Page 3 of Remnants
“What?” I ask tentatively. “It’s just a cupcake.”
“It’s fucking amazing!” Nora repeats, in more shock this time. “Shit, I’m lucky if I can microwave a hot pocket properly.”
The amount of cursing is something I’m not used to. I grew up in a conservative, religious family, and James forbids me to use vulgarity. So, unless he is out of town, it is a rarity I say “crap”, let alone fuck or shit.
“Well, I live in that house over there.” I smile as sweetly as I can while pointing at my house through the window. “Any time you’re hungry, just let me know. I enjoy cooking, especially baking, so it would be nice to have someone to cook for who enjoys my food.”
Mac laughs and smacks Nora’s back. “If you don’t marry her, Nora, I will.” I freeze as I try to keep the panic from rising up.
A joke. It’s a joke. James didn’t hear it, it’s fine.
Still, I fold my hands so that my four-carat diamond bridal set is visible. Nora must notice my attempt to show off my ring because the slight upturn on her very plush looking lips falls downward into a full scowl.
I can feel the silence becoming thick and it’s obvious to me that I’m overstaying my welcome—something James has scolded me for in the past. I give them a small smile and pat Sam very gently on the head.
“Well, I best be off, but if you need anything, I am right over there. I am Kaitlin, by the way.” They both say their goodbyes and Nora walks me to the door.
“Hey, Katie.” My body stiffens. No one has ever called meKatie. Not because I don’t want it, Lord knows I’ve tried to get my family and James to call me a cute nickname,anynickname. But no, that would be considered childish and inappropriate. The way it sounds falling from Nora’s lips though… With her rich, smooth and slightly low voice… it comes out like a song I want to keep on repeat.
I watch her jam her hand into the pocket of her black jeans, pulling out a pen. She grabs my hand but instantly pulls back and gives me a look of bewilderment.Did she feel that spark, too?
“I’ll give you my number,” she says softly as she slowly grabs my hand again and scribbles her number on my palm.
“Wow, your handwriting is really pretty,” I marvel while staring at the digits and her name. She laughs while giving me an awkward shrug.
“I would hope I write decently, I’m a tattoo artist.” My eyes widen and my mouth falls open.
“What? Really? That is amazing! I always wanted a tattoo!” This seems to peak her interest.
“What? You mean to tell me that you don't have even a tiny little butterfly hidden under there, June?” I roll my eyes but chuckle as I walk out of the door.
“Nope, not-a-one. My husband isn’t a fan. And if I did have one, it would be a bird—not a butterfly. If I’m able to fly, I want to be able to fly far away. I’ll see you later, Nora.” Giving her a slight wave I get ready to turn to leave.
She scoffs. “Always do what your husband says? Come by my shop sometime, I’ll hook you up.” She winks, and I know she’s teasing again. Problem is, she doesn’t realize how on the noseshe is with that statement. She has no idea that I’m about to go home, put her name in my contacts under “pharmacy”, and then spend the next ten minutes scrubbing my hand clean of her pen because if James sees it, he would be furious. Man or woman—it doesn’t matter. I’m his wife, and my job is to serve him, talk to him, and love him. I am not permitted to have friends. Friends are a liability. They notice things, they ask questions, and they can cause problems. Nora definitely seems like the type who could cause a major problem.
Nora
TWO
I watchKatie’s curvy ass sway as she walks across the street and into her house before I shut my door and walk back to the kitchen. I sit on the chair next to the island and let out a hiss of pain.
“You overdid it today.”
I roll my eyes at my brother’s obvious observation. “Yeah, well. I didn’t really have a large amount of people willing to help with the move.” I rub Sam’s head as he whines. Sam was once my service dog, but after an illness left him blind in one eye, he couldn’t reliably help me. Not that I would ever tell him that. He still tries to take care of me and because of that, I always remind him he is the best boy.
Mac finishes another cupcake before standing up. “Are you going to be at the shop Monday?”
I give him a small nod, knowing this is his way of saying he’s heading out—which is fine, I’m ready to be alone; I need to take a bath and put my leg up. Though, I’d be lying if I said I’m not nervous being alone. I haven’t lived alone since I returned home from my tour three years ago.
Standing up, I wince while walking over to give him a hug. My brother is a tall, heavy set man who is covered in tattoos and piercings. He is intimidating to look at but has the softest soul. I’m the actual mean-ass in the family, if that is what you would call us. Now that mom passed away, it’s just Mac and me.
“Are you sure you’ll be alright, kid?” I want to tell him no. I want to tell him how afraid I am to be here alone. That the thought of it all makes me want to cry. I can’t though, I’m not the type to show my fears anymore. The army took care of that a long time ago. I can’t show fear or vulnerability anymore, no matter how much I may need to.
So, instead, I force out a chuckle and hit him in his arm. “Please, I may be a woman but I ain’t no bitch.” Mac shoves my bandana over my eyes and walks towards the door.
“Alright, kid. I’ll see you at work Monday. Try not to be too crazy over the weekend, you have a full schedule.” I shove him out the door and lock it behind him. Mac runs a very popular tattoo parlor in the city. Once I got out of the military I couldn’t work standing up, so I began selling tattoo designs at his shop, then I apprenticed and found I have a passion for the art.
Releasing a deep sigh, my eyes look over the modest home. I rented this small house specifically because of its size. It makes me think of a hobbit-hole… or it did. Right now, though, it feels too massive. There are too many empty rooms and it’s causing my skin to prickle.
