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My small victory was short-lived when she slapped me across the face, snapping my head to the side. Tears filled my eyes. I was not prepared for her attack.

“That’s enough,” Dr. Kendall yelled. She opened the door and shouted for someone to call security.

“I’ll make you sorry, you little bitch.” Cherise slammed her shoulder into Dr. Kendall’s as she pushed past her.

My hand was on my cheek as I stood there with a smile back on my face. I couldn’t believe I was finally free of her.

“Are you okay, Lyn?”

“I’m free.” I nodded as I looked up at her. “I’m getting the hell out of this town and away from that crazy family.”

“Good.”

I walked out of the office. As I slid into the driver’s seat of my car, I glanced over and found Cherise watching me. A shiver worked across my body, but I kept my head held high. The red mark from where she slapped me on display. Once I closed the door, I took a selfie and attached it to an email. I typed a brief statement, needing to document proof of everything, then sent it to my attorney. I also informed him I wasn’t pregnant. He would add that information to the divorce proceedings.

“Here’s your lunch, ma’am.” I’m broken from my dark thoughts and smile up at the waitress. “That looks like it hurts. Do you want a cool cloth for it?” She points at my cheek. My fair skin will show the mark for a while.

“No, it’s okay. It’s a badge of honor. I got out.” I smile before taking a big bite of my grilled ham and cheese sandwich.

The waitress pats my back and walks off. I hear her say something about being proud someone got out.

Hours later, I’m looking in the motel room mirror. I reached Prominence Point a couple of hours ago and met with my new landlord. She’s the sweetest lady. I’m renting a two-bedroom house on her vineyard. She even lined me up with a second job on the weekends. It’s in her husband’s fine dining restaurant, which is also on the vineyard.

Everything is finally starting to look up. This weekend was my graduation, but I chose not to walk. There was no one to be there for me, so what’s the point. With my grammy gone, I have no one. When my parents were alive, they never came to school functions. To be honest, I stopped inviting them after they embarrassed me too many times. Sayler would come once I caught his eye, but it mostly bothered me. Now I’m okay with having no one. My parents taking me from my grandparents taught me to be on my own. I don’t need anyone anymore.

Everyone other than Grammy just tried to use me. I no longer have to carry Sayler’s baby, and I’m out from under his parents’ control. All I have left to do is finish packing the few belongings in the apartment I used to share with Grammy. I also have to clear out the storage units I put my furniture and other things into while I waited to move after the Benedicts threw me out of the condo. I have six weeks left with my current employer, then I’ll finally be free of Tucson for good. I work for a private school as a teacher’s aide.

I need to let off some steam. When I checked in, I noticed the country bar across the street from my motel. Rosco's doesn’t look the nicest or even the cleanest, but that’s not going to stop me. I’ve never been in a bar before, unless I count the time I went to the country club with the Benedicts. We had to go intothe bar to get Cherise. She was having drinks with her friends while they waited for us. Sayler wouldn’t leave me in the lobby alone with his father.

Before Sayler deployed, he got us a condo near my college campus, moving me away from his creepy father. When we lived with his parents in their big house, his father would walk in on me numerous times. I was living in the condo when my grammy found me. When we learned Sayler was cheating on me, she started helping me get out of the marriage. That’s when Cherise kicked me out of the condo. I moved what was mine into a storage unit, and then I received a letter from Sayler saying everything was mine and to take it all, so I did.

I look down at my outfit again, not sure if it’s the most appropriate for this bar, but I don’t care. It’s not something Cherise would have told me to wear. Or that Sayler would have allowed me to wear, but I like it. The blue minidress is sexy and alluring, with its cinched waist and V-neck that shows the swells of my breasts. The country turquoise blue color is flattering against my pale skin. I bought it on a whim one day and was worried I’d never have the courage to wear it. I like prairie style dresses, and this is similar but shorter.

My butterfly necklace that my grammy got me after she found me is the only jewelry I’m wearing, other than my watch. I stopped wearing my wedding ring after I found out about Sayler’s girlfriend. His mother demanded the engagement ring be returned to her as it was a family heirloom. I didn’t care because I didn’t need any more memories of that life. My long blond hair falls in loose waves down my back.

Tonight, I’m starting my new life on my own. Just the way I should have years ago. I’m ready for a life I choose. Maybe I’ll date someone. Maybe I won’t. Maybe I’ll have a one-night stand.

I slip my room key inside my little crossbody purse and head out the door. I look across the parking lot and road to the bar,worried this isn’t such a good idea when I hear the music and people yelling. But I won’t let fear hold me back any longer. I push my shoulders back, hold my head high, and walk across the street.

The bouncer looks me up and down as I hold up my ID. I briefly wonder if I’m not dressed appropriately for this establishment. He steps aside, granting me access. I’m instantly bombarded by the smell of stale beer when I cross the threshold. This bar, like all in Arizona, doesn’t allow smoking, but there is a haze in the air. I move to the bar, feeling eyes on me. The waitresses are dressed in tiny shorts and cut up half shirts. The patrons are in an array of different dress styles, most with a western theme.

“What can I get you, doll?” an older man at the bar asks me. His skin is weathered from the sun, and he has kind eyes but a lost soul.

“Beer,” I say. I’m not a fan, but I know this isn’t the kind of place to order a fancy wine like the ones Sayler’s family used to order and have me sip.

“Bottle or glass?” he asks, and I remember some important safety tips that Sayler once told me.

“Bottle, no preference.”

A bottle of beer is placed in front of me after he pops the top. I take a deep swallow and instantly don’t like it. I try to cover my reaction, but the man notices.

“Sure you want a beer, doll? You look more like a martini kind of girl.” He looks me up and down.

“I’m sure. Thank you.” I smile at him, and he smiles back.

“Doll, you keep smiling at me like that, and I’m going to think you like me.” He reaches across the bar. “I’m Gus. This is my bar.”

I slide my hand into his and shake it. His hand is big and calloused.

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