My legs were stiff, my back sore, and my heart running on empty.
I had a ticket all the way to Los Angeles—figured I could find work in a city, and it was far enough away from Seattle.
I wasn’t supposed to get off here or even stay, but when I missed my bus and decided to get something to eat while I waited for the next bus, I ended up on Main Street. I was drawn to Ripley’s, thought I could at least get a coffee and maybe a little something to eat. Spend a few dollars from my stash.
My eyes brightened when I saw the help wanted sign on the door. I ordered coffee and asked for an application form.
The woman who gave it to me had gentle eyes.
Georgia O’Keeffe, “not the painter,” she joked in her gruff voice.
Then there was the man who came to talk to me after I filled out the application form. I’d worked in several restaurants and diners in Seattle. I had not mentioned one place on my application because if they called for references, I didn’t want my ex to find out where I was.
He gave me the job.
Cain Ripley became my boss first.
Thenwe became friends because of our shared love for books.
Last night, we made love for the first time.
This morning, he kissed me long and deep before I left his place to change at mine and come into work.
I have a job. An apartment. And a boyfriend who hasn’t ever raised his voice at me. One I am certain would never hit me.
I touch the scar above my eyebrow to feel the bump, to remind myself how far I have come.
Faith Baker is not a victim. She’s happy for the first time in her life.
I’m about to take an order from guests who were just seated when I see two deputies pushing through the front doors. One of them is Kyle Brewer, Cain’s sister, Paula’s boyfriend.
I smile and walk to them as there’s no one at the hostess table. “Table for two?”
“Faith Baker?” the older man, the one I don’t know, asks.
“Yes.” I’m confused. Kyle knows who I am.
Kyle nods. “You’re under arrest for theft. Please turn around.”
My heart drops so fast I can’t breathe.
“Sorry—what?” I laugh, except nothing about this feels funny. “Theft? What?”
“Please turn around,” the older one says, his tone bored.
When I don’t because I’m rooted to the floor, Kyle moves in behind me. He cuffs me with enough force to make my heart thud louder than my thoughts. Cold metal closes around my wrists. The cuffs bite into my skin. I look wildly around, my voice cracking.
“Cain!” I cry out.
He comes out of his office, his arms crossed, anger flashing in his eyes.
Was he watching me get arrested and doing nothing about it?
His sister, Paula, stands next to him, venom in her eyes. She smirks at me. She doesn’t like me. But it never bothered me. It happens. Not all people can like you—actually, most people don’t, which is why you have to savor and hold onto those who do.
I look at Cain. I wait for him to say that this is all a stupid mistake, but he doesn’t.
His eyes are flat. There is no joy in them. No kisses. No affection.
