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"Really? Because if you did care, you could help me get James back by letting me know what you see and hear about him."
Finch's brows rise to his hairline. "You want me to spy on him? That's shady as hell."
"Sorry, you're right. I'm really working on being a better person, but old habits kick in sometimes."
"Don't get me wrong." Finch gives me a wicked grin. "I said it's shady. I didn't say I wouldn't do it." He reaches under the counter and slides a card across it. "Call me or stop by and I'll tell you everything I know."
The business card has his name, Finch Brewster, and his profession, custom portraits of people and pets. "You're an artist?"
"Trying to be. For what it's worth, I like your style, Cherry. Don't change for that asshole."
"Isn't change just another word for growth?"
He purses his lips like he's tasted something bad just as the bell over the door rings and a couple walk in, hand in hand. "Don't spew aphorisms at me, woman."
He gets back to work and I find a seat at a table to eat, sip, and plot.
***
I watch the snow falling outside from my bed, in the small efficiency condo I'm renting while I'm in town, and snack on jelly beans. Thankfully, the owner was willing to let me rent longer than the agreed upon week we started with. There are so many adorable bed and breakfasts in town, as well as a few nice hotels, so I'm not surprised my rental place isn't booked up through the new year.
It's a bit of a hike from downtown and its only view is of the parking lot, but it's clean and cozy.
Four years ago, when I lived with Mom full time and she had tons of alimony coming in, I never would have agreed to stay at such a small, ordinary place. Despite what RJ thinks of me, I've come a long way.
Nice or not, I'm going to be homeless if I don't find a way to make some money. And I'm not counting on Xavier paying me anytime soon.
I'm wearing the adorable outfit I had on when I ran into RJ and I still love it, but he might be right. This town might not be ready for my stellar sense of style. And if RJ would take me more seriously in a more boring outfit… It's not changing for him. It's just dressing differently until I can get him to see how I've changed.
I'll do whatever it takes to win him back.
Unfortunately, I don't have to dig through my suitcases to know I don't have anything that is boring, drab, or executive-level professional. It takes two minutes on my phone to find the nearest thrift store. I bundle up and head out.
I step out onto the sidewalk in front of the condo building and the wind blows right up my skirt, freezing me down to the bone. How do people live like this for nine months out of the year?
I shiver there for only a moment before I hurry back inside. If RJ doesn't appreciate my fashion, there's no sense in caring about anyone else. Back in my condo, I dig out a pair of jeans and pull on a sweatshirt with the name of my college emblazoned on the front. So what if it's a community college? I got an excellent education there and I'm proud of it.
Back out on the street, the wind is still brutal, but I'm warm enough to make it the six blocks to the thrift store. I do walk faster than I've ever walked, though, to keep warm. On the street, Christmas music plays from speakers set in the fronts of buildings and folks I pass wave and say hello with big cheery smiles. No one can be sad in a town this picturesque.
Except I'm feeling kind of sad. I'm lonelier than I can ever remember being. I miss my cousins and I miss the sunshine in Las Vegas.
I pick up my pace. There's no room for sad feelings or doubt. I came here with a mission and I won't give it up until I've achieved my goal.
The sign for the thrift store, Santa's Misfit Toys, comes into view and I blow out a breath. Almost there. Almost to the warmth of electric heat.
Three feet from the entrance, my feet go out from under me and for one long, panicked moment, I'm suspended, arms pinwheeling, attempting to grab air to keep myself upright.
I hit the pavement so hard my teeth slam together, but I manage to tuck my chin and keep my head from slamming down on the hard surface. For a moment, I just lay on the ground and take stock. My butt is screaming with pain already, so it took the brunt of the impact, but my back and my right elbow are also sore.
"Whoa. Are you okay?"
I squint up against the glare of the sun to see Xavier bent over me. He looks clearly worried. "Did you hit your head?"
"No. I mostly landed on my butt." I groan. Of course, he was here to witness another embarrassing moment. If I had any shot of convincing him to hire me, I've probably lost it.
"Do you think you can stand?"
Ordinarily, I can pop up from the ground quickly, but I don't feel like popping anywhere at the moment. I roll to my side and push myself up.
