Page 180 of Mountain Grump
Knowing I’m getting money today stresses me out. But being able to tip with abandon makes me feel a little better about it.
I step aside to wait as she makes my drink, and I think about the friends I had back in Vegas. People I worked with, mostly, who I don’t really talk to outside of the random group invite.
A weird feeling settles in my stomach as I accept the fact that I don’t plan on telling them I moved.
As I accept the fact that I’m not close with anyone.
Except…
A tattooed man sleeping in bed with me.
A muscled man scaring off a mountain lion for me.
A grumpy man humming the “Happy Birthday” song so I could pee.
“One birthday cake latte.”
I blink and grab the paper cup off the end of the counter. “Thank you.”
I was planning to sit inside and enjoy my drink while using their internet, but half of the tables are already in use, and I’m starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. So, I take my latte to my truck.
Thankfully, the wind is cooperating today, meaning it’s a little warm, but I don’t flash the store as I walk to where I parked.
I left my windows cracked, so when I get in, I don’t bother starting the engine.
Settling into the seat, I take a sip. And I groan.
Wowza.
I take another sip. And another. And wonder how weird it would be if I went back in for a second.
Weird enough that I know I won’t.
I pop out the questionable drink holder from the dashboard and set my latte in it. Then I do what I’ve been putting off all morning.
I check my bank account.
It takes me a moment to connect to the coffee shop’s Wi-Fi. And another moment to log into my bank app. And then I press a hand to my stomach.
The balance.
I pull in a slow breath.
The balance is the small amount I had before moving to Colorado. Plus, the twenty thousand. Minus the bit of money I’ve spent since then. Plus… five hundred thousand dollars.
I press down harder on my stomach.
“Fuck me.”
I blink.
“Holy fucking shit.”
I exhale.
“What the fuck, Uncle Jack?”
It’s real.
