Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
I checked the time, and it was early, but I couldn’t wait. A quick check on Google, and I had the phone number to the Pony Up bar in the neighboring town of Mason Creek.
“Pony Up.” A man answered the phone.
“Hi, my name’s Haley Stillman. I believe I lost my wallet there last night.”
“Can you describe it?”
I did, from the pink color to everything inside, including the amount of cash that was in there.
“Give me a minute to check,” he said, before putting me on hold.
If he came back and said no, I’d call Avery and pray that it had fallen out in her jeep. A minute later, he picked up. “Yeah, we have it.”
“When can I come by and pick it up?”
“Anytime. We’re open until about one.”
“In the afternoon?” I asked, surprised.
“In the morning.”
“Thanks.”
My next call was to Avery.
“Hay-lee,” she singsonged. “How are you doing this morning?”
“My head is killing me,” I finally admitted. “Tell me I didn’t do anything stupid?” My memories were still a little hazy.
“Nope. I did have to stop you,” she said.
I put my hand on my head and groaned, remembering my encounter with the gorgeous businessman. Only I had more important things to worry about. “I can’t find my wallet, though.”
“Shit. Did you leave it at the bar?” she asked.
“Yeah. I called.”
“They’re open?”
“Yes. Could you do me a huge favor and get it? My driver’s license is in my wallet, and I have Zoe. I can’t risk getting caught driving without it.”
“Sure. I’ve got to check on Dad and then I’ll head over.”
“Thanks,” I said.
“No problem. I’ll see you in a bit.”
Avery was the absolute best friend a girl could have. When a little over an hour and a half later she hadn’t arrived, I called her.
“Haley, I’m on my way,” Avery answered.
“Did you get lost?”
“Not exactly.”
Her answer was a little too cryptic. “Not exactly what?”
She sighed. “I ran into Nathaniel Bowmen.”
“Uh-huh. And what? You lost your panties and your mind along the way?” The sarcasm dripped from each of my words.
“No. I gave him a ride.”
That was more than a little surprising. I wasn’t the only one with a grudge against the Bowmens. Her father hated them, too. “You gave him a ride.” I couldn’t stop the accusation in my voice.
“He was wasted, and I couldn’t let him drive himself home.”
“Wasted at this time of day? He’s an even bigger turd than the reports say he is.”
“Just call it my good deed of the day. I’ll be at your house soon. I have your wallet,” she said.
“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you.” I hated to ask, but I did it anyway. “Can I ask you another favor?”
“Sure.”
“Can you watch Zoe? Mom said she can’t, and I need to go in for my shift.” If she couldn’t, I’d have to bring Zoe. I didn’t make enough to pay for a babysitter.
“I’ll stop at home first to check on my dad before I come by, okay?”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Sure thing, and thanks, Avery. You’re a lifesaver.”
“You know it’s no biggie. I love Zoe.”
After we hung up, I got a quick shower and got ready for work. I made it to the diner on time. When I walked in, I spotted a familiar man in booth eleven.
FOUR
Lucky for me, Mr. Fancy Pants was already being served by Honey. I took over counter duties for those who weren’t sitting at booths. I worked and did my best not to make eye contact with the man.
Just like the time before, he stayed in the booth long after the morning rush. Honey was leaving for her break between her split shift.
“Table eleven,” she began.
“Mr. Fancy Pants?”
“Is that what you call him?” Her eyes crinkled with amusement. “He is hotter than a bonfire.” She leaned in. “He seemed disappointed I wasn’t you. You should go for it.”
She and I weren’t close, mostly because she had three jobs and I had a kid. Our schedules never lined up for us to hang out. So I didn’t tell her a thing. Gossip was huge in our town, with little else to do. I shrugged in response.
She shrugged back. “If you don’t, someone else will.”
“You should go for it,” I said and realized too late the spurt of jealousy I felt.
“He’s good-looking and all, but I like my men a little more rugged.” She winked, and I took it to mean she was into cowboys, not gentlemen. “And don’t forget to give me my share of the tip,” she said, angling her head in the businessman’s direction.
“Sure thing.”
She left, and it wasn’t long before it was only Smiley, me and the businessman who were left in the diner.
I got to work filling salt and pepper shakers and other condiments to prepare for the lunch crowd. When I neared table eleven, Mr. Fancy Pants said, “Another refill on coffee, please.”