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Story: As It Was

“They would tell everyone?”
“Some people have no decorum. I’ve made my peace with it. Mostly. I just have to get people to like me in spite of it.”
“We could have another meal at the diner. I can be your full-time helper now.”
“Maybe we should,” he replied. “Because you need to try one of their burgers.”
Plans were laid, and though the food was great, I couldn’t wait to get back home. I had no idea what was going to happen with Trevor and my parents, but when Cain was in front of me, everything felt okay.
And that meant more than I could say.
26
CAIN
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Dale Garrett
The storms are a comin’ this week, people! This might not be the week for sleeping naked.
Comments:
Atticus Thompson: It’s these temperature changes! Damn Tennessee weather.
Hu Gh: I’ll go out of this world the same way I came into it! If the world sees me naked, then they see me naked!
Tammy Jane: You already posted your whole rear end in here, Hugh. It’s nothing we ain’t seen before.
Jade Clark: Think Hugh’s ass will scare off the storms?
Marjorie Brown: Don’t forget your wigs either! I’ll warn Henrietta.
Henrietta Brown: Don’t make me take your phone again.
“You look cozy.”
I jumped at the sound of Mollie’s voice. She was sitting at the dining-room table with a steaming cup of coffee in her hands.
“Why are you awake? It’s barely seven.”
“I couldn’t sleep.” She shrugged, but I could see the way yesterday’s events weighed heavily on her shoulders. “I kept thinking about what Trevor could be telling my mom and dad. I don’t suppose I could speed run getting over my embarrassment and be able to talk about it tomorrow?”
“It doesn’t work that way, princess.”
She sighed. “Then I suppose I’ll have to slowly work on it. But on the bright side, now that I don’t have a job, I can join you in taking care of the animals.”
“You already did that a few times.”
“Yeah, but then I got in trouble. Now I won’t get in trouble at all. I’m a free woman. One who wants to charm Hennifer.”
“She’s probably already forgotten you.”
“But I haven’t forgotten her.”
“Wear a thick jacket,” I said. “If you have one.”
“Um, can I borrow one of yours?”

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