Page 89 of Worth the Want
“Understandable. I went almost a whole year withoutadmitting that my sister wasn’t here anymore.” I freeze. “Sorry, that was dark.”
Winnie reaches across the counter and grabs my hand. “I hate that she isn’t here. I hate that you have to miss her.” I love that she doesn’t say she’s sorry. It’s not that someone saying it makes me upset or uncomfortable; it’s more that Winnie is thoughtful in talking about loss. Having been through it at such a young age, I’m sure she’s heard it all.
“Thanks, Win.”
“Knox isn’t the only one who loves you, you know?”
I nod. “I love you too. You’ve welcomed me in with such grace in a time when I needed it so badly. Thank you.”
“Oh my god, don’t make me cry.”
“Sorry. I just want you to know what taking a chance on me has really meant for my life. For the first time in a very long time, I’m starting to see more light in the world than darkness.” Her smile is sweet—just a little watery.
“Yeah, that seems about right. Silverthorne may just be a small town, on a map in Colorado, but it’s helped to heal more than one wandering soul.”
“I’m happy to have landed here, and right now, I’m really happy to be in this bakery with the most amazing pastries I’ve ever had.”
She huffs out a laugh. “Aw, shucks. You really think so?”
I spend another hour here, talking over some events that we could host. Having a few baking workshops and possibly offering the space for classes would be a really fun way to give back to the community. Winnie agreed and is already blocking out some time in the schedule.
“Alright, I’m off to my next job,” I tell her.
“You’re an angel. I know Lo really appreciates you helpingher out. Between you and me, I think she’s working on something but hasn’t told anyone yet. That’s why she’s so excited for you to revamp the website.”
“Consider me intrigued. I may needle her for information,” I say, grabbing my running bag and swinging the strap over my head.
“Bye, Indie. Tell Baby Lo hi for me—and maybe don’t tell her I just called her Baby Lo,” she says, and I laugh.
“I’ll try not to let it slip out. Bye, Win.”
I’m thinking about hosting a photography course as I walk over to the hotel. If more people start being interested in my service, that is. My stomach growls, reminding me I’m starving, so I’m looking forward to my dinner with Lo. The town is quiet besides the music coming from AJ’s. The hotel is all lit up with warm amber light spilling out from the windows. I push open the glass door and hear the clinking of glasses from the restaurant, smell the wood furniture polish mixed with leather.
“Hi, welcome to The Holloway Hotel. I’m Marilyn. How can I help you?” a pleasant voice calls from behind the check-in counter.
“Hi, Marilyn. I’m Indiana. I’m supposed to meet Florence here for dinner. Do you know where I can find her?”
“She was in her office, but she was worried someone had thrown out some papers she needed. If you follow the hallway, you’ll either come across her in the office there, or you can open the back door and see if she’s there.”
“Perfect. Thanks, Marilyn.” I walk down the hall and look at some of the photos on the wall. They’re so cool. There are some vintage landscapes and a few photos of the original owners of the hotel. I grin, loving the vibes. I peek my head into the office and find it vacant. Lo must still be out back. I debatewhether I should just wait here, but there’s a nagging feeling in my stomach.
It’s most likely nothing, but I’m compelled to open the back door.
Move, Indiana!
I look back from where I came and see nothing that should cause the hair on the back of my neck to stand up. I’m probably overreacting, but the pull I feel is undeniable. Slowly, I make my way to the back door when I hear a crash. I flinch back away from the door.
Please, Indie! You have to run!
The feeling washing over me is not something I can ignore though. Not something I can brush off. Taking a deep breath, I fling open the heavy wooden door as hard as I can. The sound of it swinging back into the building reverberates off the bricks.
Stepping out of the hotel, I look down the small alleyway. What I see turns my veins to ice, but this time, I don’t freeze.
Run, Indiana! We have to run!And I do.
Without another thought, I reach inside my bag, leaping down the concrete steps. I run faster than I ever have in my life, launching onto the man's back, screaming as loud as I possibly can. He struggles but won’t let go of her. He throws an elbow at me, catching my brow, but I refuse to let up, hitting his head as hard as I can with one hand.
“Help! Call 911! Help!!” I scream over and over, praying someone hears me. Then I flip the safety switch on the taser in my hand, pressing it into him until he falls over, twitching and rolling away from us.
