Page 85 of Huge Dynamite
Digging around some more, I feel something cold and heavy at the bottom of the box.
“A-ha!” Lifting the bottle opener, I hold it in my hands like I’m holding a baby bird. “You are beautiful,” I whisper to the opener, “and I was smart enough—no,brilliantenough—to pack you along with my wine glasses.”
Chuckling to myself, I uncork the wine and pour it into the glass. Lifting the glass to my nose, I swirl the wine around and inhale deeply. “Oh, ew!” Pulling it away from my nose, I stare into the glass. The wine hasn’t gone bad; it’s just that it smells like the country club, Robert, and my parents all rolled together. Frankly, right now, the aroma is enough to make me want to vomit.
Walking to the kitchen sink, I dump my glass of wine down the sink. I’m done with wine. That was the drink of the old Holly. The one that worried about everything and making everyone happy. New Holly is going to go figure out who the hellsheis—for better or for worse. Crossing back to the fridge with determination, I yank the door open. Reaching into the otherwise-empty fridge, I grab a beer.
Holding it up, I look at the label. No, I don’t know one beer from the next, but this is what we drank that night at Hoppa’s Taphouse, so what the hell? Sure, it makes me sad to think of Seth, but it also makes me happy to think of those few fun times we shared and the woman I was with him.
Popping the top, I take a long drink and smile. Damn, that does taste better than wine. As a matter of fact… Grabbing the bottle of wine, I walk to the sink and turn it over, watching as the wine coats the metal basin with a slick shine. If only all changes were this easy to make.
Looking over at my home phone again, I wonder if I owe Seth a call to let him know I’m going. But the thing is it’s been nearly a month, and I haven’t heard a peep out of him. Maybe he’s not interested.
No, shaking my head, I take another long swallow from my beer bottle. It’s time to just let bygones be—
My front door buzzes. Turning quickly, it’s like my heart jumps into my throat. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and think calming thoughts.No. What happened then was a freak thing. Most of those men are in jail. You will not be kidnapped every time the doorbell rings.
Still, rushing to my bag, I grab my mace and walk to my door quietly. This time, I’m not opening my door unless I’m certain of who it is.
“Hello? Who’s there? You should know I’m not alone in here. I have friends over and the police on speed dial. Who is it?”
“Holly.” It’s a deep voice I recognize. “It’s Bullet and Bullseye, uh, sorry, Harry and Avery from the Steel Knights. Could we speak to you for a moment? We need your help.”
Leaning forward, I look out the peephole. Whew. It is Harry and Avery.
“Are you alone?”
“Yes, Holly. We just need you. Nick had an accident. He needs help.”
“Why not take him to the hospital?”
“We need someone discreet. Besides, he’s asking for you.”
My heart rate slows, but my hands are still shaking as I unlock the door. Opening it just a crack, I peek outside, squeezing the can of mace in one hand. “You’re really alone?”
“Yes.” Avery smiles. “I’m sorry if we scared you.”
“Is Nick bleeding or unconscious? Heart attack? Does he need an ambulance?”
“No, no. Nothing like that. Something minor,” Avery explains. “He just needs you. Please, Holly.”
Nodding, I agree. “Okay, let me just grab my coat and my keys.” Sadness washes over me—I can’t help it. I’m a little bit disappointed that Seth wasn’t the one to come get me.
“Thank you,” Harry says.
The two men step inside as I grab my jacket and keys off an empty kitchen counter and leave the can of mace. I’ll be perfectly safe with these guys.
“You’re packed.” The surprise in Harry’s voice is evident. “Where are you going?”
“I accepted a job back east with one of my old professors. I’ll still work emergency, but it’s a teaching hospital. Who knows?” Shrugging, I sigh. “It’s near a major urban city with a population that could use affordable healthcare. Maybe I can get my clinic going there. It was such a pipe dream to try to open the clinic here.” I’m aware I’m rambling, but I can’t stop myself. “I would have needed so much funding and help.” Shrugging again, I turn to them. “Ah, well. It’s stupid, but I just fell for that building, you know?”
The men exchange glances.
Tilting my head, I look them each in the eye. “What was that about?”
“What?” It’s Avery. He’s definitely smoother and more outgoing than either Harry or Seth.
“I don’t know, nothing. So, what happened this time? To Nick?”
