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Before I knew it, he was behind me, but not in his car; on his feet. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” He paused in front of me and stretched out his hand. “And, I’m Holden. Holden Grant.”Of course, the douchebag had an asshole name.
I didn’t take his hand though. I just kept walking, staring ahead like he didn’t matter. Because, even without having to think about it, I knew he didn’t. “Cool.”
“So, where are you headed? You know I promised to help you out, right?”
“And did I say I needed help?”
“Well, a guy knows when a damsel is in distress.”
“So, that is what I am to you? That is what I look like?”
He seemed taken aback. I could see it in the flare that sprang in his eyes. “Sorta.”
Like on impulse, I flailed my hands in the air. “What is wrong with everyone else in this town for crying out loud?”
He let out a chortle, and it sounded cute, somewhat inviting, too. “I’ve been asking that same damn question too.”
“So, you’re new here?”
“Well, no. not really, anyways. I was born here, but then, left for college, and everything was the same when I came back. It was like the entire world went forward, but this town paused in some fucking weird orbit.”
“Yeah, they are so trapped in time. Like, who stares at a lady just because she is dressed so formal? The fifties called. It needs it community villains back.” I could feel my forehead relax as I vented. “And, I swear, I just want to breathe. I have been on the road for three days.”
“Damn, girl. That’s a lot. So, where did you move from?”
“Florida.”
“Nice. And what for?”
“Well, I got a nice job. Going to be the manager mayor-aide.”
“Pretty weird title.” He sounded like he didn’t like the mayor for some reason, but I didn’t care. I was swamped, and the heels of my feet and their entire frame were failing me.
“Yeah, but it is a job that matters.”
“So, you are in politics.”
“Working for a politician doesn’t really mean I’m into politics.” Really, what was this conversation turning into?
“Yeah, for sure. So, what do you need help locating?”
“Actually, my house. The one that would come with the job.” I pulled out my phone to glance at the directions once again. “It says it is at Corduroy Lane.”
“Corduroy Lane?” He laughed so heartily I almost thought he was about to choke.
“What’s the matter?”
“It’s nothing. Just that you kind of passed that, probably an hour ago. On foot.”
“What do you mean?”
“Have you been to work today?”
“Well, yes, that is where I was coming from.”
“So, your office is at Corduroy Lane.”
“What the hell? So, all this journey was for nothing? You know, I left my car and began walking because I thought I could actually cover some distance and sight some signs I couldn’t easily spot from my car.”
