As soon as I’m settled between a group of people, he stops the music and starts the countdown. Five. Four. Three. Two. One. I lift my glass into the air and toast to a year of smarter choices. At least, I hope it will be. I don't want to leave this town again because I fucked up.
He starts singing again, finishing up his song, and I make my exit. I’ll see everyone else tomorrow. Right now…I need to get away from temptation.
Because if there is one person who can break my will, it's Devin.
1
Lisa
My old roomis exactly the same. Down to the things I had on the dresser. Even some clothes I left behind are in the closet. Delilah always expected me to come back. It should feel me with joy or gratitude, but it doesn't. It feels as bad as the guilt I carry with me.
As much as I want to be in a place of my own, I couldn't stay at the hotel anymore. The lack of space was an issue, but so was my dwindling bank account. I only have so much money to carry me over until I find a job.
Calling Delilah was the only option left. She took me in, no questions asked. Which is why I'm standing in awe of my untouched room. She should have rented it out. Though I'm grateful she didn't. Otherwise, I wouldn't have a place to stay right now.
"Do you need help bringing anything inside?" The sound of her voice startles me. "Bryce should be here in a bit, and he can grab whatever you need on his way in."
"No," I shake my head, still taking in my room. "I've got everything right here." I point toward my suitcase and bags sitting on top. Traveling light is something I've learned over the years. I can't get attached to a location if I'm able to leave at a moment's notice.
Except that isn't exactly true. I'm back in Asheville. A small part of me knew I'd make this my home. Even if I don't want to admit it.
"Oh, okay." She backs away. "I'll let you get settled in. If you need anything, we'll be out here watching movies."
"Thanks." I feel awful for intruding on her time with her boyfriend. For being the blip in their routine. I'm sure this isn't exactly what she expected when she saw me at the bar on New Year's Eve. Before she heads out, I ask, "Is he here a lot? I'm not cramping your style or anything, right?"
"Not at all." She waves my question away. "He has me hooked on cheesy movies, and that's what we spend my days off doing. We sometimes go to his house, but I feel awkward over there. His mom is nice, but being cuddled up with her son while she's in the next room feels weird."
"Wow," I laugh. "He's really gotten under your skin. But I completely understand about the whole Mom thing. That would probably weird me out, too."
"Yeah, but totally worth it. Are you going to talk to Angie about getting your job back at the bar?"
"That's the plan. As long as they'll have me." I hope like hell Angie lets me work there again. That place is even more so my home than this house with Delilah.
"I don't think you have to worry about that." She rushes toward me and gives me a quick hug. "They were upset you didn't stay after the show. All you have to do is talk to Angie and Carlos. Who knows...they may even find a better position for you."
Huh, I wonder what makes her say that. I know Carlos is the co-owner. But what other spot would I work well in that isn't guiding people to their tables, or helping out where needed?
"I know. It just feels weird after being gone for so long." It was barely six months. But so much has changed, and I feel like an outsider. The new girl in town, even though I know everyone. And most everyone knows me. At least, the regulars at the bar did before I packed my bags and hauled ass out of town.
"You know, you never told me why you were leaving. I hope it wasn't something I did."
Talk about a punch to the gut. I need to tell her. She deserves to know, especially since she thinks it's her fault. If I wasn't such a coward, I would have told her before I left town. But I didn't. Now's my chance.
"No, it wasn't you at all. It was be—"
I'm interrupted by a knock on the door and a guy's voice calling, "Del?"
Saved by her boyfriend. I'll tell her about me and Devin...eventually. Maybe. "Crap, he's here early. Let me know if you need help with anything. Or you can come out there and watch movies with us."
"Sure thing. I'll join y'all after I finish putting my things away."
"Okay." My best friend practically skips out of my room to the man who has captured her heart. I'm happy for her. She deserves all the love in the world. And she's going to need someone to lean on when she finds out I betrayed her one rule all those months ago.
I set my duffle bag and backpack on the bed before unzipping them. One by one, I place the items on the bed. I need to take stock of what I have.
It's mostly trinkets from the cities I've visited. Hopping from metroplex to metroplex all around Texas. I even stayed in Louisiana for a bit. That's definitely a place I want to go on a girl's trip. But I never stay long enough to build relationships.
The dresser is the only place I can think of to hold the mementos. The only space where they'll be on display. Now that those are out of the way, I place my brush, makeup, and other toiletries in a drawer.
