Page 66 of Lodged

“I’m sorry, I’m not expressing myself clearly. I plan to apply to be a professor at the community college and would like to see if Azalea Creek is the place I want to call home.” I release a breath when I see her smile kindly again.

“That’s excellent, new blood to teach all the younglings in the area.” I nod with a smile, thankful my little white lie got me a place to stay.

“What’s your name, dear?” I extend my hand to introduce myself.

“Gio Bianchi, nice to meet you.” She holds my hand in both of hers.

“I’m Calista Ford, but everyone calls me Callie.” I give her a smile and try to retrieve my hand from hers, which makes herchuckle. I take out my credit card, and the moment she spots my black AmEx, her eyes bulge.

“Oh, my. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this kind of card before.” I blush and clear my throat.

“I have cash, too, if you prefer,” I offer.

“Oh, no, dear. I can’t wait to tell the gals I have a fancy young man staying in my hotel.” She winks at me as she takes a tablet from one of the drawers and adds my card info into her system.

“Here you go, Mr. Bianchi. I put you in room 105. Please let me know if there’s anything I can assist you with.” She winks at me as she gives me my card and points me toward a hall I assume will take me to my room. I thank her and head there to get a shower and change; I want to be presentable in case I see Ruin in town. When I enter the room, I’m pleasantly surprised by the way it’s decorated. There’s a queen bed with what looks like a soft, breathable white comforter and at least ten neatly arranged pillows. A small table with a lamp and an office chair looks like the perfect place to set up my computer. A huge window offers a view of the garden on the side of the building. This is more like a house renovated to be a hotel—I’m really liking this homey vibe.

It’s still nice and bright outside, even as the evening falls upon us. I decide to walk from the hotel to Main Street, where the MacAllister’s diner is located. The Rustic Spoon’s menu is full of comfort food goodness. I can’t wait to try their hush puppies.

From the outside, it looks cozy and inviting. White trim windows and planters with red and purple flowers adorn every window. There’s a big sign in one of the windows that reads, “Come in, get a bite, and take a peek at your future with a reading from Granny MacA.” The sign has a drawing of an old lady holding a tarot card, looking like a hellion. I chuckle at the image. I don’t think I know anyone who reads tarot, but Granny MacA looks like she’s a hoot.

The moment I enter the diner, the aroma of pork BBQ and hush puppies hits me, and I’m in heaven.

“Hey, there. I’ll be with you in one second.” A voice that I know all too well says, and suddenly I feel weak. I hold onto the wall for support. Ruin works here? I follow her with my gaze as she disappears behind the kitchen door. I shake my head, not sure if that was really her or if my head is making her up. I thought she still had amnesia. What is she doing here?

She’s wearing black yoga pants and a black T-shirt with the Rustic Spoon logo—nothing like she used to wear when we were together. When she returns from the kitchen, she’s holding a big tray with plates and glasses filled with what looks like tea and water. With a smile, she effortlessly delivers the food, and after placing the tray on a side table, she comes my way with a smile on her face.

I’m astonished. How can she be so casual? Is she really going to pretend we don’t know each other? Or maybe she still has amnesia.

“Hello, I’m sorry for the wait. Table for one, or are you waiting on some friends?” Ruin says in an upbeat tone, her eyes on me as she waits for my answer. Which, of course, is stuck in my brain—because how is this real life?

“Are you okay?” she asks, her face transforming with worry lines. I shake my head again as I close my eyes. I need a moment. I knew I was going to see her on this trip, but nothing could have ever prepared me for her to treat me like a complete stranger. It hurts more than words can say.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just need to sit down,” I finally tell her.

“Of course. Please, follow me.” She leads me to a table near the kitchen, there’s a nice window by it. It looks secluded from the other tables. Maybe she wants to talk to me privately? A glimmer of hope starts blooming in my chest. After she places the menu on the table, she goes into the kitchen again, and I take a seat.

“Here, maybe some water will help you.” I take the glass from her hand and nod my appreciation. Our fingers touch, and even though I feel goose bumps rising on the back of my neck, I can’t look her in the eye. I still can’t believe the way she’s treating me. I take a big gulp of water, then another, trying to take a deep breath, but I can feel Ruin’s gaze on me.

After a few uncomfortable beats, she clears her throat. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to see if you’re ready to order.”

She disappears, and I don’t look back to see where she went. I need to gather my thoughts before I can ask her what the hell is going on. I wonder who I should text—Vicente and Gabo, or Penny? Gabo is probably busy taking care of my sister. Vicente will likely be out and about in London. There’s only one person who will reply to my text right away.

Gio: You won’t believe what’s going on.

Penny: Your student’s sister is not your Ruin?

Gio: Something even more ludicrous.

Penny: Just say it, Gio, I don’t do well with surprises. Or suspense.

Gio: So, I’m at this diner in Azalea Creek, and Ruin is my waitress, but she’s acting like she doesn’t know me.

Nothing, not even the three little dots appear on my screen. What the hell?

Gio: Penny?

Penny: OH SHIT, SHE STILL HAS AMNESIA THEN.

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