Page 2 of Slay Bells

Although her breakup had been a long time coming, it was still a big change. The move to the city center was something she had wanted for a long time and her ex had fought against.

Although the city was a bit noisy at times, it was easier to get to work and do things now that she was single. It was nice to have so many things near her home. Her friends could come over and go out for drinks without having to drive.

A sigh escaped at considering that now any type of socializing would have to wait until after she returned from Montana.

Her parents had asked that she move into their house after the break-up, and she had for a few weeks, but Gabriela soon realized she was too old and too independent to move back permanently. She’d quickly found an apartment in a newly renovated building in Midtown. It was the perfect location, albeit parking in the multi-level structure was a challenge and an annoyance at times.

Ceiling to floor windows showcased the view of the city and a glimpse of the pool area. Everything in her new place was sleek and modern, from the marbled countertops to the pristine white tiled floors. Her mother had taken one look at the place and called it hotel living. Her father had refused to step out to the sixth-floor balcony.

And yet, it was precisely what she needed, a place so unlike her last that it would not bring any reminders of the past. When Gabriela bought the unit, she’d asked to keep all of the staged furniture. It had been worth the price because all she’d had to bring were her clothes, computer, some books, and a few art pieces. Everything else from her last apartment, she’d sold, given away, or left behind.

The buzzer sounded, announcing a visitor. Gabriela rolled her eyes. If her mother had come again to try to talk her into a blind date, she was going to scream. “Yes?” she said into the screen that showed the profile of a man. “What can I do for you?”

“Delivery for Miss Jones.” The man lifted a huge flower arrangement.

Gabriela narrowed her eyes. “I’ll come down.”

Her blood ran ice cold. If her ex, Randolph, had found out her address, she wasn’t sure what to do. The man was acting crazy lately. He’d lost all kinds of composure when she’d broken their relationship off. She’d already filed a restraining order on him just to deter him from trying to reach her.

The bouquet was beautiful, made mostly of white flowers with hints of lavender. It would be a shame to throw it away if they were from her ex. She accepted the delivery with a tight smile, and the young guy left whistling without a care in the world.

Once inside her apartment, Gabriela placed the vase on the kitchen counter and nipped the small card. Her shoulders sagged and she smiled at the note.

Her grandmother’s greeting made her lips curve.

Pull up those tiny panties you wear and smile!

Nothing is ever as bad as it seems.

Love, Abuela

Gabriela smiled at how opportune the message was. Her phone lit up when she touched the surface and she called her grandmother for a chat.

Tomorrow she’d pack, and then her adventure would begin. She’d made a crazy impulsive decision that she couldn’t take back. Maybe life was not as bad as it seemed.

After all, Montana awaited.

Chapter Two

Jeremy Hawkins let out a breath and stared at the man who’d slumped over. The naked man sat on the ground his back against the wall of a convenience store.

“Get up Henry.”

“I won’t,” Henry said, his teeth chattering. “You cops can’t just go around bossin’ people. I have rights.”

The gas station clerk had called him after Henry had walked in every five minutes to warm up and go into the bathroom. They normally didn’t mind Henry, but this day on his last trip inside, he’d emerged out of the bathroom naked and announced his plans to sleep outside. He’d called it a naked bear challenge.

“You’re going to die of hypothermia,” Jeremy said and held out a blanket. “Here wrap this around yourself and come on. I’ll buy you pie and coffee.”

“Pie?” Henry narrowed his eyes. He didn’t reach for the blanket. “What kind of pie?”

“I hear they’ve got cherry over at Deanne’s.” It was a lie. Jeremy had no idea what they were serving, but he’d try anything before having to wrestle with a naked man. “Come on. After that, you can crash on my couch.”

“Nope. Your dog doesn’t like me.”

“You hid ham in your pocket last time. He was just trying to get to it. Besides, he lives at the ranch now.”

Henry considered the offer for a long moment, making a show of stroking his chin with a shaky hand. “I suppose I could use some pie. But then I’ll still do this challenge. The guys over at the VFW are doing it too.”