“Hey, West!” Sarah shouts from across the room. The bakery is less busy now than it was earlier this morning. Only two of our tables now occupied.
“Hi, Sarah,” West greets my friend as we make our way up to the counter.
“It’s a circus out there today. How’s it going?”
West sighs. “It’s going about as well as it can at a time like this. I was lucky to have a chance to get away from the station and take Jade here for lunch.”
Sarah leans across the counter. “How’s it looking for this weekend?” she asks him quietly so the patrons at the tables don’t overhear.
“You mean for the rodeo and fair? Everything will remain a go, don’t you worry.”
“Perfect.” She smiles. “I got some cowboys to check out,” she says with a wink and giggle that has me smiling.
“Mind is always in the gutter.” West chuckles. “Well, I better head back to the station now. Thanks for joining me for lunch, Jade. Sarah, don’t get up to any trouble now.”
“Bye, West,” we say in unison as he walks out.
“Holy shit!” Sarah says, gaping at me once the door closes.
“What?”
“You called him West!” she says, shocked, slapping my arm.
I blush and lift my shoulders in a half-hearted gesture. “It’s new.”
Sarah smiles. “I like it.”
The rest of the day goes by in a blur, and once 6 p.m. arrives, we finish up cleaning and gather our belongings to head out. The rain has finally come to a complete stop, leaving the sidewalks wet and the air smelling fresh and clean. The night is cool and damp, and as we cross the street for the parking lot, a distant noise has us stopping and looking around. Somewhere close by, a man’s voice is loud and angry.
“Whoa, do you guys hear that?” Sarah asks, glancing at me and Wren as we look around trying to find the source.
We walk a little closer to the lot, following the voice, when we see a man towering over a woman blocking her from view. My eyes raise when I catch the sound of her crying, and when the man raises his hand ready to strike, Wren storms over there.
“Wren!” I hiss, in a whisper. “Just call your brother. Don’t get involved, please!” I beg her, trying to quietly catch up to her, but she keeps marching.
“Just leave her. I have a feeling she can handle herself,” Sarah says next to me.
“Hey, ass-wipe!” Wren shouts before bending down and grabbing a rock to throw at him. “Back the fuck off or I’ll call the police.”
The man turns, and my heart drops. The couple is Harper and Jep.
“What the fuck?” he snarls at Wren. “Mind your own fucking business.”
I run to Harper, shoving Jep out of the way, and pull her into my arms. “Are you okay?” I ask, looking her over for any marks.
“What the fuck is this?! My girlfriend and I were having a conversation, now piss off.” He tries to pull her from my arms, but Wren steps in front of him, blocking his view, and he lets go.
“Listen, bitch, it’s none of your concern.” He bares his teeth, shoving Wren away.
“It sure looks like it’s our concern. Harper is our friend and you’re making her cry,” Wren volleys back. “Now get lost or I’m calling my brother.”
Heels clicking on pavement, Sarah finally catches up and joins us. “I’ve got this all on video, Jep,” she lies to him.
“Yeah, whatever. Fucking bitches,” he whispers under his breath, backing away. “This isn’t over, Harps,” he yells before getting in his vehicle and speeding off.
“You okay?” Sarah asks Harper, who’s wiping away tears.
“I’m fine. Thank you guys, though. Jep was just in a bad mood today, it’s nothing,” she lies to us and herself. I’ve been Harper before, and my heart hurts for her.
