Lester are the only family, other than Julie that I have anything to do with. It was a decision that was made years ago that was mutually agreed upon by my parents, who have wanted nnothing to do with me since I was 14. Lester is in a similar situation, except he is starting to speak with his Mama since his Farsa, my uncle died. Our mothers are sisters."

I was slightly shocked that he told me anything about his family. I never even knew that Lester and he were cousins before. It took me a few beats to even form a response.

"I can do that, Ranger. Maybe you can even come for a visit with the guys every now and then. Just take a break from it all."

"I'd like that," he said gently while taking my hand in both of his. "would you like some help with researching places and looking at your budget?"

I glance at my laptop and tell him, "sure."

We spent the next few hours going over my budget. He showed his surprise when I showed him what I was working with and the areas I was looking at moving to. He was even more surprised when I told him what degrees I was looking at getting. Major in criminology with a minor in Psychology. He let me know that University of Miami was one of the best in the country for what I was looking at, but that I would need to study hard for an entrance exam.

"How did you find out that I quit the bonds office? I only told Connie."

He gave me a sardonic grin and told me, "Hal was in Vinnie's office when you were talking to Connie. He came back pissed off and called me to the mats. He didn't tell me anything other than you quit the bonds office."

I only nodded my head, at least he didn't tell him anything else. I was grateful that Hal was discreet. We looked at a few condos, including one that he knew was for sale. I actually loved it. It comes completely furnished, and light. It has an ocean view. The fact that it was already secured by Rangeman made it extra appealing. It was up for a fast sale, and the cash price was extremely low for the area at 500,000 dollars it was more than half the price of what it was worth. Looking at the time, Ranger made a phone call to the owners and they were happy to work with me next week when my check cleared. I remembered that I needed to talk to him about my employee status at Rangeman.

"Hey, I have a question. When did I become a Rangeman employee with the benefits ofbeing one?"

Ranger barked out a laugh, "When you did your first redecorating job with us. We actually have an account set aside for you as well, from when you refused take the full pay for the jobs you've completed with us. My partners agreed that you are to be considered a casual employee. We take care of all the taxes from it when you file since you file with a 1099. Our accountant files on your behalf. I will have the account information for you tomorrow, that way you can either adjust your budget or invest it."

I closed my eyes and told him, "Thank you."

He let out a sound of relief. I guess because I wasn't fighting him on it. We sat and talked about my timeliness for my move. He offered to help me out with the move and a place to stay until I can close on the condo. It was his three bedroom penthouse at Rangeman Miami, but who am I to complain when it actually works in my favor and will get me out this shithole town faster. It seems that in two weeks I'll be in sunny Florida.