Now, this guy she’d emailed was wanting to meet her?
No.
She had zero intention of putting herself back into the clutches of another person to be used, degraded, or mentally or physically abused again.
* * *
Dear Jax,
I think there may be some sort of misunderstanding between us, and I apologize if I didn’t pick up on it before now – but I am only looking for a friend to talk to. I appreciate the offer to grab pizza or coffee, but I do not think that would be a good idea.
You are very nice, very kind, but I am not looking for a guy to date. In fact, I am so far from that status right now it’s staggering.
I can’t.
I am really torn up, because we have so much in common and it would be great to have someone to chat with – but I also don’t want to give you the wrong idea… that would be cruel of me.
If you are looking for a friend – great.
If you are looking for a girlfriend?
I’m not your person… and I feel really bad even typing that, because you are so nice and we have so much in common. I wish things were different, that I had a different past or mindset – but that might as well be wishing to win the lottery at this point.
It changes nothing.
Sincerely,
Mary
* * *
Sighing heavily,Mary grabbed her blanket and pillow. She was beyond exhausted and tired. Her little studio apartment was more than enough for her and while it might not be much, it was certainly cozy.
She had a small coffee table that she’d bought at a yard sale, a couch that was thankfully comfortable enough to sleep on, and a television. There was room for a bed, but buying a washer and dryer had been a priority after Joe showed up at the laundromat a few months ago.
Yeah.
Not cool.
Sliding the chair under the door handle, wedging it in place to give her some sense of safety, she also placed the taser under the couch, so it was close by.
She didn’t trust him in the slightest. He’d already forced the lock once, resulting in the police showing up – and her neighbor finding out what was going on.
Karen had called 911.
Yeah, she wasn’t trying to be mean or cruel to Jax in the slightest, but she couldn’t imagine even considering a relationship with anyone at all when she couldn’t seem to shake the current one – despite her divorce and her best efforts.
Closing her eyes, she finally let herself drift off to sleep and hoped it wouldn’t be filled with nightmares… again.
* * *
Early the next morning,Mary got up before dawn and headed into work. She loved the bakery… and her boss.
Eva Luka was incredibly kind, driven, and reminded her a little bit of herself. She felt safe at work because police officers were always coming and going – including Eva’s husband.
Everyone knew when Dylan walked in that Eva was taking a break and would be unavailable for a little bit. She would ring herself up for their meals, pay, and then join her husband off towards the corner of the shop to enjoy lunch with him. The woman was honest as the day was long, never taking advantage of discounts or ‘helping herself’ to anything.
Today was no different.