Page 74

We’re all just pawns in Mom’s game of chess to secure her own future. I don’t know how I put up with it for as long as I did. I hope Lydia and Kitty find their way out. Or their way to me, like Marion has.

“How does Lydia feel about that?”

“She’s going along with it. What choice does she have? I think the first thing Mom wants to do is get her a job at the garage.”

Going along with it? My heart starts to ache at the thought of Lydia dating a man over twenty years older than her, just to keep Mom happy.

Lydia has a choice, just like I did. I only hope she realizes it before her wedding day.

THIRTY-ONE

Rosey

I stash the newly laundered napkins in the perfectly designed cubby and step back, pleased with myself. I’ve spent the last week learning the details of working in Blossom, because I’ve been moved from Autumn. It’s a promotion. Kind of. I’ll do half my shifts here and help out during special events, which comes with bonus pay. It’s nice to be doing things on different days. I’ll get to work with different people, meet different guests. I’m aware that I might not be here forever, but for now, I’m… happy.

I figure it will take some time to work out what I want to do with my life. Maybe I’ll stay on as a waitress at the Colorado Club. But talking to Marion about her college applications has made me ask questions of myself I’ve never asked before. I don’t know what I would have done after high school if I’d had the chance to choose. Would I have wanted to go to college? I knew it was never an option, so I never even fantasized about it.

Maybe I’ll go to veterinary school. Or become an English teacher. I’ve never thought about the possibilities because the future wasn’t ever my decision. My mom said I would be a good receptionist because I was pretty. So that’s what I did. Even when I stood in front of the mirror on the day I was supposed to get married, I don’t think I understood all the choices I’d have in front of me if I left Oregon. I never thought of what was possible. Just what wasimpossible: marrying Frank.

As if my thoughts summon him, I see a figure in the doorway that looks exactly like Frank from the back. But it can’t be.

Since my shift just ended, I head in that direction. When I get just a few yards away, the figure in the doorway turns—and I come face-to-face with my ex-fiancé.

“Frank?” It’s a stupid question. It’s obviously him. He looks more tired than I remember. A little older. His suit is a little rumpled and his tie a little crooked.

“Rosey!” His eyes are full of relief, but all I feel is heavy. Is he here to bring me back? Can he force me? Is my mom behind all this?

I glance around to see if anyone’s spotted him. I’m sure non-employees shouldn’t be wandering around this place. He probably shouldn’t even be on Colorado Club land. I don’t know how he managed to end up here, but he’s going to get us both into a ton of trouble.

“What are you doing here?” My jaw is tight and my fists are clenched. I’m ready to fight for my freedom. I don’t want to go back with him.

“I got the ring,” he says, as if that answers my question.

I hurry past him. “Come with me.” When we get to reception, I keep my head down and hurry out of the front entrance. We’ve been told we’re not allowed to use this entrance once the Club has opened. But right now, it’s my quickest route to get Frank the hell out of here. Not to mention, I need some air.

I lead him around to the side of the main building, toward the pathway that leads to staff housing. There are strictly no visitors allowed. The security risks have been drilled into us. Thankfully, the shuttle bus that takes staff to and from town pulls up in front of the staff block as we arrive.

“Come on,” I say to Frank. “Let’s get on this bus and head into town.”

We let passengers get off. I get a few odd looks, but I just smile like everything is peachy, and try not to let it show that I’m in the middle of a mild panic attack because my ex-fiancé has turned up on my doorstep after I jilted him at the altar.

I usher Frank onto the bus and take a seat toward the back so the driver can’t hear us.

“What are you doing here?” I ask. “How did you even get up here?”

“On this bus. I think they thought I’d come for an interview.” He chuckles. “It’s a nice place. Maybe Ishouldget a job here.”

I roll my eyes. Frank has his own successful business back in Oregon. He’s not about to come and work at the Colorado Club. I just want a straight answer from him.

“I’m glad you got the ring,” I say, trying to get him back on topic. “And I’m really sorry about everything that happened. I should have—” I don’t want to hurt his feelings, so I don’t tell him I should never have accepted his proposal. “I should have spoken to you rather than just running off.”

His face darkens. “Yeah. It was a shock. I thought we were happy.”

I sigh. I never gave him any reason to doubt me. “I’m very sorry. You’re a really great guy.”

He pulls in a breath. “Yeah, your mom said she thought you’d realize you’d made a mistake. She said you’d be too prideful to come back.” He searches my face, waiting for me to confirm what my mom has said—what he’s clearly hoping is true.

I glance at the bus driver. I really don’t want to be having this conversation here. Or anywhere, ever. But I owe it to Frank. “I’m sorry, Frank. I regret hurting you. I really do. You’ve been nothing but kind to me. But I don’t regret my decision.”