While we searched for work, Felix and I had passed the area multiple times. We had never acknowledged it existed; afraid we would one day end up part of the community. The realization of how it could happen sooner rather than later hit me, but not as hard as I expected it might—most likely due to the extensive amount of alcohol and whatever that pill was that clouded my thoughts.
“Easy there, cowboy. Save some for the rest of us.” Felix’s voice resounded in my ears, but I didn’t see him.The heft of the bottle no longer weighed down my hand.
“There’s room if y’all don’t find jobs.” A green tarp covered a yellow tent; personal items surrounded it as a wind blocker. Or maybe it was for privacy. A bike with a flat tire leaned against a grocery cart with two broken wheels. “Three guys moved on a couple weeks ago. Decided this wasn’t the place for them.”
I couldn’t imagine myself living like this. However, I could totally understand how living like this would make you want to hoard the items that you have. With twenty-some most likely unsavory characters surrounding me, I would make sure everything of value stayed on my person, if possible.
The bare spot of ground beside Dennis’ belongings was not quite large enough for the four lawn chairs which had been jammed in the space. “If you want me to save the spot, I’d be happy to. It’s only ten dollars a week.”
“Nah,” Felix wrinkled his nose at the rank smell which blew in with the breeze. “We’re good. But thanks.”
SOMEONEmentioned food; the long, boring, wasted day had somehow been exhausting. Felix and I followed a group of four from the I-45 overpass to a little restaurant a few blocks away.
Curry from the day’s special hit me in the face as we walked through the door. I paused, inhaled, and smiled.Heavenly. The chimes sounded familiar, but until I saw her, I hadn’t realized where we were.
Wispy brown curls danced around her face as she turned in our direction. Her bright smile warmed my heart. She recognized us. I almost gasped; she was so beautiful. The different hairstyle brought out her lively personality. She had a different air about her; she seemed happier, somehow. More vibrant.
Dennis and the others sat at one table and flirted with the pretty waitress as they decided what to order. “What’s your favorite plate, darlin’?”
“I haven’t been in the lower forty-eight long enough to have a favorite.”
From day one, something about the way she spoke sounded familiar. Like she was literally the girl next door. Then she delivered the Alaskan phrase and it hit me.
I tilted my head and smiled. “Excuse me.”
She lifted her chin in recognition.
“Anchorage or Seward?” I asked, guessing correctly.
She stared at me; her smile reached her wide eyes. “Seward.”
“Moose Pass.” Relaxed, I could barely string together more than a few words.
“Shut up! We’re both Texan cheechakoes?” She sat across the table, beside Felix, and gaped at me in wonder.
“Prove it.” The pretty girl made me sassy.
She pointed to her left bicep. “Bear attack.”
My mouth dropped. She was serious. “Yup, we’re newcomers alright.” I touched a scar on her forearm. “What’s the “M” stand for? I’ve never seen a tattoo like that. Where’d you get it?”
“My last name is Miller.” Her eyebrows raised as if asking if that was the right answer. Then she changed the subject. “How did two Alaskans meet up in Dallas? I’m floored.” Her smile lit up the room.
During our short discussion, Felix tapped the table with his fork. “I know y’all are getting to know each other and everything …” When we didn’t stop talking, he raised his voice. “I'm getting kind of hungry.”
“Oh,” she laughed. “I'm sorry. What's your name?”
“Felix. Felix Ferguson.”
“Felix Ferguson, it's nice to meet you. I'm Kennedy. What can I get for you today?” She glanced at me like she couldn't believe we had figured out the connection. Her pen in one hand and pad of paper in the other, she focused on taking down our order.
I pushed my glasses up my nose. Kennedy. A little dizzy, the effects of the pill from Dennis gave me confidence. I almost asked Kennedy on adate. Which would be ridiculous; I was practically homeless. I had no job, very little money, and lived in a shithole motel with my best friend. What could I possibly have done to impress Kennedy? I loved the sound of her name, though.
“Kennedy.”
“Yes, um … I’m sorry, what should I call you?” Our eyes connected for a second too long and she blushed.
I hadn’t realized I spoke her name out loud and tried to recover. “Jake. I’m Jake Knight. I’d love some water.”
