THE BRAKES MAKE A SHRILL squeaking noise as I stop and shift into park in the lot behind what seems to be one of the few restaurants in town. It’s more of a bar than a restaurant, but In Ruins is the third establishment I’ve stopped at since I arrived into Sunvale just a couple of hours ago in hopes of finding a job.
The diner down the street wasn’t hiring, and the small, upscale cafe gave me one look and sent me on my way. Apparently, my cut-off jean shorts and flowing, deep purple tank top gave the wrong impression. It may not have been the best idea to stop in straight after pulling my beat-up Corolla into town, but I’m more worried about finding a job than the appearance of my clothes at the moment. That may be backwards, but it isn’t like I’m going for a CEO position here. The only experience I have is waiting tables and slinging a few drinks. Community college wasn’t my thing, so waiting tables is all I know.
As I turn off the ignition, I huff a deep breath and scan the almost-empty lot. It’s between lunch and dinner times, so I’m assuming there’s just a lull between shifts. With any luck this place is hiring. I didn’t notice a sign when I drove by the front window, but I’m hoping it’s busy enough that they can add one more. I’ll even take part-time, washing dishes, anything.
I just need something to go my way and to help make my abrupt move worth it. For my decision to use the change in scenery to help find the strength I harbor in myself and not in the false love and promises of manipulating men.
Last week after I rushed out of Clark’s home that he shared with his wife, I knew I had to put a stop to the self-destructive path I kept walking down. Ralph was understanding about the changes I needed to make for me, my boss at the diner being the only person I ever really had in my life for any significant amount of time.
He didn’t make me wait out the full two weeks when I gave my notice. He said once I finished out the week I could leave with full pay for two, and I could have kissed him. Heck, I did on the cheek because no one had ever cared enough about me before to do anything like that.
So once Friday rolled around, my bags were packed with my clothes and the few belongings I acquired over the years, and I was on the road to my new beginning. Hoping to leave behind the loneliness and desperation that my small town always suffocated me with.
I take one more fortifying breath to release the past that still haunts me before I step out of my old beater, shut and lock the doors, then make my way around the side alley to the front door as I shoulder my bag.
When I step inside, there are a few patrons sitting around the bar and occupying a couple of booths dispersed throughout the space. The smell of beer, citrus, and bar food fills the air as I take in my surroundings.
My eyes survey the dark cherry wood bar as I finish my scan of the space and settle on the woman behind it who appears to be taking inventory of the stocked bottles next to her. She has bright cranberry-red hair that hits mid-back with fair skin. Her tight, black tank top emblazoned with IN RUINS across the back reveals the half sleeve of tattoos on her right arm and what seems to be a smattering of other tats along her left and what’s visible of her back. The bright, intricate colors and designs strike an even starker contrast between her hair and porcelain skin.
With another deep breath, I walk farther inside and straight to the bar.
“Can I help you, doll?”
The slightly raspy voice has me raising my head and locking with dark eyes. I didn’t realize I was looking down at the floor until I heard her speak. Her assessing, dark gaze takes me in from my head to my nervous, fumbling hands to my flip-flop-covered feet before my bare legs become hidden as I lean against the smooth bar top.
“Uh—” I clear my throat as anxiety starts to claw through me. “Yeah, I was…I was wondering if you happened to be hiring? I’m new to town, just got in actually, and I’m looking for something. Anything really. I have a lot of experience waiting tables, a little behind the bar, but I’ll even wash dishes or…” I trail off and trap my bottom lip between my teeth as I see a small smile lift her full, deep-red painted lips at my rambling.
“What’s your name, honey?”
“Kennedy James.” My voice is soft and low compared to her raspy, exuberant tone.
“Well, Kennedy James, I’m Saylor Shaw, and I think today is your lucky day. We just so happen to be looking for a new waitress.”
Her smile is blinding, and soon I know mine must match it. There’s just something about her that puts me at ease. Makes me feel like I belong.
Relief quickly follows my elation.
“Thank you. That is such a relief to hear.” Her smile turns knowing, almost like she can tell I was at my breaking point. I may have just arrived, but the stress of the move, my anxiety, and the worries of finding a job in a new place were enough to tear me down.
“You said you’re new in town?” Saylor asks, turning fully and leaning against the shelf next to the bottles behind her.
“Yeah, I am.”
“I would have remembered seeing a pretty face such as yours.” She winks and smiles again. Mine dims a little. My looks are always what people notice, what men long for. My looks are what continue to lead me down the path of desperation I’m always following.
I shake my head and plaster on a brighter smile. But it must be too late because Saylor’s eyes flash a little bit of sadness and apology, knowing her remark brought something unpleasant to mind for me.
“Thank you,” I reply in kind, not wanting to be rude despite the air growing tense around us. I may not have grown up in a traditional household, but I learned my manners.
Saylor doesn’t let that slightly-awkward moment deter her though. Before I can ask any questions about the job, she cuts in. “Since you’re new in town I bet you need a place to live as well, huh?”
My face must turn curious to her inquiry because she continues. “Since you said you just arrived to Sunvale and your first stop was probably to look for a job, I’m assuming you don’t have a place set up to stay yet.”
“Right,” I reply as I nod my head. “That’s the next order of business. I figured worst case I can stay at a local motel for a little while until I find something.”
Saylor snorts. “The Sunvale Motel isn’t even suitable for a rat to live in, and the closest to town is almost an hour away. Traveling to work would be a bitch.”
“Oh.”
“But like I said earlier, today must be your lucky day because I just so happen to be looking for a roommate.”
“That’s an amazing offer, but we’ll already be working together and we don’t even know each other. I can’t expect you to allow a stranger to live with you.” And it can’t be this easy. Can it? Nothing ever just happens for me.
Not ever.
She snorts out a laugh this time. “Nonsense, doll. Honestly. I have a two-bedroom apartment, and I only need one of those rooms to sleep in. The other is just sitting there empty. So it’s yours if you want it. It’s clean and affordable. And as for being worried about us being strangers? I think we’ll be able to solve that in no time.” Her perfect, white teeth shine bright through her growing smile. I know I must be standing here with my eyes as wide as saucers.
Breaking into our conversation and my utter shock, an older man looking to be about sixty comes barreling from the back room, bottles clanking around in the box he’s carrying.
“Sugar, this should be everything. I couldn’t find the extra bottle of fireball—” He stops mid-sentence when he sees me standing with Saylor, who rounded the end of the bar.
“Why hello there, sweetheart.” He smiles and offers a wink.
I blush slightly and smile. “Hi,” I offer simply. Quietly.
“Gus, this here is Kennedy James, my new roommate and our new waitress. She’s new to Sunvale.” They share a look before Gus nods and places the box next to the bar, then leans over, arm outstretched, to take my hand.
“Nice to meet you, sweetheart. I’m glad to know my girl here found us the help I apparently needed.” His graying, stubbled cheeks lift with his smile, and his pale blue eyes twinkle as he takes my small hand in his large, rough one, shaking it lightly.
“You know we needed the help, old man. So hush your face,” Saylor sasses to Gus, who’s apparently her boss.
And now mine.
“Thank you. So much. I promise I have many years of experience and I shouldn’t need much training. And I can start as soon as you need me. But no rush, really…” I trail off when Gus’s plump middle section starts bouncing with his laughter and I hear Saylor’s raspy laugh float through the air. That’s when I realize I’m rambling. Again.
“No problem, sweetheart. Training should be quick and easy then, and you can start tomorrow if that works for you? Let you get settled today with your crazy new roommate here and unpacked before you join the chaos of In Ruins.” Gus smiles at me as he finishes.
It’s a simple smile, with a hint of care. Almost the look a father would give.
I swallow thickly at that thought.
“Welcome to town, sweetheart. We’re happy to have you.”
With those few welcoming words, my heart warms and tears sting my eyes because for once in my life I feel like I may have a chance at no longer feeling alone.