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McKenna proves to be a perfect distraction from the worries of life, one I didn’t even realize I needed until she announces that she’s going out with some friends for milkshakes. Nothing crazy—they’re just going to hang out at Whataburger. Ah, the life of a teenager in rural Texas.
“No drugs,” I emphasize as she heads out the door. “And no drinking.”
“Taylor, I’m going with Lillian and Brittany. Lilian’s mom will be with us the whole time.”
I know McKenna’s friends. Lilian’s in band and the president of the freshman honor society, and Brittany is on the robotics team and captain of the freshman soccer team. Sure, that could all just be a front for the fact that they’re really all drug-addicted partiers, but I think they’re too smart for that. They’ve made a pact. They all want to go to the same college, and I know they can make it happen if they stick together.
I give her a few dollars—money we don’t really have to spare at the moment—before waving her off. Then I head back inside the quiet trailer. My mom was supposed to be home by now but a coworker called in sick at the grocery store so she picked up an extra shift after her class. I feel guilty that she’s having to do it. I know she’s probably exhausted. I wish I’d come home for the weekend with my full paycheck instead of the measly few bucks Ethan threw my way. It would have gone a long way to getting us back on our feet, especially considering I’m not sure what I’ll be doing for work now.
I’ve been avoiding the dilemma all day, but tomorrow is Sunday and I have to make a decision.
I can’t just go back to the motel. I had to put in my notice there when I accepted the job with Lockwood Construction. Sure, I could go back and grovel at my manager’s feet, but just the thought makes my dignity scream out in protest. I hated that job and I hated how little they paid me.
I could apply for work somewhere else, but I’ve been in this town long enough to know that’s a dead-end road. There are a few decent jobs around Oak Dale, but not for someone who barely graduated from high school. The familiar twinge of resentment over my lack of education settles in the pit of my stomach.
If we could afford to get our car out of the shop, I could drive into Livingston or another nearby city to look for work, but even that would be a major waste of gas and time, and there’d be no telling how well the car would hold up if I was driving it around that much.
With a heartbreaking sigh, I realize I’m just as stuck now as I was four years ago. I’ve been working so hard trying to claw my way out of this hole life tossed me into only to slide right back down to the bottom time and time again.
My job with Lockwood Construction was the first sign of hope I’d had in a long time, and I hate Ethan Stone even more for taking the opportunity away from me.
But then I realize—maybe he didn’t.
He didn’t technically fire me, and I didn’t technically quit.
So what if I hate him? A lot of people hate their bosses.
The fact is, right now, I don’t really have another option, so Saturday night, I come up with my plan. The first step? Call Jeremy and demand we make a stop on our way out of town tomorrow afternoon. I’m spending every last cent of my paltry paycheck on a new pair of boots—ones that actually fit.The second step in my plan is to find Hudson as soon as we make it back to camp the following evening. This proves more difficult than I thought it would because while searching for him, I also am trying hard to avoid Ethan. I’m forced to hover near buildings and trees in case I need to duck and cover. Work doesn’t start until tomorrow morning, and I’d rather not cross paths with him until then. Of course, this method means I draw quite a few concerned glances from passersby, but I put on my best smile and wave like everything is all good. “Don’t mind me, just checking the hardy plank on this building.” Knock knock. “Yup! Good as new!”
I eventually find Hudson when he walks through the center of camp with a backpack. He’s just returned and is probably heading to unload his stuff, but I can’t afford to lose track of him. We have important things to discuss.
“Hudson! Hi,” I say, leaping into his path.
His eyes widen as he takes me in.
Oh right, I’m not wearing the baseball hat, and the baggy flannel shirt is gone too. I’m wearing a light blue t-shirt and a pair of my own jeans. My hair hangs loose down my back. Apparently, it’s really throwing him off.
