Page 6 of Everyone Loved Her
“Jared and I’s divorce was finalized a couple of months ago. We’ve been separated for quite some time though.” I was careful not to spill much more than that, holding back about histwenty-four-year-old intern that was now his girlfriend. The last thing I needed was to give the town something to talk about. Sarah had always been the kind of woman that was friends witheveryone.
And I still got that same vibe from her.
“Oh, wow, divorces are tough, but girl, I can already tell that you’ve got that post-breakup glow up goin’ on.” Sarah waved her hand over me, motioning to a figure that I was certain had only gottenworsesince the divorce.
But whatever. I’d take it.
“Thank you. It’s been really great talking with you,” I said to her, holding up my list. “But Mom’s waiting on me to get back with all the groceries—I don’t want to keep her waiting too long.”
“Oh my goodness,” she gasped, dramatically. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to eat up so much of your time.” Sarah smoothed out her black tank top, tucked carefully in the front of denim shorts. “It was just so nice catchin’ up. We should meet for drinks tonight, over at Outlaws. They’ve gotgreatdeals for ladies on Monday nights, and…” Her lips pinched before she continued.
“And?” I furrowed my brow as she stood there, looking suddenly unsure.
Her smile returned, as did her certainty. “I’d just really love it if you’d meet me for drinks. We weren’t close in school, but we’re here now, and we’re both freshly divorced.”
I stayed silent for a few beats, adjusting my hat. “I really don’t know… My mom…”
“Oh, come on, Beth,” she pleaded, squeezing my arm. “You have to come out. We can meet there at eight, and I guaranteeyou’ll be home before ten. I don’t like to stay out late anymore. I swear. Just come to Outlaws.”
I let out a heavy sigh, giving in. “Okay. I’ll meet you there around eight.”
“Yay!” Sarah clapped her hands together like a little kid. “This is so great. I can’t wait to catch up. It’ll beperfect.I promise.”
Chapter 4
I can do this.
My stomach churned as I parked my dad’s old truck outside of Outlaws, the small town honkytonk. I had never really gone to the bar, having left Rustdale long before I was of legal drinking age. That being said, I’d heard more than enough about it to know what I was getting myself into.
A lot of familiar faces.
I flipped the visor down, peering in the mirror at my lightly done makeup. I had never been one to really goop it on, but I did like to accentuate my dark green eyes. I pushed a stray lock of auburn hair from my face and blew out a sigh. It was still ten minutes to eight, and I was no in rush to walk in until I was due. I pushed the visor back into place, and scanned the vehicles parked around me.
My heart beat unevenly in my chest as I searched for anything that struck a nerve. I wasn’t sure what I’d possibly find, but for some reason, I felt the need to look over my shoulder. Well, and…What if he’s here?
It seemed like a stretch, but not impossible.
I glanced at my smartwatch once more. I needed to just suck it up and go in. “Just a couple of drinks and I can go,” I grumbled to myself as I slid out of the truck, having opted for a flowy black halter tank top and bootcut jeans. It felt strange to dress like I always used to, and part of me worried what kind of image that made for me. I didn’t want to give off a single and ready to mingle vibe.
If that was even possible to do in Rustdale.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out, seeing a text from my mom.
Mom: Have a good time! Tell Sarah I say hello.
Chuckling to myself, I texted her back a quick ‘thanks,’ feeling like I was a teenager all over again heading out for a night with my friends. It might’ve been a nostalgic moment, but then my mind flashed back to how my teenage years ended. I quickly pushed the thought of it all away, not wanting to revisit the trauma wrapped up in those same feel-good years.
Not everyone gets the romanticized, idealistic small-town happy ending.
My boots crunched on the gravel as I headed toward the front door of the bar with faded wooden siding, noting a few men standing out front chit-chatting. They were smoking cigarettes in one hand and holding their beers in the other, all dawning pearl snap Wrangler shirts and starched jeans. I didn’t recognize a single one of them, but clearly, they were trying to recognize me as their eyes narrowed in my direction.
“Hey, darlin’,” one of them called as I pushed through the old saloon style door. I didn’t bother to acknowledge whoever said it, keeping my eyes focused straight ahead. I wasn’t here to socialize with anyone but Sarah.
The bar was smaller than I had imagined it would be fromthe outside, but there was still a decent sized dance floor and a few tables. It didn’t take but a second for my eyes to find a cute, overdressed blonde in a black dress at one of the central tables—smack dab in the middle of the room.
“Hey Sarah,” I greeted her, forcing a smile as I climbed onto the tall chair. “This place is...”
“Authentic,” Sarah finished for me. “I’ve always thought it looks just like the bars and honkytonks that you see on TV—like Yellowstone or something. I love that show.”