Page 13 of Forget Me Not

Her eyes lift from the bowl, but her hand doesn’t stop as she speedily stirs whatever is inside. “I trust you’re enjoying your stay here?”

I nod with a pressed smile. “Very much. Thank you.” There’s a bit of silence before I say, “Enjoy your night.”

One foot steps in front of the other when she grabs my attention again. “You look beautiful. Going out tonight?”

“Umm. Yeah.” I shoot a thumb to my right. “Just over to Taryn’s.”

I decided to doll myself up tonight with a cute sequin blush-colored dress with long sleeves. There’s a dipped V in the front that really highlights my hot-as-fuck cleavage. My tits are probably my favorite thing about myself. I’m not petite by any means and I’ve learned to love my hourglass curves. There’s nothing wrong with showing off my goods every now and then. Even if I am just going to a tavern in a one-street town where I’m the outcast.

“Ahh.” Gladys’s voice bubbles. “Work or pleasure?”

She’s a sweet lady, and I’m eternally grateful for her renting me a room for an indefinite amount of time, but she sure is a nosey little thing.

“Neither,” I tell her honestly. “I’m not working, but I also doubt I’ll enjoy myself much. People, noise—not really my thing. But I can’t just sit in my room all day, so I figure,” I gesture to my outfit, “why not, right?” It’s the truth. My outfit has absolutely nothing to do with the man I saw earlier today. I’m definitely not hoping he’s there or that he takes notice. Not even a little bit.

She chuckles airily. “Oh, Rhea. You really need to learn to enjoy the simple things in this life. Before you know it, the highlight of your weekend will be testing out a new garlic mash recipe. Go have yourself some fun.”

“Thanks, Gladys,” I snicker. “I’ll definitely try.”

“You know what, dear,” she begins as she lets the spoon fall inside of the bowl. “The night is young. Why don’t I go with you so you’re not all alone.” Her soft brown eyes light up as she unties the ropes of her floral-print apron behind her back.

I hold up a hand, halting her. “Oh, Gladys. That’s not necessary. You stay here and finish your new recipe. I’m anxious to try it when I get home.”

“You sure, dear?” Her face falls slightly, but I don’t want to be leaning into her all night just to be able to hear her over all the noise at Taryn’s. I do feel a little bit bad, though, because she’s been so kind to me.

My tongue clicks on the roof of my mouth. “Absolutely. How about a rain check? We could light up the town another night?”

When you reject an offer from someone, it’s always best to lift their spirits with a new invitation. Even if you have zero intentions of following through with the plans. At least that’s the way I’ve always manipulated situations. This time is different, though. I’m not fleeing before sunrise and I’m going to be seeing Gladys often. In this case, I think I might actually mean what I say.

“Sounds like a rocking good time.” Gladys throws her fist in the air and I can’t help the laugh that slips out of me. She’s cute as fuck and I can only hope I’m as cool as her when I’m in my eighties.

“Good night, Gladys.” As I move to put one foot in front of the other again, she calls out.

“Oh, and speaking of rain checks. Rent for next month is due Monday, and wouldn't you know it, it’s supposed to rain. Be safe tonight, dear.”

Fuck.Thanks for crushing my spirits, Gladys.

I keep moving forward, each step feeling heavier than the last.

I’m dead-ass broke and don’t get a paycheck again until next Friday. It would be nice if I could count on tips, but the residents in this damn town have proven to be tightwads.

I walk out the front door and down the three cement steps in front of the large house. It’s a six-bedroom place, with five rooms that are rented out. Most of the guests just stay here for a weekend at a time, but Gladys said there are the occasional semi-permanent occupants. Currently, I’m the only one.

Out front is a small lawn full of flowers. There’s a worn stone path that leads to a wrought iron gate opening up to the sidewalk. I click the lever and push it open, stepping right onto Main Street. Directly next door is Taryn’s Tavern. It’s a very convenient location of work for someone who doesn’t have a car. It’s also a reminder that I need to quit being so damn negative. Sure, I don’t have any money. Gladys will probably kick me out on Monday when I tell her I don’t have rent, but hey, at least I’ve got the weekend.

I haven’t even closed the gate and I can already hear the honky-tonk music coming from inside. When I stop to listen to the lyrics of “Fancy” by Reba McEntire, they take me back to another time. A time when life felt so easy, but looking back, it was only easy because the hardness of it all didn’t touch me. I was too numb to feel anything at all.

“Aren’t you a little young to be in a bar this late on a Saturday night?”

“I’m eighteen,” I tell the grouchy bartender. “I must’ve missed the rule about teenagers not being allowed in here.”

“Common sense, girl. Why don’t you go home and cuddle your teddy bear and get yourself a good night's sleep.”

I roll my eyes at his charade. “My civil rights are allowing me to sit my cute ass at the table right over there so I can order some food. Are you refusing my service due to my age?”

“Kitchen’s closed, shortcake. Now see yourself out before I put in a call to the town sheriff.”

I stick my tongue out at him, snarling like the child he’s pegging me as.

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