Page 16 of Loathe at First Sight

I remind myself that when I stop back by the bakery that I need to talk to Jana and make sure she knows what’s going on. As much as I want to help Tali, I won’t ever do anything behind Jana’s back. She should be able to handle her granddaughter however she sees fit.

I look down at Ellie who has already laid down on the ground after us stopping for no longer than thirty seconds.

“Man, you’re lazy,” I tell her.

All she does in return is roll over to show me her belly.

“Come on. Let’s get you home, so I can get to work.”

six

From one Wolves Den to Another

Liz

My eyes open as I adjust on the bed. I try to look around, but something bright yellow blocks my view. Reaching up, I grab the sticky note that’s been stuck to my forehead.

I turn it around to look at it, but it takes a minute for my sleepy eyes to be able to focus enough to make it out.

When you wake up, come to the bar.

-Mom

Heaven forbid the woman leave any type of nice words. At least she was decent enough to cover me up with a blanket.

I know that she will be expecting me, but since I’m likely to get an earful from her, I’m not in any hurry to get there.

Not quite ready to get out of bed, I simply lie here, looking up at the ceiling, once again watching the fan go round and round.

Back in my childhood room.

Good lord, what am I doing?

When I left for college, I told myself that was it. It was time to branch out and make my own way in the world. I had no intention of ever moving back here. I wanted to make my parents proud of how much I accomplished—but more so, I wanted to be proud of myself by putting my stamp on the world.

I’m batting a zero average on all of those right about now.

Although I don’t think my parents would ever admit it, I’m sure that the events that have taken place over the last year have put a black mark on our family. When word gets out around town, I’m sure that they will get questioned a million times over about it.

I reach over and grab my phone to look at it. Checking it in the mornings is a mere habit since I can’t remember the last time that someone texted me who wasn’t a member of my immediate family. When you fall from grace, you learn who your true friends are.

Turns out I didn’t have any.

I see that I have no notifications and decide that I’m not going to dwell on that right now. Instead, I’m going to get up and start my day.

What am I going to do today?

I have no fucking idea.

Half an hour later, I’m showered, dressed, and on the hunt for coffee. Since most of my stuff is still in the back of my car, I didn’t have much choice when it came to what to wear today. A pair of leggings, a tank top, and a lycra jacket are just going to have to do. Thank goodness I grabbed my tennis shoes because I don’t know how well my heels would go with this get-up.

And since I forgot my bag with all of my toiletries, my crazy curls are pulled up into a bun, and I don’t have a speck of makeup on. Honestly, now that I’m back here, what’s the point in trying to even look cute? It’s not like I’m on the prowl for men. And even if I were, I don’t think that standards around here are the highest.

Going through the kitchen, I quickly find coffee and get a pot brewing. I’m pretty sure this is the same coffee pot that my mom had when I still lived at home. I’m surprised it even turns on anymore. I doubt that I will be able to make a good latte or cappuccino with it.

Opening up the fridge, I look for some creamer but find nothing.

I guess I’m drinking it black.

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