Page 84 of Saddles

A dented, rusty bell jangles when I push through the worn wooden door.

There’s only a handful of people, and most are sitting together on one side laughing amongst themselves.

It smells like beer and deep fried, with a hint of pool table felt.

Oddly comforting.

Hard wooden stools dot irregularly along the length of the thick rough slab bar.

My fingers play over the smooth surface, waiting on someone to appear behind the counter.

“I’ll be right there!” The throaty woman’s voice yells loudly enough to be heard over the low din of music.

Seconds later, a dark pink shock of hair appears behind the swinging barricade, then pushes through to reveal bright green eyes and full red lips.

She sets her tray down, and smiles. “What can I get you?”

“I’m, um, I’m here to pick up whatever Ford drinks?” I wonder if I said it right, because she freezes, staring at me.

“You?” Her mouth rounds into a circle.

Shit, I really messed up.

But then her cheeks split into a broad grin and tears begin to rush out as she rushes around the end of the bar to crush me in a hug.

“Oh my god, I’ve been waiting for this for so long!” She squeezes tighter, forcing my face against the tattoos of her bare shoulder.

This is not what I expected.

“Um, hi?” I can barely breathe.

She backs up, holding my upper arms. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting you here today. Scotty told me why they were going out to relieve Ford, and I couldn’t believe it! But it’s true!” With a teary smile, she takes a long inhale. “I’m Valerie, but you can call me Val. All my friends do.”

“I’m April.” I am so confused.

As if she can read my mind, she leads me to a stool and pulls out one next to it then sits. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this.”

“Um, it’s not like he and I are getting married?” I try to laugh, although I still have no idea why she’s reacting like this.

She waves her hand. “Girl, I know. Ford is like a cruise ship trying to turn. Look, did he tell you about, you know, his past?” Her green eyes bore into mine as she studies me.

Under the intensity of her gaze, all I can do is nod.

But the way she bites her lip, I’m really starting to wonder if they had a relationship.

“I don’t know everything, though. Were you two a, um…” I don’t want to know.

The wrist flips again. “Fuck no. Okay, he didn’t tell you everything. My husband, well, ex-husband, was Chris.I’m the onewho told Sarah to leave with him, that she could trust him.”

Wait.

I remember that name.

Ford’s friend.

The one Ford said he got revenge on.

Ice water runs through my veins.

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