Page 1 of Cross my Heart

Prologue

Cydne

March 5th…

Is it really running if no one is chasing you? It’s a question I’ve asked myself the past few hours as I randomly take my new car down one road after another, no destination in mind as long as it isn’t back the way I came.

Besides, it’s not like those I left behind want that either. My whole life I’ve been the tag along, the person that was on the outside looking in. My dad and mom adore each other, so much so that it doesn’t really leave time for anyone else.

Including their daughter.

Of course, I didn’t figure this out until I was ten and they’d forgotten my birthday, so focused on their upcoming second honeymoon. Nor following any of the refresher courses they’ve given over the years.

Date night on my sixteenth birthday.

A weekend getaway for the two of them on my eighteenth.

Ballet tickets the night of my high school graduation.

An opera during moving in day for the college I’d chosen. One I attended with a full scholarship, thank you very much.

So why, with all that evidence to prove our relationship was not only expendable, it wasn’t even a factor in their decisions, was yesterday the last straw?

Perhaps because it might’ve been the last chance for them to prove me wrong? To change their ways and remember I exist?

I’d been in an accident – not my fault – while out running errands. A guy had rear-ended me, and not in a sexy way, because he’d reached for the cell phone he’d dropped. Such a cliché. He made me a statistic. Ugh.

My car took a beating and did not keep ticking. The bumper made a great impression of trying to crawl up my ass from the impact, rendering it useless. I could’ve walked away from it, and tried to, but the EMTs insisted on transporting me to the hospital, claiming I could have whiplash.

Truth be told, my neck did hurt, so it wasn’t a bad idea. I just hated the thought of it.

I was cleared and released with a warning to let them know if I experienced any pain. I did, but it wasn’t from medical reasons.

I’d called my parents, even talked to my mother, and let her know I was in a crash and they were taking me in. Her response after learning her only child could’ve been seriously injured?

“Oh, our appetizers just arrived.” Then she hung up. I’d stared at my cell in shock until a loud noise broke me from it, the sound a sob being torn from me that I wasn’t even aware I’d made until a nurse had rushed over. That’s when I knew my true place in their lives, and it was last.

I’d walked out of that hospital, the Uber I’d ordered to take me home waiting, and begun the process of extricating myself from a life that didn’t want me in it.

Maybe wherever I end up, I’ll start one that will.

Chapter One

Curtis

March 12th…

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…

I hum along with the singer, not even attempting to join in regardless of how much that line resonates with me. He does just fine on his own.

My mind wanders as he continues and I sit in my car, waiting for my shift to start. I located a place to live. Discovered a job. Came upon people who’d like to be my friends if only I’d let them. Though my boss, Declan, didn’t give me the option. That fucker redefines the meaning of stubborn.

But that’s all. Maybe I haven’t founditbecause I don’t know whatitis. Perhaps I never will. Is it settling down as so many around me seem to be doing? If so, I don’t see me following suit anytime soon. I’ve lived here a few years now, and none of the women factor one iota of romantic inclination in my mind…or elsewhere. They could be a post along the side of the road for all the attention I pay them unless I’m working and mixing their drinks.

Despite the recent influx of new residents it’s been rare in my albeit limited experience here to have strangers visiting Sweetville, let alone moving to it.

Elvin and Buttercup are opening their lodge next month.

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