Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
I hear more voices in the store and mentally high-five myself for getting here early enough to avoid prying eyes.
“I’m sick of it, Marge. He completely takes me for granted. And there’s never any notice,” a woman’s voice says, her irritation obvious.
As I come out of the changing room, I see a redheaded woman perched on a stool by the cash register. “I might take myself up to the Colorado Club. Get a new job. I’ve got a ton of waitressing experience. They might even make me a manager.”
“You want a jacket?” Marge asks me.
I really need to give Byron back his jacket. His truck was gone already by the time I woke up, so I didn’t have a chance to return his clothes this morning. I hope he had another jacket to wear. “Yes, please,” I call, though Marge is already halfway across the store, searching out the perfect coat.
I smile at the woman with a high ponytail, perched on the stool by the counter. She mouths a hi back.
“Did you say the Colorado Club is hiring waitresses?” I ask. It’s not like I expected to stay in this town when the bus dropped me off last night. But unless I decide to head home, I don’t have anywhere else to go. If there’s a job here, that might be reason enough to stay.
“They’re hiring more than just waitresses,” the woman says. “They want housekeeping staff, restaurant staff, admins. There are a lot of openings from what I can tell. Are you job hunting?”
“I might be,” I say. “I just got into town and I’m not quite sure what I’m doing, to be honest.”
“Honey, I was born in this town and I’m not quite sure what I’m doing.” Her smile is all warmth and understanding. I’m unexpectedly touched, and a lump forms at the back of my throat.
Marge appears with a couple of coat options. “I would recommend the long length. It’s still winter here and it will be for a while.” I nod and decide to go with the one she’s suggesting, which is padded and looks like a giant duvet with arms.
“I don’t know where you’re staying, but the Colorado Club is offering staff accommodation for out-of-towners,” the stranger chimes in. She shrugs and smooths down her black pants. “If you’re interested.”
“Thanks,” I say. “I’m Rosey, by the way.”
“Donna.” She nods at Marge. “We’re sisters-in-law.”
I take the pants in two colors. The sweater too. I collect three t-shirts and a five-pack of socks. I’m able to pick up some panties and a bra, as well as a hat, gloves, and a new pair of boots. My sneakers are still wet from the puddle of water outside the cabin I stepped in this morning.
Marge rings everything up and puts it all in two large bags. “We’re open until six, so just come on by if there’s anything else we can help you with,” she says, sliding the bags toward me.
“Let us know how it goes if you go up to the Colorado Club,” Donna says. “I work at the vet’s and the diner, so I’ll see you around.”
We say our goodbyes and I head out, patting Marv on the head as I exit.
I look like I’m about to hit the trails. But it’s better than looking like you just jilted your fiancé at the altar and hopped a flight out of town without a plan.
I turn right to head up Main Street and find out what else this cute little town has to offer. I could do with a coffee and a chance to think. I’ve never seen a place so pretty. The mountains stretch up behind the town like dramatic scenery in a play. But it makes the place feel cozy. Protected.
As I’m staring up at the clear blue sky stretching into infinity behind the mountains, a young kid offers me a flyer and I take it. Across the street, there’s a café with a gigantic black tea cup in the window. I head toward it while I glance at the flyer in my hand. It’s a notice about job opportunities at the Colorado Club.
I’m pretty sure this is what they call fate.
SIX
Byron
I can’t get Rosey out of my head. I don’t even know her last name and I’m playing through all our interactions from last night—not that there’s much to replay. Just the way she looked in my jacket. The way her hand felt when I gave her the key to the cabin next door. That goddamn smile.
The Colorado Club needs to recruit thirty members of staff by the end of the week or we won’t be able to complete training before the grand opening. I’m sitting opposite the glass windows that look out onto the Colorado Rockies, but I barely see the looming mountains. All I can think about is the woman in the ripped wedding dress, who rolled into town without a bed for the night.