Page 62 of Bossy Hero

My purse chimes again. It’s my phone.

Fumbling with the zipper, I find my cell, press the power button, and zip my purse.

She asks again, “What’s the guy look like? I’ll go tell the manager so they can kick him out.”

My fingernails slice into my palms. “No,pleasedon’t do that,” I beg, needing her to drop it before he finds me. “It’ll make him angry. Just let me hide. He’ll go away if I hide. Trust me. I’m fine.”

She doesn’t respond.

Ice clogs my veins, threatening to stop my heart.

The toilet flushes, and she exits the stall. The faucet turns on, and the sound of running water reaches my ears. Next comes the mechanical clapping sound of the soap dispenser clicking. Then the paper towel dispenser.

A sudden banging sound breaks through the relative peace of the restroom, and the din of the bar suddenly spikes.

Someone opened the door.

Was it her leaving, or is he coming to find me?

“Madeline? Are you in here?” a female hollers. Her voice is familiar, but I can’t place it over the ringing in my ears.

Every muscle in my body tenses. I hold my breath.

“No one’s in here but me,” the other voice answers confidently.

“Did you see a brunette? Thin? About this tall?”

“Nope. Only me in here.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks.”

Footsteps move away from me. The door opens. And when it closes, there’s only the muffled sounds of the bar on the other side of it.

And I wait in silence.

Until it’s safe to leave.

Just hide, Maddie. Run and hide so Daddy doesn’t find you.

I will, Mama.

Chapter10

Date Night

Maddie

Two years later - Clearwater, FL

Twisting back and forth in front of the floor-length mirror, I attempt to talk myself out of this absurd idea.

Again.

I look like a frumpy old woman, which I am. But the dress makes it much worse.

Who was I trying to kid by agreeing to this? I should never have said yes. Fifty-three is too old to date. I missed my chance for happiness.

Running my fingertips over the thick, scratchy fabric around my waist, I squint closely at it. “I think I had curtains with this same print in the nineties.”

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