Page 13 of Paco
Chapter Four
The chilly wind’sharsh bite whipped around Misty, making its way through her leggings, and she pressed her knees close to ward off the cold. Her hair fell loose around her face and shoulders, tousled, tangled. She bowed her head, wrapped her arms tighter around herself, and headed to the diner.
The heat calmed her chattering teeth as she stepped into the restaurant, walked quickly to the first booth, and slid inside. She glanced out the window and saw Crystal and Amber Jade moving between the lanes of trucks. She knew she should be out there hustling, but it was so cold, and she was so tired.
Earlier, several men had taken the bait when Bobby had her get on the CB to see who was interested in what she was offering. She had some men lined up, but she didn’t feel like being with any of them. She was sick of what her life had become. When she’d been back home, she’d never dreamed her life would turn out like this. She’d wanted to go to college and study theater. One of the things she’d loved best was acting in the school plays at Roosevelt High.
Misty supposed she was getting plenty of acting experience every time she pretended to like what she was doing, and most of her interactions with Bobby were lies. The truth was she couldn’t stand the bastard, and it repulsed her whenever he touched her.
In the beginning, she’d fought hard, but after a long time, he’d broken her. She’d been resigned to the fact that her life would always be this way until she’d met Paco. For that brief slice of time she’d spent with him, he’d made her want to get away from the shame and filth her life had become. But she knew she really couldn’t escape without harm coming to her family.
Sighing, she rubbed her hands together to warm them up.You have no idea what an impact you had on me, Paco.She hadn’t been to the diner since the night she’d met him, and she was half hoping he’d be there, drinking a cup of coffee.
“Unless you got money, your skank ass is outta here,” Holly said.
The nasty woman’s voice shattered her thoughts. “Bobby paid the tab,” she replied.
“No, he didn’t. He probably spent the money you fuck for on a woman who isn’t a whore. Do you got money?”
Misty’s insides tightened as she opened her coin purse.
“And the biker isn’t here to feel sorry for you, so either show me the money or get the hell outta here.”
Taking out three dollars in quarters, she threw the coins on the table. “A cup of hot tea. Bring me some honey and a glass of water with lemon.”
“I oughta throw your ass out, you filthy lot lizard.” She whirled around and walked toward the kitchen.
Her words stung as hard as if she’d slapped Misty across the face.She’s right. I’m nothing but scum. The bottom of the barrel, even for sex workers.She wiped her eyes and pretended to be looking for something in her purse when Holly came back and slammed down the cup of tea. The brown liquid sloshed over the rim and spilled on the table. Without looking at her, Misty pulled out a few napkins from the dispenser and wiped up the mess before ripping open a packet of honey.
As she drank her tea, she looked down at her phone. She’d googled the keywords “surplus store” and “Alina,” and two stores had popped up in the town. She’d been toying with the idea of calling him for the past couple of days, but each time she tapped in the number, she’d chickened out.
What would I say to him, and where would it get me? I can’t escape.She stirred her tea.It’s better to forget all about him and give up on the crazy notion that I’ll be freed. If I want to avoid a beating from Bobby, I have to focus on earning enough money tonight. I know Crystal and Amber Jade will tell Bobby they saw me in the diner. Those bitches.
The fantasy of Paco rescuing her from her shitty life didn’t get her anywhere.That shit only happens in fairy tales, the ones Mom used to read to me. Fuck… that was such a long time ago.
“Can I sit with you?” an older woman asked as she slid in the seat across from Misty. “I gotta get off my feet for a while.”
Her thoughts splintered and she looked at the woman. Misty had seen her hauling her ass in and out of cabs since she’d arrived at the truck stop with Bobby, Crystal, and Amber Jade three months before. The woman looked to be in her early fifties, her face lined and weathered from too much sun, her teeth rotted. Misty was pretty sure she was a meth user like most of the women on the lot. She felt sorry for her because she had to compete with the younger flesh flocking to the lot night after night. Misty often saw the woman hustling during the day. She probably knew the younger women preferred the nights when they could do shameful things under the cover of darkness.
“Are you having a good night?” Misty asked as she stirred another packet of honey into her tea.
“Not so good. My feet are killing me. What about you?”
Misty shrugged. “Okay, I guess.”
“You doing this ’cause it pays better than some crappy-ass minimum-wage job, or are you forced to do it?” She stared fixedly at her.
Misty cleared her throat and sat up straighter. “It pays the bills. What about you?”
“I’ve been flying solo for almost thirty years. I was about your age when I started. I’ve quit so many times, but I always come back. The pay is good, and I don’t have to declare shit to the government.” She guffawed, then leaned back. “I’m Shirley.”
“Misty.”
“Hey, Shirley. What can I get you?” Holly asked.
“I’ll have the BLT with extra mayo. Bring me some coffee.”
“Black, right?” Holly smiled, and Shirley nodded.
