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“I’m sorry about the awkwardness earlier.”
She waves a dismissive hand. “No worries.” She pauses, her expression turning warmer. “I… understand. More than either of us should. Please don’t apologize. You’re okay, and you’re safe here.”
As uncomfortable as the conversation is, I understand what she tried to say without actually saying it, and it eases me. My eyes burn with tears trying to form, but I clear my throat and try to shake it away.
“Thank you,” I say as I hand her money for the merchandise. “That means a lot.” She nods, and my eyes wander around the store as she gets my change. When she hands it to me, I speak again, feeling a bit more relaxed with her. “I think I’d like to take a walk when I leave. Could you point me toward downtown? I’d like to look around and see what this place has to offer.”
She smiled. “It’s really nice here. I think you’ll like it. Everyone is super friendly. We’re only two blocks away. When you walk out, take a right and head straight down that direction. You’ll walk right into it. You can’t miss it.”
I smile and thank her again before walking toward the door. Before going out, I swap my old jacket for the warmer one, and I put my cooler jacket in one of the bags.
Following the young woman’s directions, I walk down Main Street and, as she’d said, I walk right into downtown. While I certainly don’t miss it, I would have if I’d blinked too fast.
I instantly love everything about it, especially the small-town feel. There’s a pharmacy, diner, bookstore, ice cream shop, café, and grocery store. I head straight for the grocery store for supplies. I hope I’ll get lucky enough that they’ll have a Help Wanted sign in the window or somewhere inside.
I haveoneweek figured out, but that’s it. I can’t afford to pay five hundred a week for much longer without a job.
Making my way around the store, I pick up smaller food options that don’t need to be refrigerated. I splurge on some chocolate-covered doughnuts. They’re my favorite, and I could really use some chocolate right about now.
As I’m walking out, I spot a bulletin board near the exit. I hurriedly walk over, hoping they have what I need.
Come on, come on. Please have something.
There are lost dog posters, business cards for real estate agents, and finally, down in the left hand corner is a posting for help wanted at the little café I passed on the way here.
Yes!
Snatching it up, I read it over. They’re looking for a part-time barista, and the person must be available on the weekends. Baking skills preferable.
Oh, damn. Well, those aren’t my strongest suits, I think as I laugh to myself. But that doesn’t matter. I pocket the extra copy, anyway. It’s worth at least looking into.
I head back to the motel, beat from the errands and needing a good night’s rest. Tomorrow, I’ll tackle finding a job and a place to live.
As I lay my head down on the stiff pillow, my last thought before I drift into a dreamless sleep is of Addy. I need to get word to her that I’m safe, but that I don’t know when I’ll be able to come home.
If ever.
Chapter 17
Iwakeuponmy side, my face smashed into the not-so-comfortable pillow. A little drool has dried on my chin, and a bit more is still wet. I slept like the dead. My body aches from hours of not moving, having shut down after weeks of feeling unsafe.
A large yawn escapes me as I roll over, and it feels good. A long, hot shower sounds divine right now.
After turning the water as hot as it’ll go, I gather all the toiletries and clothes I’ll need, allowing the water time to get warm. When I finally step in, I moan. The water feels incredible on my sore, achy body, and I almost feel like I can wash all my problems down the drain.
Oh, how I wish it worked that way.
Once finished, I walk out of the bathroom, drying my long blonde hair in a towel as I think of a plan for today. First on the list is going to that little café and applying for a job. Its name is more than fitting: Second Chance Café.
I can only hope this can be my second chance.
I don’t have experience being a barista, but I’m willing to learn anything, and I’m good at picking up new tasks fast. A part-time position isn’t ideal, but I don’t have room to be picky.
The blow dryer in the room isn’t the best, but it dries my hair all the same. Even if it takes a while longer. Once it’s dry, I tie it back to apply makeup to the bruises on my neck. It’s reached the deep purple and black stage, and it’s not a pretty sight.
By the time I’m heading out to the café, it’s a little past nine in the morning. It’s a beautiful day, even though it’s a little crisp. The view of the mountains just past the town is breathtaking. The hustle and bustle of the morning travelers are nothing compared to Sacramento. Everything is slower here, and I look forward to that.
I reach the entrance, stopping for a moment to collect my thoughts.You can do this. Go in there, be confident and friendly, and if that doesn’t work, beg.
