Page 1 of Dart to Me
JULIAN
I stepoff the Greyhound bus, my boot kicking up small plumes of dust as they hit the gravel at the modest station. A duffel bag is slung over my shoulder containing all I deem worth carrying from a life I am eager to leave behind. My long sleeve shirt is barely hiding my tribal tattoos beneath the cuffs. This is a small town, and the last I need is to be the talk of it.
It didn’t take long, as stares accompany me through town. Lawson Ridge isn’t accustomed to outsiders, especially not men like me who have the marks of a life lived hard and fast.
The numbers on the houses descend as I make my way down Oak Avenue. Everything about this town is different compared to Houston. Number 45. It is between a towering oak tree and a picket fence that is begging for a fresh coat of paint.
I hesitate at the fence, noticing my neighbor. Her back is to me, showering her garden. Her blonde hair falls down her back in waves. I watch as she pauses, tipping her head back to take in the sun.Okay, I’m not a creep. Announce yourself.I clear my throat, causing her to turn.
“Morning.”
Her eyes meet mine. I open my fence and walk toward her side. “Those are some impressive petunias.”
She straightens up, her gaze flitting across the tattoos peeking out beneath my shirt. “Thank you. They’re my grandmother’s favorite.”
“Seems like your grandmother had good taste. I’ve never had much of a green thumb myself, but I can appreciate the work that goes into keeping them alive.”
“Everyone has to start somewhere.” She sets down the hose, and brushes a stray lock of hair behind her ear, revealing a smudge of soil on her cheek. “If you’re interested, I can give you some tips. Gardening can be therapeutic.”
“Therapy might be just what I need. And your name is?”
“Ellie. Ellie Harper. You must be my new neighbor?”
“That’s me. Julian Evans. I’m gonna get unpacked. Have a good day.”
You are not going to sleep with your neighbor. This is a fresh start. Keep your dick in your pants, Julian.
I stand on the threshold of my new home. The doorframe paint is peeling, and I open the door. Inside, I sit down my duffel bag, its contents spilling out like the fragments of my former life, waiting to be reassembled into something new.
I need to drop off my things and head over to check in with my new boss. The price for this place is nothing compared to what I paid in Houston. The cost of living in this small town is so much easier to come up with, for sure.
I hear the truck before I see it. The dealership here gave me a great deal on an older truck and I need a way to get around. My job is about twenty minutes away.
I walk back out the front door and see a man getting out of the truck. “Hey man, thanks for bringing it over for me.”
“No problem. We like to keep our customers happy. Here are your two set of keys. Gas tank is full also. Thanks for your business.”
The man gets into the work truck that pulled in after him, and they head out.
My neighbor’s eyes are on my truck. “Never seen an older truck before?”
She shakes her head. “Actually, I’m pretty sure that’s my grandpa’s truck. We sold it to the dealership after he passed.”
What a small world. “I promise to take good care of it.” I get inside, turn on the engine, and head toward my new job.
The job that is a fresh start. The path to the man I want to be, instead of the man I am. Everyone has mistakes they’ve made, but I won’t let them define me. Hence, the sudden move to this small town in the middle of nowhere Texas.
Thompson Development comes into view. Hopefully the guy isn’t a complete jackass. It’s hard for me to hold my tongue, and I don’t need any trouble. I stride in and go to the second floor, but the man isn’t what I expect. Slicked back hair and a suit that probably cost more than I made in a month back in Houston. Lonnie extends a hand.
“Julian Evans. I’ve heard you’re quite the fighter, both in and out of the ring. We need someone with your… tenacity.”
Not sure how my fighting skills have anything to do with the job description, but okay. He seems too eager. “Happy to be on board.”
“Good. We play for high stakes here. I expect you to learn fast and hit the ground running.”
“I don’t intend to disappoint.”
“Let’s hope not.”
