V Card Sweetheart (Sweetheart, Colorado)

I put my hand on my hip, pretty sure this is a joke. “Why do you want to go out with me?”

“Because you’re pretty. Because I heard you made the apple pie I just ate and it was the best I’ve ever eaten. Because you’re pretty.” As if I didn’t blush the first time he said it, I can feel the heat surge up my chest and face the second time.

“I don’t even know your name.”

He holds his hand out. “Martin Townsend. I’m a student at Cuyahoga Community College. My parents own the distillery in the next town over. Do you want a blood sample too?”

I laugh as I shake his hand. Normally, I would say no. It’s actually my first instinct to tell him no. But he’s charming and nice. And I know I can’t keep holding out for Dutton. Before I can talk myself out of it, I blurt out, “Yes.” Shaking my head, I take a deep breath. “I mean yeah, I would love to go out with you.”

He stands up, and I give him my number. He promises to call or text me later with the details. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He winks. He leaves money on the table, enough to cover his bill and leave a twenty-dollar tip. Pepper’s going to be excited about that, I’ll be sure to leave it for her since she was actually his waitress. I only refilled his drink.

I’m walking back to the counter just as Alice comes out of her office. She’s eyeing me, her head tilted to the side. “What’s that look? Is that a smile or a grimace? What is that?”

I feel like there’s a lead ball in my belly and already I’m second-guessing myself. But I don’t want to get into all of it with Alice, so I smile, making sure to let her think I am happy. “I have a date tomorrow.”

Alice’s face transforms in front of me. “What?”

I point out to Martin, who is talking to the man by his car. “He asked me out.”

“Who is he?”

“Uh, his name is Martin. He goes to the community college in Steamsprings.”

Alice pats me on the back, but I can tell she’s not completely happy about the fact that I have a date. It’s probably because she’s always been protective of me, so I do my best to reassure her. “Don’t worry. He seems like a really nice guy and we’re just going to stick around town and I’ll make sure he takes me to a public place. It’ll be fine.”

“But Dutton…”

I hold my hand up to stop her. There’s no way I can keep holding back on my life because of Dutton. I want him—heck, I’d give anything to be going out on a date with him instead. But that’s not going to happen. “Dutton doesn’t want me. Heck, he barely talks to me when he’s here.”

Alice holds both her hands up. “Okay, okay. But you call me if he tries something.”

I pull Alice in for a hug. She is last person to appreciate any affection at all, but I can’t resist it. She’s meant more to me than anyone. She’s gone out of her way to make me feel like I have a family when I’ve had no one. “I love you, Alice.”

Her body is stiff against me, and I know it’s because she’s not used to hugs. But it doesn’t stop me, I just tighten my arms around her until I feel her arms go around me. “I love you, too, honey.”

I smile as I pull away. “Thank you, Alice.”

She pats me on the back and walks away, leaving me to wonder if I am indeed making the right decision or not. But Pepper’s words from earlier come back to me. It’s just a date. It’s not a big deal.

Dutton

I’m flying down Interstate 40 in Tennessee when I get the call. It’s Alice, and as soon as I see her name on the caller ID, I know there’s something wrong. I gave my number to her months ago, but she’s never used it. Not until now.

“Is Jane okay?” I bark into the phone as soon as I push the answer button.

“Well, hello to you too,” Alice replies with snark.

I take a deep breath and try to calm myself. Surely if there was something wrong, Alice wouldn’t sound as calm. “Hello, Alice. Is Jane okay?” I ask her again.

“Yes, but you may want to start heading back toward Sweetheart.”

She says it so nonchalantly and already I’m looking for the next exit to turn around. I may be nineteen hours from Colorado and carrying a load that needs to go in the opposite direction, but I don’t care. Not if Jane needs me.

“I’m on my way. What’s up?”

I hear a whistle in the phone, and Alice takes a deep breath. “What is it?” I ask again as bile starts to rise in my throat. There’s a thousand thoughts going through my head, and I don’t want to focus on any of them. I just want Alice to tell me what the fuck is going on.