Page 112 of Covert Mission
My heart pinches.
Stupid me.
Why would I even think he’d want something with a woman like me?
I have nothing to offer.
No, I’m best alone. What I’m chasing is purely selfish. I have to have proof that I’m more than all those people back in my small town said I am…
The drone of the bus lulls most of the passengers, but the swaying makes my stomach worse and worse. The hot air grows more stifling. The goat leans against me, its scratchy fur rubbing against my bare leg, making me even hotter.
We hit a violent dip in the road, and the bus tilts sharply. My gut rolls and clenches as my toes start to tingle.
That’s the moment I know what’s coming.
God, why now?
I haven’t been car sick in years.
My eyes flood with water as a wave of nausea hits me. “Sir!” I hail the bus driver, raising my hand frantically.
When he glances at me, his expression transforms to horror. His eyes shoot wide and his mouth takes the shape of a silent scream.
Yep, buddy.
I’m about to puke. I must be green as a grape.
It’s obvious that the man knows the look well, and the last thing he wants is someone throwing up—and god forbid—starting a domino-effect of yakking.
He veers to the side of the road as he jams the brakes.
“Please, excuse me!” I push between two men with my heart in my throat and my stomach contents close on its heels.
The door creaks open a few inches. I grab it with shaking hands and try to pry it apart. It groans but doesn’t budge.
Come on!
My stomach rolls and clenches.
The opening is too small. I can’t even fit my head outside.
Behind me, the driver yells something.
At the last second, the door bursts open, and I blindly crash down the steps and tumble to the grass on the side of the road.
Thank you, god.
I’m overcome with a violent spasm in the pit of my stomach. It feels like my soul is coming up. My knees buckle, and I crash to the ground.
Really?
I cannot catch a break.
Ugh. When the horrid wrenching is finished, I wipe my sweaty brow with the back of my hand.
There must be a hundred eyes on me from the bus. I can feel them burning into my back as I suck air.
I’m trying to get my balance on my feet when I hear a sound. With my vision swimming, I slowly turn around to face the road we just traveled.