Page 71 of When Sky Breaks

“Aw, not a lot, just picking up an extra shift in the back tonight. Oh, before I forget,” he pulls a set of keys from his pocket, “Here. Louise said to get this to you before tomorrow, so I’m glad you came in.” He searches through the keys, looking for the one that unlocks the church. “And to say thanks for covering for me. Katie has a nasty cold, and Jen can’t miss her shift, so I appreciate you stepping in.”

His bushy brows dip. “Well, shit. I think I left the key in my car. Before you leave, let me know, and I’ll grab it for you. Mel keeps saying I’d lose my head if it wasn’t attached to my neck. Thanks again.”

I clap him on the shoulder after taking a long drink. “Not a problem. It was easy to fit it in and anything for Louise, right?”

Ted laughs before lifting the divider on the bar. “You ain’t kidding. If only her desserts weren’t so good.” He shakes his balding head. “I owe you.”

“Naw,” I say. “It’s no big deal. Have a good night.”

Ted leaves and I let my one beer slide effortlessly down my throat. I refuse to have more than this. Not after seeing the devastating effects alcohol has had on my parents. Not after witnessing Sky get abused by an alcoholic father.

One for my birthday and then I’m heading to the soup kitchen and finally home. Where I’ll dream endlessly about that fucking kiss and what I gotta do to repeat it.

A couple of women sit down next to me, thankfully facing the other direction, and begin the customary, yet sometimes painfully annoying, gossip. A smirk forms around the lip of my bottle as they talk. Might as well enjoy some free entertainment and learn more about everyone’s business in this small town. You never know when it might come in handy.

“Did you see Tiff’s new diamond necklace? I swear every light in the church last Sunday was shining down on that gaudy thing.”

“Where do you think she got it?”

“Probably not even real. QVC, maybe.”

“Or she’s got a sugar daddy.”

I huff a laugh into the neck of my beer, hoping they don’t hear me.

“And where exactly would she find one of those here?”

“The only available man I know is Foster Berry, and, well, we know how that’s going right now.”

“I know, it’s so terrible. He’s so nice and definitely easy on the eyes.”

Oh boy. If he could only hear what these two women are saying. Might have to tell him next time I see him for a good laugh.

“I don’t think his wallet is fat enough to afford a diamond like that.”

“No, but you know who is?”

“Well, don’t keep me in suspense, Brenda. I only got a few hours before I have to get back home to Gary.”

“It’s not Gary, I’m afraid.”

Some drunk giggles follow, and I shake my head, downing the last of my drink.

“You know the sexy doctor that’s been seen around town with Sky Winters?”

Suddenly, I straighten, training my ears carefully to the conversation at hand.

“Oh yes, the tall one with a nice ass.”

Fuck. Don’t really want to hear this.

“Now his pockets are deep. Did you see the watch he’s wearing? And what does he see in Sky, anyway? She’s practically still a teen. And her dad’s got cancer. She’s bouncing all over town with that man, not one shameful bone in her body.”

I swivel on the stool and meet the eyes of the woman in pink who has a sour expression on her face. “I’d watch what you say, ma’am,” I rumble out, tapping a finger on the bar.

She frowns and puckers her lips, slurping up the rest of her fruity cocktail. “And you’re rude for listening in on other people’s conversations.”

The other woman turns to look at me before popping her head back. At least one has the decency to act ashamed.

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