Page 27 of Follow Me Down

“And who are you calling a princess, anyway?” I question in hopes of steering the conversation away from where I’m from, which I’m surprise he still hasn’t asked. In fact, there’s very little he’s asked about me. I’m not sure if it’s because he simply doesn’t care or because somehow he knows I don’t want to talk about it. “Pretty sure you grew up in a mansion ten times the size of where I grew up. I bet you even had people to cook and clean for you.”

“That may be so, but I didn’t have a choice in the matter. And once I did,” he pauses, gesturing around the room, “well, you see how I live now.”

“Do you ever regret it?” I can’t help but ask.

“Not for a single second.” His answer is instant.

I think on that for a moment, wondering if I’ll ever be as sure of myself and my decisions as he seems to be.

Unlike Titus did, I don’t have anywhere to go once I leave here. No house lined up. No useful talents that will provide me with a sustainable income. I have absolutely no plan whatsoever. And I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t terrified.

“I’m going to go change really quick and then we can head into town.”

“Okay.” I nod, my eyes following him as he exits the kitchen and disappears down the hallway.

——

Leary is almost exactlyas I pictured it would be. Small. Quaint. Quiet. Very different from what I’m used to.

There really isn’t much to the small town. A gas station on the corner. A rundown strip mall with a hardware store, preschool, post office, and a small little market, all crammed together. On the opposite side, a bank that looks like it’s a hundred years old, and a little privately owned boutique, which given the looks of it is more like a consignment shop. If I had to guess, I’d say this is where Titus got the jersey shorts and tank he brought home to me yesterday morning.

It’s hard to believe that was only yesterday. It feels like I’ve been here weeks, not two days. It’s strange how at home I feel in that little cabin, especially given that I’m staying with two men that I know nothing about. Well, that’s not entirely true. I’ve learned quite a lot about both of them over the last couple of days. But that doesn’t mean Iknowthem. It just means I know where they’ve come from. Which are two very different things.

Titus drives further up the sloped road; a pharmacy and the little pizza place we ate from last night coming into view.

“You should be able to get what you need at Jack’s Pharmacy,” he says, flipping on his turn signal. “They have the basics. Shampoo, body wash, makeup. That kind of thing.” He pulls up to the entrance instead of parking.

“You’re not coming in?” I ask, relieved. I really didn’t want to have to buy tampons in front of him. I know it’s a normal thing and that there’s nothing to be embarrassed by, but that doesn’t mean I want to do it.

“No, I’m going to make a quick run to the hardware store. Do you need money or anything?” It’s sweet of him to ask but also makes me feel a little pathetic at the same time.

“No, I’ve got it covered.”

“Okay. Take your time and I’ll pick you up back here in a few minutes.”

“Okay.” I nod, pushing open the truck door before quickly slipping out, careful not to let my sundress ride up as I do.

I throw Titus a small wave before I head into the store, able to hear the roar of his truck as he drives away.

I grab a shopping basket and slowly make my way down each aisle. Even though I only really need the one thing, by the time I make it to the register I have several items in the basket. A mud mask, nail clippers, tweezers. The little things I know I’ll need but didn’t think I’d be gone long enough to pack.

When I exit the store about twenty minutes later, Titus is waiting for me at the curb.

Climbing into the truck, I drop the two shopping bags on the floor by my feet before securing my seatbelt.

“Get everything you need?” he asks, popping the truck into gear.

“And then some.” I smile.

“Good.” He pulls out of the parking lot and back onto the road. “It’s getting close to lunchtime. You hungry?”

“Why? Are you going to feed me pizza again?” I ask, assuming that’s the only restaurant in town. Well, as far as I have seen it is.

“Not unless you want pizza again,” he retorts.

“What else is there?”

“There’s a little café on the edge of town. They have sandwiches and stuff.”

---