9
iris
My head was poundingas I ripped my apron off my waist, throwing it into the locker, trying to get my breathing under control. Joe sent me home early again, even if I had just gotten here and some of the girls had been here for a few hours already. The blatant favoritism was weighing me down and I had to take a few breaths before I did or said something that would get me fired.
I threw on my sweats and hoodie since the day had gotten cooler and grabbed my purse, slamming my locker, getting some of my frustrations out. The bar wasn’t too busy, so it didn’t seem like I would miss out on much, but I shouldn’t be going home.
“Iris!”
I turned around to see one of the men from my tables walking up to me. He was a regular who was working on the highway with the construction crew who came in frequently.
“We didn’t want you leaving without your tip.” He gave me a smile, handing me two twenties.
“Oh… you didn’t have to,” I said, feeling victorious.
I knew whoever got my table would have given me a shit tip-out.
“We insist.” He pushed the money to me.
“Thank you.” I gave him my best smile.
“We will see you next time.” He winked, waving before going back to his table.
I tucked the money into my purse, leaving with my head held high as I felt eyes on me. Looking over my shoulder, Debbie glared at me, and I waved like she was my best friend. I felt sorry for her because no matter how hard she tried to push people down, most of the time it backfired on her. I don’t know how she could be so miserable all the time.
The sun was barely setting as I made my way to my car, going home alone sounded less appealing and the stress from having Nash in the same town as me, had me staying home more often than usual. Before second guessing myself I drove to my brother's house hoping his fiancée, Nova, had made some food. If not, I knew I could scour their fridge for something, maybe steal Nova and have an impromptu girl’s moment.
I pulled up to their home noticing an extra truck. It was new and I wondered if Theo had finally gotten himself a newer vehicle or maybe it was Forest, his ranch hand, who had gotten himself something nice. I grabbed my bag and ran to the front door, it felt like it had gotten even colder now that the sun had set.
It wasn’t unusual for me to randomly stop by. Theo always told Jude and I that his home was our home. The longer I had been in Sterling Ridge, the more that rang true. I never once felt like I wasn't welcome in his home, not even when I barged in unannounced numerous times. But tonight, when I walked in, it was the first time I felt awkward, and it was because of the man sitting at the dining room table.
The entire room grew quiet as I stood there staring at Nash. My first instinct was to yell at him to get the hell out of here, to stay the hell away from my family, but I couldn’t cause a scene.Not when my secret could come out, not when I didn’t know how far Nash would go to get what he wanted or needed.
“Izzy!” Sol crashed into me giving my midsection a big hug, snapping me out of my stupor.
“Hello, beautiful,” I said, kissing her head, grateful that this little sunshine grounded me. “Sorry to barge in on y’all, but I got cut from work and I figured I’d come over.”
“Oh, you know we don’t mind,” Nova said, standing up walking to me. “Someone get her a chair.”
Nova hugged me and whispered. “I should have texted you, but he hasn’t said anything.”
“It’s fine,” I said, squeezing her.
“They cut you again?” Theo asked, setting a chair down for me right next to Sol and him.
“Yeah, Debbie was working so you know I’ll be sent home before her,” I said.
“Hey, Atlas. Hey, Colt,” I said to my future brothers-in-law, kissing their cheeks trying to buy myself some time.
They knew that I knew Nash, but how much information was I willing to give my family without giving too much information away. I looked up at Nash after I kissed Atlas’ cheek.
“Hey, stranger,” I said, deciding I would be civil and act like his friend.
That's the story I told my family at Thanksgiving last year and I might as well continue it.
Nash stood up. “Hey there, Petal.”
I expected a quick hug, but Nash did nothing I expected. He lingered, squeezing me tight and whispered, “Hello there, wifey.”
