Page 13 of Escape
“As I’ll ever be,” I muttered.
Lori and I pushed through the doors and got to work.
Within ten minutes, I was completely lost in what I was doing. I didn’t think about Kurt, his anger, our fights, or the money I still didn’t have that would help me out of this situation. I just focused on each of my tables, doing the best job I could, and relished being out of the house.
Granted, being a waitress wasn’t my lifelong dream. I still had hope that even if I didn’t get the happy ending I wanted when it came to romantic relationships, I was still going to fight to get the career I wanted.
So, as soon as I got myself clear of Kurt—whenever that managed to happen—I’d start saving my money again, and I’d go back to school and get the education I needed for the job I wanted to do. I’d become an obstetric sonographer.
Until that time came, I intended to do the best job I could as a waitress in hopes that it would lead me down the road I wanted to go much sooner than I had hoped.
Little did I know, today was going to be the day that my whole world got flipped upside down. And it happened about an hour after I’d started my shift.
TWO
Huck
“Good class this morning.”
My coworker, and one of my closest friends, Greyson, turned away from where he was standing on the opposite side of the room, putting away some of the props we’d just used and looked at me. “Yeah, I agree. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about these classes first thing in the morning. Everyone is so focused and intense.”
“I’ve noticed that over the last few morning classes, too,” I returned. “It’s almost like a completely different mindset when compared to the late afternoon or evening classes.”
Greyson finished putting the props away and asked, “You don’t think it’s us, do you?”
I shrugged. “I don’t think so. Either way, everyone is getting the training they need regardless of the way we perceive the atmosphere of the classes. We don’t need to be worried about it.”
Greyson and I worked together at Harper Security Ops, where we had several teams built to handle a variety of different tasks. There was a group of guys who handled private investigations, another that handled kidnap and ransom situations, and a team that focused solely on bodyguard and personal security services. Greyson and I were both members of the self-defense and tactical training unit at Harper Security Ops.
He nodded his agreement. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Are you in on this next one?”
“No. Not unless you need an extra set of hands,” I told him.
At that moment, Jake, another member of our team, walked in. Greyson returned his attention to me and said, “Looks like you’re off the hook.”
I let out a laugh as I moved toward the door. “What’s up, Jake?”
“How’s it going, Huck?”
“Alright, I guess. We just had a great class, but I’m heading out now to grab some food,” I returned.
Seemingly shocked by that declaration, Greyson asked, “Are you telling me you haven’t eaten today? How did you get here so early and teach a class on nothing? I would have been ready to pass out about five minutes into it if I didn’t eat.”
“I was up earlier than usual today, so I had breakfast hours ago,” I explained. “I’m not going to make it several more hours until lunch, though, so I thought I’d stop over at that new diner that opened a couple months ago. Have you been there yet?”
“Which one?” Jake asked.
“Betty’s. It’s over on Liberty Street.”
Jake shook his head. “I heard of that place. A couple of people have said it’s fantastic, but I haven’t tried it. Brynn’s pretty big on meal prepping and cooking at home, so on the rare occasion that we do go out, we tend to do it fancy. But I’d definitely check it out if you recommend it.”
“I’ll let you know when I get back,” I promised. Shifting my attention between Jake and Greyson, I asked, “Do either of you want me to bring back anything?”
“No, thanks. I’ll see you when you get back,” Greyson answered.
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m good. Brynn packed food,” Jake replied.
Greyson grunted. “One of these days, we’ll know what that’s like, Huck.”