Page 10 of Take My Kiss
Halfway home, a black SUV behind me grabs my attention, and I realize it’s been following me since I left the parking lot. Usually, it wouldn’t be a cause for concern in a small town with limited country roads, but considering what happened, I’m on edge.
Glancing in the rearview mirror once more, I push the gas pedal harder and speed the rest of the way until I spot the Welcome to Sugarland Creek Ranch and Equine Retreat sign.
When I see the SUV speed past me after I turn down the gravel road, I sigh in relief.
Thank fuck.
From the moment we walk through the front door, the rest of the evening is filled with chaos and tears.
Lily’s tears because she wants everything she’s not supposed to have and needs a bath before bed.
Sam’s tears because he wants a SpongeBob popsicle after dinner, but it’s one of the items I didn’t grab before we left.
And my tears because I feel like the worst mother in the world.
Before my online class started, I called the grocery store and asked about their cameras. The manager belly-laughed when I asked if they had security, then explained they have no budget for that.
The cameras arefake.
That’s fucking great.
Before hanging up, he added, “Keep a better eye on your kid, ma’am!”
Damn, why didn’t I think about that?
I’m still going to call Sheriff Wagner and file a report, so it’s at least on record.
But after that conversation, I can’t focus for shit during class. My professor yaps for three hours straight on designfundamentals. It’s a summer course for my associate’s degree, and after taking three online classes over the past two semesters, having only one to focus on is a nice change of pace.
Since I work full-time and take care of two kids, I can’t take on any more than I already do, so it’ll take me longer than two years to finish. But I’m okay with that since I can still prioritize being a mom and holding down a job.
But then mistakes were made. I slept with the wrong men, and the idea of getting a degree was so out of my reach that I didn’t even dare to dream of it.
“You look exhausted.” Raven hands me a glass of wine. “C’mon, let’s talk and get tipsy.”
I snort. “I’ll pass out from exhaustion before I get to that point.”
I haven’t gotten drunk since last April—over a year ago.
But Raven won’t let it go since she knows something’s wrong. There wasn’t any time to tell her before class, so we drink and sit on the couch while I rehash everything that happened earlier.
“That’s fuckin’ creepy! Did you tell Wilder or Delilah?”
“Not yet. I will tomorrow.”
“Good. You just never know. People think small towns are safe, but they have some of the weirdest people.”
I chuckle, nearly choking on my wine. “We’repeople in a small town.”
“Butwearen’t Texas Chainsaw type people. They give Southern small towns a bad rep.”
“Yeah, sure…the serial killers are why people think small towns are eerie,” I quip, stretching my legs on the couch across from her.
“And the secluded cemeteries,” she adds seriously, waving her glass. “Why’re there so many? Does no one believe in cremation anymore or what?”
“You’ll have to start a petition.”
“I will!” She nods with determination.
