Page 4 of Sweet Poison

“Hello, Henry,” I said softly, as I hunted around in my pockets for a few pieces of dried apple. He came closer and ate them off my hand. His tongue rasped on my skin.

“That’s it. No more,” I said.

But he carried on begging with his marvelous liquid eyes.

Gently, I scratched the top of his head. “Sorry, but it’s really all gone, Henry. Finished. No more.”

He must have understood because he reluctantly wandered off. I turned back to look at Lola and suddenly a voice in my head said, ‘It’s time for a change, Montana.’

I frowned.

Change?

Was change coming?

For some weird reason, it made me think of excitement, accidents… and death. I froze. Whatever it was, I for sure wasn’t looking forward to it. My scowl grew deeper. I didn’t want change. I liked my life as it was. As a matter of fact, I loved my life and didn’t want it to change at all.

Then I laughed aloud at my runaway thoughts. I was just being silly. Change was not coming. Change never happened in this small town. I’d lived here for twenty-four years and nothing exciting had ever happened.

I got back on Lola and rode to the Watering Hole.

It was Friday night and that was where I met my three best friends for a drink once a week. There was Pearl, who taught money management and history; Natalie, who schooled the kids in science and geography; and Kelly, who gave them biology lessons.

Chapter 2

Montana

“Ugh,” Natalie groaned, flicking her flaming red hair back over her shoulder. “I wish we’d go to another bar. I really don’t like this place.”

“Why?” Pearl asked.

“It’s obnoxiously loud, and it smells like feet and sweat.”

“It’s a majority male bar. Of course, it smells like sweat and feet.” Kelly laughed, already a bit giddy and excited.

“Maybe we should go to the Lake club next time? It’s quite sophisticated,” Pearl suggested.

“No, no. Absolutely not. I'm avoiding Jack,” Natalie said fiercely. “He’s working in the kitchen tonight.”

“Why are you avoiding him?” I asked.

But before Natalie could answer there was a sudden roar.

“Just our luck.” Pearl groaned. “There's a game on.”

“Better chances to meet more men,” Kelly answered gleefully as she led the way towards a corner booth. She threw her purse on one of the seats, pushed her tiny miniskirt down her hips and smiled at the rest of us.

“What do you guys want to drink? I’ll get it because I have my eye on the bartender.”

We looked over and indeed found him to be very cute. He reminded me of a younger version of Justin Timberlake, but I was very much not into that.

“I’m having orange vodka,” Kelly announced.

“French Martini, please,” Natalie said.

Pearl nodded at Natalie. “You have the most excellent taste in cocktails. Same here.”

Kelly looked at me. “What about you, Miss Hermit?”

---