Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“What? Why?”
“Because it’s my day off, and I have plans. Sorry, Angela, you’ll have to ask someone else.”
“But, I already did.”
And cue the guilt, right in the stomach. But, I need this day off.
“I can’t help you this time.”
“So, you’re just going to let me strand my kid in Newport? That’s pretty shitty, Sarah.”
“No.” I prop my hands on my hips and turn so I’m facing away from any customers who might hear me. “You can make other arrangements for your son. You know you can.”
She blinks and looks away from me.
“I know that we’ve all been overworked, and you want a day off. Well, guess what, so do I. It’s my scheduled day, and I’m taking it. I always cover for you, Angela, so the fact that you’d try to make me feel like crap is pretty shitty of you.”
And with that, I walk away from her to retrieve some meals from the kitchen to deliver.
It’s a wonder that I don’t drop the plates, my hands are shaking so hard.
I established with Luna last night that I’m not good with any type of confrontation, but I’ve also resolved myself to having my own back.
I can’t be walked all over anymore.
“Here you go,” I say brightly as I set the meals in front of the family of four. “I’ll grab you some ketchup and another round of Cokes. What else can I get you?”
“This looks great,” the dad says with a nod, and he smiles up at me. “Thanks a lot.”
“You’re welcome.”
I walk away with a spring in my step. That simple smile was all I needed to make me feel better.
It’s so simple. I’m not asking for the world.
When I pass by Angela, she’s not speaking to me, but that’s fine by me.
“What’s up there?” Sunny asks as she joins me in the kitchen where I’m filling cups with ranch.
“She asked me to cover her shift tomorrow so she could go pick up her kid from her ex in Newport. I turned her down.”
“Good girl. She wants to go to a concert in Newport, and her kid is spending the weekend with her mom, right here in Huckleberry Bay.”
I stare at Sunny for a full ten seconds. “You’re kidding me.”
“Nope, it’s the truth. You take your day off and get some rest. Or bounce on that fine man you’re seeing. Hell, do both.”
“You know what? I think I will do both. I like Angela. I know that she’s moody sometimes, but I thought she was my friend.”
“Whoa.” Sunny holds up a hand, stopping me. “She’s a work friend. And that’s not to say that those can’t also carry over into real life, but I’ve been doing this job a long damn time, and I’m going to tell you something. Be friendly. Be kind. Laugh together when you’re on shift. It makes the days so much better.”
“But?”
“But watch your back. Just because you get along well doesn’t mean that you can trust her, or anyone else, to have your best interests at heart. I wouldn’t do you dirty like that, but I don’t know that I’d say the same about anyone else here, aside from Gordy.”
“That’s a good reminder. Thanks, Sunny.”
“Also, if she flips you any shit, you let me know.”
“Nah. I’ll handle it. I’m no longer accepting any extra shit in my life.”
“Good girl,” Sunny says with an impressed nod. “I love it.”
The rest of my day goes way better than the previous one. Customers are happier, and I’m in a much better mood.
Is it possible that I’ve been feeding off of the bad energy, and vice versa? Probably.
Tanner picks me up at three, looking sexier than any man should be allowed to in a blue polo and jeans, and when he takes off his sunglasses, he takes me in from head to toe.
“Trust me, I know I need a shower and clothes that aren’t covered in food.”
“I was just thinking that you look good enough to eat.”
I smile over at him. “Well, thanks. How was your day?”
“Profitable. And now I get to spend some quality time with you, so it just got even better.”
“You’re very charming today.”
He grins and pulls away from the curb. “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”
July 4, 2008
* * *
Dear Diary,
It’s Independence Day, but I don’t feel very free. I think I’ve made a huge mistake. HUGE!
I don’t know what to do. He won’t let me call anyone. I can’t speak to anyone.
And now that we’re married, I can’t talk to Scott.
I’m in trouble.
Sarah
Chapter Ten
Tanner
Despite looking much happier today, Sarah still seems exhausted. Her gorgeous eyes are heavy, and she has little dark circles under them. I have a feeling that she didn’t tell me all of the details regarding what’s bothering her, and that’s okay. She will when she wants to.
But in the meantime, I’m going to do everything I can to help her relax and recharge over the next thirty-six hours or so.