“This is Zara, Bomber’s...”
“Ol’ lady,” Knox answers.
Interesting.I’m not sure what that means.
The woman’s eyes widen and she gives me a smile. She looks up at the men. “You all go to church,” she says, brushing them away with her hand. “Us women will be fine.” I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t her.
“I’ll meet you in there,” Knox says. “I’ll put Zara’s suitcase in my room first.”
Knox turns to me. “I won’t be long.” He studies me, and I give him a sharp nod to reassure him I’ll be okay.
As Knox leaves, the woman steps toward me. “My name’s Ava. Are you hungry? Would you like some breakfast?”
I cringe. My stomach is still queasy from this morning. I won’t be eating for a while. “No, I’m okay.”
She stares at me. “Are you sure? It won’t be a problem. I’d be happy to get you something.”
“I haven’t had the best morning, so I’m not hungry, but I appreciate the offer.”
She frowns. “You remind me of me when I first came here. It’s overwhelming, but most people were kind and welcoming.”
I don’t miss themost,part.
“Would you like a drink, then?”
I could do with a stiff drink. “I don’t drink very often, but it’s my birthday, so I’ll say yes to alcohol.”
Her hand covers her mouth. “It’s your birthday? What are your plans?”
I shake my head. “Nothing, and please don’t go out of your way for me.” But I can see the thrill of excitement all over her face.
“But I must. Let me bake you a cake?”
“No, thanks. I don’t celebrate my birthday.”
“Are you making a cake?” I hear another woman say.
I shift my attention to her; she is petite, with long blonde hair. When she notices me, her eyes widen, then narrow. She looks at her friend.
Ava gives her a smile. “This is Zara, Bomber’s ol’ lady,” Ava says.
The woman’s face instantly softens. “Hi, I’m Elena”—she tilts her head at her friend—“Ava’s sister and Axle’s ol’ lady.”
She’s with the friendly man outside... Okay, got it. I look from one to the other. “What does ol’ lady mean?”
Elena giggles. “Wife or partner.”
I flinch. “I am not Knox’s ol’ lady.” We are not together.
Elena looks at her sister, and Ava frowns. There’s an awkward, lingering silence.
“Where can I get that drink?” I ask.
“So sorry, I’ll get that for you now. Come to the bar,” says Ava.
I follow the two women, who whisper between themselves.
“I needed drinks early in my stay too,” Ava says in passing as she goes behind the wooden bar. I sit on the stool next to Elena. “What will it be?”
