“Who said I’m crying?” Olivia deflected. She didn’t want to talk about her issues. She liked Kathy and all, but she had no intention of sticking around long enough to form a friendship, even if this was the first place that she had felt safe in months.
Most people didn’t like the small-town feel, but she liked it here. She had everything she could ever want or need. Olivia had grown up in a small community, and it’s where she felt the most comfortable. She didn’t like the big cities with all the noise and traffic. Out here she could see all the stars, and it was quiet. Too bad she wouldn’t be here much longer to enjoy it.
“Honey, your eyes are red, and your nose is stuffy. You can’t pull anything past me. Now, what’s wrong? You haven’t worked here long, but I know one thing, you’re not clumsy.”
“I’m fine, Kathy.”
Kathy hmphed. “You’re a lot of things, Olivia, but fine isn’t one of them.”
“I need to get back to work.” Olivia kept her eyes down, as she walked past Kathy. She was going to have to watch what she was doing, so she didn’t bring any more attention to herself. Kathy might start asking more probing questions, forcing Olivia to leave, before she was ready. She needed enough money to get away. Somewhere she andIvywould never be found.
Maybe Montana.
There were lots of trees, and it was close to the border.Ivyloved water, so maybe, they could find a cabin near a lake or river.
“Olivia,” Kathy stopped her with a hand to her shoulder. “I don’t like to stick my nose in other people’s business, but if you keep running, you’re going to be running the rest of your life. That’s no life for your daughter.”
Kathy wasn’t telling her anything she didn’t already know. She hated how her choices were affecting her daughter.Ivyhadn’t been to school in months, because Olivia feared Royce could track her that way.
One more move Olivia promised herself, and then they would finally settle down.
Olivia nodded to Kathy in acknowledgement and went back inside. Her eyes strayed instantly to Heath in the right corner. She shouldn’t, but she couldn’t help it. He was handsome. A strong jaw line that was currently covered in stubble, like he hadn’t shaved in a few days, and hypnotic blue eyes she could stare into all day. Even his messy, curly hair begged to have fingers ran through it. Everything about him was sexy.And dangerous.She had already had her life destroyed by a pretty face once, so never again.
Olivia diverted her eyes walking up to a table of three men to her left. Two sat together on the left, and one by himself on the right. They looked like they hadn’t bathed in a while or washed their clothes in just as long. She could smell stale cigarettes, before she even reached the table. Their eyes were red and blood shot, which meant they were probably still drunk or hung over. Great, just what she needed this morning.
“Morning, fellas.” She said brightly. “What can I get you this morning?”
The one sitting by himself eyed her, like she was a piece of meat, and he was starving. It made her skin crawl. “Damn, little lady. I haven’t seen you here before.”
“Would you like some coffee or orange juice?” She tried staying pleasant, when all she wanted to do was walk away.
You’re doing this for you andIvy.
She had to repeat it, like a mantra in her head. A few more weeks, and she could get out. She already had a nice little nest egg, but she needed more to get to their next destination and find a place to live.
“How about you?” The guy laughed at his own joke, as his friends snickered in turn. “Are you on the menu?” He full on laughed at himself.
“I’ll give you a chance to think over your choices.” Olivia tried to walk away, when the man grabbed her wrist painfully.
“I’m not done talking to you.” His humor was gone, and in his place, was an angry drunk. A look she had seen more times than she’d care to admit.
“Let me go.” Olivia said evenly, even though her heart was racing.
“No, you’re going to stay here and service me and my friends.” His eyes raked over her body, staring a long time at her chest.
“No,” Olivia pulled her wrist back, but the man refused to let her go. “Don’t touch me.”
The man slid out of the booth. “You think you’re better than me or something? Think you’re something special.” The man sneered down at her. He was only a few inches taller, but she could tell he used his size for intimidation.
Olivia sensed the danger by the look in his eyes. He was getting ready to hit her. Another look she had seen too many times to count. She opened her mouth to call for Kathy, when the man was pulled away from her and shoved against the table.
“The lady said no.” Olivia knew that voice instantly. It was Heath, but his tone was hard. She was used to hearing him happy and go lucky, but now, he sounded pissed off.
Heath gently placed a hand on her shoulder and eased her behind him, so he became a barrier between her and them. The man’s friends stood up to support their friend.
“You just mind your own business, mister. This is between me and the lady.” The man leaned on the table for support, but he didn’t back down from Heath. They were the same height, but Heath outweighed him in muscle.
“Yet, we all heard her say no, so your business is over. So, why don’t you and your friends leave, before I remove you myself.”
