Page 27 of Sweet Dreams
My shoes squeak along the tiled floor, and I pity anyone who gets in my way. I’m a woman on a mission. I storm up to the reception desk where Kendall is typing away on her computer. I tap on the desk, grabbing her attention. When she looks up, her smile vanishes when I slam the pink paper down.
“Teagan. How may I help you?” she squeaked.
“Where the fuck is Nancy? And don’t even lie to me, Kendall. I know she’s here.” My body shakes with rage as Kendall glanced away, clearly trying to dodge my question.
“I’m sorry, Teagan. She’s in a meeting.”
Of course, she is. “Is that the go-to response she tells you to give out? Call her now and tell her I’m about to kill her fucking cat if she doesn’t get her ass down her. I’m not playing anymore.”
“Teagan, I understand you’re upset, but I can’t allow you to talk to her when you are thisupset.”
Laughing wildly, I grab my paper and crumple it. “Kendall, you haven’t seen me upset yet. Give the witch a message for me, will you?” I wait for her to grab a pen and paper. “Ready?” Kendall nods.
“Dearest Nancy, watch your back. You don’t own this town, and if you think a permit will stop me, you’re mistaken. You might want to step up your security at home. Love you, babe. Teagan.How does that sound?”
Kendall shakingly finishes writing the notes before glancing my way again. “The cops will be called. You know that.”
“I’m not scared of Taylor; he can’t even hurt a fly. I’ll see you around the shop once it’s reopened.”
She nods. “Yeah, sure.” Her voice was nothing but a small whisper.
I leave feeling on top of the world. Nancy can suck my dick. This is one small business owner that isn’t taking any shit. Now I need a drink, but it’s a little early unless I hit up happy hour.
Me: You on call?
Jace: No. Ivory and I are shopping for Halloween. Why?
Me: Want to join me for drinks?
Jace: Oh boy. Is it table dancing or karaoke kind of drinks?
Me: To be determined
Jace: Ivory says she’s game, and I guess I’ll be getting lucky tonight
Me: You’re welcome. The Hollow in thirty, if that works?
Jace: Doable. See ya!
I have enough time to head home and change. And enough time to prep myself for the lecture I’ll get for not telling them about Silas. I could only imagine what they would say if I told them about my rendezvous with stalker boy in the park. It would be like the end of the world, and I would be a dirty little hoe, although Ivory would be secretly high fiving me under the table for being a little daredevil. Then, give Jace a dirty look for not doing anything like that to her.
If I had the secret to why and how my stalker found me, I'd spill the beans. But alas, I remain utterly clueless. Maybe one day I’ll be able to shake him, but until then, I’m screwed—literally.
The Hollow is the perfect place to drink. Well, who am I kidding it’s the only fucking bar in town. But the décor is to die for. The timber rafters are set against the industrialmetal, giving a cool mix of textures. One wall is stacked with records, while the other is decked out with taxidermy—just some funky vibes going on.
I grab a booth in the back, facing the stage. When the server comes around, I order a pitcher of margaritas for Ivory and me and a beer for Jace. Leave it to them to run late; I know exactly who to blame.
“Sorry, we’re late. Someone had to style their hair.” Ivory sits next to me and glares across the table at Jace.
“I figured Miss Beauty Queen had to look his best.”
Jace touches his hair. “This is quality work, ladies. It’s a masterpiece; don’t be knocking the lord's work.”
I snort. “The lord's work might need a little more work.” I lean in. “Is that grey hair?”
“Fuck off, Tee.”
“She’s right, babe. Forty is right around the corner. You might want to start dying those luscious locks of yours.” Ivory laughs as she pours us a glass of margaritas.