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My dad walks home instead of waiting for me. It’s not far, plus I know he likes the fresh air, so I don’t argue. I don’t blame him for not wanting to sit in here.
As I wait in line and glance around, I feel eyes boring into me. Strangers stare like they know my story and what I did. No one says a word directly to me, but they don’t have to. I know exactly what they’re thinking. Aunt Loretta and Uncle Elliot have made it clear they didn’t want me coming back here. They have every right to hate me for what happened but being behind bars wouldn’t change anything. Gabe’s death was an accident, and I did my time. Now I just want to live a simple life and right the wrongs that I can.
“How can I help you, Mr. Reid?” the clerk asks before she even takes my application. Of course she knows who I am, perks of small-town gossip.
“Hello, ma’am. My license expired, and I need to get a new one.” I hand her my application and study her as she types.
“You’ll need a quick eye test, and once you pass the online exam, you can get your picture taken.”
It takes over an hour to finish everything, but it’s all worth it when she hands over my new license.
“Thank you, ma’am. Have a good day.” I smile as I shove my wallet into my back pocket.
“Mm-hmm.” The corner of her lips turns into a scowl, and it’s obvious she hated being cordial to me.
Next, I go to the store for some work clothes and boots. Nothing fancy, just jeans and shirts that can get dirty while I paint or rip out carpet. I grab some nicer ones too, just in case.
After I finish shopping, I get a new cell phone because my dad generously put me on his plan. After all this time, it feels strange to have a phone with a nice camera and so many features. Things have really changed in a decade.
There’s only one more stop to make, but I decide to grab something to eat first. Belinda owns the deli, and I know she’ll be welcoming, so I stop in for a sandwich. I nearly inhale it as soon as it’s placed in front of me.
“How’s your day goin’ so far?” she asks as she takes my empty plate.
“Alright, I guess.” I shrug, not wanting to tell her how cold or downright rude people have been. Even the worker at the clothing store kept her eye on me like I was shoplifting or going to cause a scene.
Belinda pats my hand and smiles. “It’ll get easier. I remember when Tyler returned, and though you have different circumstances, the town eventually accepted him.”
“Guess we’ll see. One can only hope,” I say as I pull out my wallet.
“It’s on the house.” She shoos me away.
“Absolutely not. I don’t want any special treatment. The last thing I need is rumors spreading that I’m getting handouts or taking shortcuts.”
She frowns but doesn’t argue. I pay the bill and leave a tip. Once I say goodbye, I walk outside and stare at the bank across the street. I’ve been putting it off all day, but there’s nothing left for me to do other than open an account and deposit some of the money I had before I went to prison.
If it wasn’t for Gemma, I wouldn’t even know Katie works there.
Maybe I won’t see her. Not that I don’t want to, but I have a feeling she’d be pissed after the way she reacted the other day.
She got a job promotion last year and is a loan officer. Gemma says she has her own fancy office, so I might be able to avoid her completely.
Inhaling a deep breath, I walk across the street, then step inside the small lobby. Only two tellers are working, and one chair sits in the waiting area.
“How can I help you, sir?” the young woman asks. She might not actually know who I am. Her name tag says Missy.
“I’m looking to open a checking account.”
“Have you banked with us before?”
“No, well…yes. Years ago.”
“Okay, no problem. I’ll see if a banker is available to help set that up for you. You can take a seat while you wait.”
“I appreciate that, thank you.”
I turn around and am immediately greeted with a death glare.
Katie.
And she looks less than happy to see me.
“Hi—”
“What’re you doin’ here?” she nearly hisses. “Coming to my house uninvited wasn’t enough?”
“He needs to open a checking account,” Missy interjects. “But Jasmine isn’t answering her phone.”
“I just sent her on break,” she grumbles, then looks at me. “You’ll have to come back in an hour when she returns.”
“There aren’t any appointments on your schedule, Katie,” Missy says, and I can hear the smile in her tone. “Perhaps you can help set him up.”
