AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My eye roll was severe.
Smile big was my mothers way of reminding me not to do anything to make the family look bad. At least no more than I had already done.
In DC I had worked minimum wage jobs, sometimes two or three at a time while renting a room in an apartment shared with various people. My mother loathed my idea of freedom, and while I knew I was on a leash, at least she’d given me the option to leave. My father had thrown a fit, in private of course but mom understood that I needed this time away from home.
The only problem was mom assumed it was merely a faze.
She couldn’t quite grasp that I had no intention of ever returning to their world full of politics and games. I would if it was merely to be their daughter and not a game piece to be moved around.
Me: Thanks for the heads up, I will reply. How are you mom? I miss you.
Her response didn’t come right away, which allowed me some time to start sorting folders.
Mom: The political season is off to a great start. We’d like your attendance at a few functions this holiday season if you can swing it.
My heart plummeted with her response. It felt like texting one of those political campaigns that texted around voting season, letting me know my vote counted. Every now and then glimpses of my mom would come through, but during an election season it was always buried beneath her wide, beaming smile and perfectly tailored pant suits.
I decided not to reply.
She knew I had moved to Rose Ridge, I’d told her as much when I moved here on a whim. But no follow up questions were ever asked. Not about my job, or why I’d selected such a small town when I’d vowed never to live in one again.
It was like I’d become invisible, and with a sad chuckle, I focused on the folders realizing that’s all I had ever been.
Three Months Ago
“Okay, so we are walking to the clubhouse…am I understanding you correctly?” I asked, swiping under my arms with a stick of deodorant. God, it was hot. I was used to a decent level of humidity living in DC, but this town was something different.
My best friend stood in the doorway with her arms crossed, likely still thinking through her plan. Since arriving, she was full of plans, ideas, and strategy. My girl had turned into a little battle commander, and I loved her for it. She was all glossy dark hair, tattoos and lip gloss. We were here in Rose Ridge, her hometown. Her pops had died and left her a ton of land, except her ex-boyfriend took issue with her claiming it because his club house was on the property. The jerk was messing with her, so I was here to help her in any way possible.
“Yeah…we need to start showing up and digging for information,” she mused, while stepping closer to the bed.
“No, wear the one that shows more cleavage.” Callie pointed, while shaking her head. I’d just slid on a tattered crop top that showed my midriff, so I looked down at it and frowned.
“My stomach is way more attractive than my boobs. Let me keep this one on.”
“Your boobs are fantastic.” Callie smiled.
I gently caressed the mermaid scales on my rib cage. “But this shirt shows my tattoo.”
Letting out a sigh, Callie gave in. I knew she would; she loved this tattoo. It had taken her weeks to finish it, in between both our jobs and other clients. Since she was trading help with pet-sitting her gladiator dog, Max, and ensuring he didn’t eat her couch while she worked, she was doing my mermaid tail for free.
“What about you, aren’t you going to dress up even a little bit?” I asked, pulling on a pair of high-heeled boots.
Callie shook her head. “Wear the flat boots on the way over, then change once we get there. It’s a good half-mile up to the clubhouse.”
“Right, shoot.” I tore off the kicks, noticing my best friend scrutinize her own outfit. She was in a cropped black tank top and a pair of ripped jeans.
“This outfit works, doesn’t it?” she asked nervously.
I stood and tossed a pair of shorts at her, teasing.
“Show off your best asset, Callie.”
We continued getting ready, trying to lighten the mood, but I could sense the unease in my best friend. Finally, when we were ready to go, I assessed the behemoth Great Dane lounging on the two-seater sofa. He was probably going to eat it. The creature ate everything. Callie was just in denial about it.
“Will Max be okay while we’re gone?”
With his chin on his paws, his eyes moved back and forth between us with a little huff.
