Page 54 of Dragon Touched
She showered and changed into some jeans and a tank top she’d picked up on the way to sign the papers.
With a sneer, she threw the dress in the garbage. “Good riddance.”
An urge to light the material on fire rose within, but she squashed it down. It wouldn’t do to accidentally burn the house to the ground before she’d even spent one night in the building. She’d never get her deposit back.
“Next step—groceries and a job.”
Finding employment might be difficult because she had no real-world skills. Who would take a chance on an eighteen-year-old fresh out of school and no references?
“One thing at a time.” She tried to quell her nerves. It was big and hectic out here, away from the sheltered life she’d lived in the Chicago countryside.
I can do this, though. If I don’t, then I’m no better than Fin, hiding from the world—from life.
She biked onto the sidewalk of the local grocery store. It was small but bustling with shoppers rushing in the bright afternoon. Taking a deep breath, she made her way to the sliding front doors.
AHelp Wantedsign hung in the window.I think I can figure out how to scan items or stock shelves.
While checking out her modest load of foodstuff, she eyed the sign again, then directed her words to the cashier. “Are you guys still hiring?” Her voice sounded squeaky and strained.
The woman, Assistant Manager Kimmie by the embroidery on her blue apron, paused mid-scan.
She appeared twenty-four or twenty-five. Bright, red hair lay piled into a messy bun, and her jaws popped a piece of gum. “Yeah, we are.”
Exhaling with pursed fish lips, a sheer bubble grew to almost the size of her head.Pop.She freed a string of gum with the tip of her tongue from her bottom lip, and her blue eyes met Sacha’s.
“You lookin’?”
“Absolutely. And I’m not picky—I’ll take whatever you got.” And she would—her savings dwindled with every necessary purchase.
Kimmie chuckled, and then began scanning items again. “Tell you what.” She plopped an application in Sacha’s hand.
Pop.Chewing gum slipped over her nose. “Fill this out, show up tomorrow at eight a.m.”—Kimmie peeled off the thin veil in one swoop, not a trace remained—“ and you might find yourself employed.” She tossed the pink-colored wad into her mouth. “I’m shorthanded and desperately need another checker.”
“Thank you.” Sacha couldn’t keep a wide grin from her face. “You won’t regret it.” She didn’t need a man in her life—this princess could get by just fine without Pops or Finley Marin.
A week later, gainfully employed by T&C Village Groceries, Sacha had a day off but felt restless, bored, and lonely. She decided to check out the local park. Maybe a dose of Vitamin D and a long walk was what her antsy mind and body needed.
Fin’s warm, low voice invaded her thoughts every minute she forgot to shove it away into a dark corner.
My little rat.
It felt like he walked next to her, whispering in her ear.She was desperate to forget him, his tower, Margaret, and Cyan.
This is the real world, and I’d better get used to it.
Bright and yellow, the sun’s rays blasted through the clear, dazzling blue sky. Warmth beamed onto her skin and reminded her of Fin’s fiery presence. A family of four played frisbee over an open, green field, and another barbecued hot dogs on a metal grill.
A small chihuahua, seeing her approach on the trail, began yipping and straining at her leash. Short teeth snarled and brown eyes rolled in their sockets.
“Shush it, Killer.” The dad of the family jerked on the tiny beast’s pink, heart-studded leash.
Loud laughter burst from Sacha’s mouth.Killerlooked about as murderous as a fluffy bunny.
The aroma of cooked meat teased her nostrils and her stomach growled.
She glanced upward. Green leaves clothed the oak branches in foliage, and dappled sunshine shone through the gaps.
An urge to call and apologize to the irritating, strange man filled her mind, but then she remembered his parting words.
