“You might not think so, but those of us who grew up here? We do take a little bit of pride in what we do. Maybe if you did, you wouldn’t be losing your job.”
“What did I do? I’ve been busting my ass working for you. Covering Cecily’s shifts when she calls in last minute and never once have I complained or been complained on,” I said.
“Sometimes, it isn’t about complaints.”
My jaw hit the floor as the reality of what he was saying fell onto me.
“It’s the gossip,” I said.
“Michelle, I can’t discuss—”
“You can’t discuss it, but you can fire me over it? What are they saying?” I asked. “What is this wretched town saying about the stranger?”
“Give me your apron. Your last paycheck will be here Thursday for you to pick up.”
“Not until you tell me what the hell—”
“I can’t have my entire damn dining room talking about my waitress’s love life, Michelle!”
“It’s none of their damn business who I’m screwing around with,” I said. “I’m a woman. I have a sex drive. What’s so wrong with that?”
“If you don’t know now, you will soon. Now give me your apron or I’ll take it from you.”
“I’d really like to see you try that in front of the kitchen staff.”
All of them stared as I looked down at Brad’s outstretched palm. Why the hell was I getting fired over my fling with Gray? Did this town really hate him so much that they would abandon anyone who hung out with him? I snickered and shook my head as I slapped the apron into his hand. I eyed every single kitchen staffer before they quickly got back to work. I shoved myself out the side door, fearing that if I walked through the main room of the diner I’d yell my entire love life at the top of my lungs so no one could gossip like it was some wild ass secret.
I shoved the last of the tips I’d ever make into my jean shorts as I made my way for the parking lot.
One month. One month was all it took for me to be homeless and unemployed again. Whose cock did I have to suck to piece together a decent life for myself!? I walked around the building and into the parking lot just as Gray pulled up. I felt like I was moving through Jell-O. Swimming through an endless abyss of dark sludge that kept trying to drag me under and drown me.
“Michelle?” Gray asked, as his hands hit my shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
“Take me home,” I said breathlessly.
“I can’t take you back to—”
“Take me to Anton’s home,” I said.
The relief that poured from Gray’s face filled me with the only ounce of hope I was afforded in this idiotic town. He guided me to his car and helped me in, then burned rubber getting out of that place. Good. I wanted an imprint on their parking lot they would never forget. I curled up against the door and rested my cheek against my arm as the wind ran through my hair.
Gray helped me into the house and I headed straight for my room, pushing my way into the bathroom.
I heard Gray leave the house again, but I didn’t care where he was going. All I wanted to do was wash the day from my body and cry into my hands. I sunk to the floor of the shower, soaking myself in tears. I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t know how to stay strong a second longer. The only thing different about my life from a month ago was I had a little more money to my name now. And it would only get me so far before I’d be right back to square one. I cried and cried. I let snot flow from my nose and coat my skin. I didn’t care. I didn’t want to care. All I wanted to do was feel the anger and the sorrow coursing through my veins before I pushed it all down again.
Then I wiped at my face, stood up, and cleaned myself off.
I stepped out of the shower and saw a robe hanging up on the wall. My robe. A robe that had been at Cecily’s. I furrowed my brow and peeked out of the bathroom, taking stock of all my possessions. The beautiful bags from Michigan Avenue and the black trash bags that held my tattered fabrics.
Gray had gone to Cecily’s and gotten my things.
A small smile trickled across my aching cheeks.
I dried my hair off and reached for my robe, wrapping the comforting fabric around my body. I smelled the familiar hint of cocoa in the air and fresh tears rimmed my eyes. I dragged my body into the kitchen and found Gray standing at the stove, stirring everything together before he poured it into a mug.
I sat down at the kitchen table as my wet hair dripped onto the wood, sniffling as Gray slid the mug into my vision.
He sat down and cupped my hands, and it rushed more tears to my eyes.