No Strings

No Strings

JL Paul

Copyright © 2014 .JL Paul

Smashwords Edition

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All characters in this book are entirely imaginary and any resemblance to persons living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter One

Heavy, gray clouds, the color of lead, rolled across the sky, darkening the penthouse apartment, despite the floor to ceiling window. The clouds threatened rain, but nary a drop had fallen as of yet.

Down below, traffic cluttered the streets, irritated drivers sounding their horns and shouting curses. Pedestrians speed-walked with their briefcases and shopping bags, hoping to get home before the rain

Resting her forehead on the cool glass, Avery Alstin closed her eyes, wishing for a raging thunderstorm. It would suit her mood.

Avery.

Twisting around, she rested her back on the glass as she faced the elegant woman entering the room.

Hey, Mom.

How are you feeling, honey? Mariah Alstin asked, crossing the room to embrace her daughter.

Fine, Avery sighed. Just, restless, I guess. I hate sitting here but I’m not ready to go out there.

Poking a thumb at the window, Avery took another glance, slightly happy to see fat drops of rain splattering the glass.

You can’t hide forever, dear, Mariah said, taking Avery by the hand. Leading her to the sofa, they sat close together. Mariah still clutched her daughter’s hand. And I think I have a solution.

Oh? Avery asked, brow raised.

I think you need to leave the city for a bit. You need to give things time to settle down and people to move on.

But, Avery said, squeezing her mother’s hand. Where will I go? And what about my job?

You’ve already spoken with the agency. They’ve agreed to give you some time off, Mariah said. As far as where to go, well, I think I’ve found a solution for that, too.

Where?

Remember Rosie? She used to be married to my second cousin, Henry? Mariah asked, a touch of animation leaking into her face.

Sure, Avery said. They’ve been divorced for a long time, though. Do you still talk to her?

Oh, yes. She’s such a sweet person. We email from time to time, though not as much as we used to. She took over her family’s diner in Gale Ridge that keeps her very busy, Mariah said. I called her yesterday and she said she’d be delighted to have you stay. She has a little apartment above the diner that you can rent. It’s not much, I know, and mostly just a farming community, but it’s far away from the city. Far enough for you to rest and get a little inner peace.

Inner peace? Avery said, cracking a smile. Really? Going Zen on me?

Mariah rested her head on Avery’s shoulder. No, but I do want you to heal. None of this was your fault, but I think you still blame yourself.

Well, I wouldn’t be arrogant enough to take the entire blame, Avery said. But I do have some fault, here. I’m not totally innocent.

Mariah patted her daughter’s leg. What do you say? Do you want to go see Rosie for the summer?

Would I live with her? Avery asked, hating to give up her independence. After the incident, she’d stayed in her own apartment, until the fallout began. She’d endured it for as long as she could before finally packing a bag and crashing in her parents’ guest room. What will I do?

No, you’ll have the apartment to yourself. You’ll relax and rest, Mariah said. Dad and I will pay the rent for the summer, so don’t worry.

Avery nodded, not bothering to object. Although she was making her own money now, and making plenty, her parents still insisted on paying for certain things. Growing up in near poverty, her father had worked hard in school and beyond, starting a company from scratch and watching it grow into the success that it was now. He had more money than what he knew what to do with and had no problem sharing his wealth.

Rosie said that, if you wanted to, you could waitress in the diner part-time. She lost one of her waitresses and could use the help, Mariah continued. And, there are several things going on this summer. They have festivals, parades, carnivals, the fair – lots of things.

That sounds lovely, Avery said, standing. Approaching the window, she could see that rain was all she was going to get. Didn’t look like any thunderstorms would be rolling in tonight. Do you think they know me there?

Probably not, Mariah said. You mostly do print ads and Rosie assures me that Gale Ridge is not a big fashion city.

Probably not, Avery agreed.

If someone did recognize you, they’d probably just think you looked familiar, Mariah continued. Your name isn’t big, yet.

Avery smiled. Her mother always said the same thing – Avery wasn’t big, yet. Avery didn’t mind that she ‘wasn’t big.’ She was happy doing print ads and the occasional fashion show. She had no desire to be one of those models whose lives were plastered all over the internet.

What do you say? Mariah asked.

Avery pressed her palms to the cool glass, tilting her head down so she could watch the hustle and bustle below. She would miss the thrum and pulse of the city, but she was ready for a different scene. It would be nice to hang out in a quiet little town. Maybe she’d take in a festival or something, and learn how to line dance.

Sure, I’ll go, Avery said. Do you think Daddy will go with me to my apartment to pack?

***

In the end, she’d decided to drive to Gale Ridge, and not in the little red convertible she’d purchased with her own money. Instead, she allowed her father to lease a dark blue pickup truck – something that would be rather unobtrusive in a little farm town.

She set off early Friday morning, a travel mug of her favorite iced coffee, and stopped only a few times for gas, bathroom breaks, and food. When she grew tired, she found a hotel just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee. She showered, sent a text to her parents, and then hopped into bed. She rose before the sun and set off once again.

Tired, hot, and sick of the country music stations, she pulled into Gale Ridge Saturday afternoon. Using her phone, she followed directions through the tiny town, parking in front of Rosie’s Eat-In. Grateful to be out of the truck, she opened the door without bothering to check her appearance in the mirror. She could feel her hair plastered to the back of her neck.

The diner was set between a hardware store and a discount store. Only a few people were on the sidewalk and every single one of them stopped to stare.

Wonderful, she thought as she pulled open the glass door and entered the cool interior. It was a cute place with a long counter and stainless steel stools topped with red, imitation leather cushions. On either side of the aisle that led to the counter were booths, about a dozen in Avery’s estimation. The walls were checkered in black, white, and red tile squares, framed art prints of roosters, hens, and other farm animals as the only décor.

Two of the booths were occupied with early diners, as well as several of the stools. Avery ignored the stares as she made her way to the counter, taking a seat on the end.

A frazzled, petite woman was pouring coffee for two gentlemen, chatting away about some local gossip. Behind her was a window cut into the wall where Avery could just make out a tall, scruffy man wearing a baseball cap backwards.

The petite woman paused in her conversation to smile in Avery’s direction. Be right with you, hon.

Okay, Avery said, plucking a laminated menu from the holder behind the napkin dispenser. The food choices were simple and very… hometown. Her rumbling stomach wasn’t objecting, even though it wasn’t her usual cuisine.

What can I get for you? the lady asked, her eyes scanning Avery’s face. Her expression brightened. Avery! How are you?

Fine, Rosie, Avery said as the older woman hurried around the counter to give Avery a warm hug. Thank you for giving me a place to stay.

Oh, it’s no problem, Rosie said, her twang somewhat thick. I’m happy to help. Are you hungry? Supper’s on the house. You’re probably tired, I expect, driving all that way.

Rosie’s exuberant greeting garnered more attention – attention Avery didn’t want. She ignored the patrons and turned on her stool as Rosie took up her station behind the counter.

I am hungry, Avery admitted. How about a burger?

Fries? Rosie asked.

No, thank you, Avery said. And a diet soda would be great.

Right away, Rosie said, turning to give her order to the cook. She filled a clean glass with ice and soda, setting it in front of Avery. Let me take care of my customers and then we can chat.

Avery ripped the paper off the straw and jammed it into her glass. She sipped while Rosie tended to the other diners, collecting their tickets, ringing them up, and returning their change. After clearing the dirty dishes, she hustled to an open door where a cart sat, a large tub on top of it, and dumped the dishes.

Anyway, Rosie said, standing in front of Avery. You’re sure you want to work here?

Yes, Avery said. Sure.

Great. Anissa quit on me with no notice, Rosie said, shaking her head. Not that she was great shakes at waitressing, but she was a warm body.

Avery smiled, not sure what to say.

I know it’s not your usual line of work, Rosie said, but it will keep you busy.

It’ll be fine, Avery said. I did a little waitressing in high school.

Good, Rosie said as the cook dinged a bell. Rosie turned to grab the plate, placing it in front of Avery. I’ll get the apartment key for you. Once you’re done eating, you can pull around back and park. The apartment is at the top of the steps. I’d show you around but the supper crowd will be coming in soon.

Sure. Thanks, Avery said.

How about you take a few days off to get to know the town, Rosie said. You can start working the lunch shift on Tuesday. Say, eleven?

That works, Avery said as she dumped mustard and ketchup on her burger. She’d pretty much given up red meat – only eating it once a week – but saw no harm in a hamburger. Besides, she didn’t think Rosie had turkey burgers in the back. In fact, from what she’d seen of the tiny town, it didn’t look like she’d be getting much in the way of turkey, chicken, and fish. She’d probably have to find a larger town with a big market and kick up her exercise routine. She couldn’t afford to gain too much weight.

The burger was good. It was like heaven on a bun. Closing her eyes, she took another bite, hoping she wouldn’t groan. It had been a long time since she’d had a real burger and not an imitation.

Rosie checked on the gentlemen at the counter before walking back to her spot in front of Avery. I put a few things in the fridge for you, but I wasn’t sure what you liked. Just come down tomorrow morning and get some breakfast. Then, I’ll tell you where all the markets are.

Sounds good, Avery said, dabbing her lips with a napkin. She finished her burger, drained her soda, and thanked Rosie before leaving the diner to move her truck.

Dragging her bags up the stairs, she opened the door and stepped into a light, airy kitchen. It was much smaller than the one in her apartment, but it was clean and a bright, cheerful yellow. A small, round table sat in the middle of the room with a white vase filled with fresh flowers in the center.

Dropping her bags, she wandered through the arched doorway into the cozy living room. The wood floors gleamed in the dying sunlight streaming through the window that looked out onto the street. There was a couch and a recliner with a dark, wood coffee table. A flat screen TV was anchored on the wall, above a bookshelf and next to the hall. She walked past it, peeking into a door to find a small bathroom. Across the hall was the bedroom. She flipped on the light to find a double bed, a chest of drawers, and a nightstand. The window was covered with mini blinds and it, too, faced the street.

Not bad, she muttered. Could be worse.

Shrugging, she retrieved her bags from the kitchen only to plop them on the floral print bedspread. It took her less than an hour to unpack. Once that task was finished, she fished out her favorite nightgown and her toiletries. She ran a bath and soaked for an hour before turning in early.

As she drifted to sleep, thoughts of Danny ran through her brain.

I’m so sorry, Danny. I love you, and I always will, but I need to get through this. I know you’d understand.

Sniffling, she rolled to her side, tucking her hand under pillow, and fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter Two

Avery woke early Sunday morning, feeling remarkably refreshed. Dressing quickly in a white blouse and pink, linen shorts – both with designer labels, she threw her blonde hair into a ponytail, brushed her teeth, and slipped her feet into sandals. She was eager to grab some breakfast in the diner and then take a tour of the town.

Surprisingly, the diner was nearly empty. In a small, farming community, Avery had expected it to be bursting with farmers or workers of some kind, enjoying a nice breakfast before doing chores.

Good morning, Avery, Rosie greeted as Avery took a seat at the counter. Coffee?

Please, Avery said.

Rosie flipped over a coffee cup and filled it with steaming coffee. Avery grabbed two sugar substitute packets and poured them inside, adding a dab of cream.

How did you sleep? Rosie asked.

Good, Avery said. That bed is very comfortable. Thanks for the food in the fridge.

Oh, no problem, Rosie said, leaning on an elbow on the counter. Eggs and bacon okay?

Sure, Avery said as Rosie yelled to the cook.

What are you going to do today? Rosie asked.

Check out the town, Avery said. Thought I’d try to figure out my way around.

It won’t take long, Rosie chuckled. It’s a small town. But there is a lot to do, believe it or not. The Popcorn Festival, Blueberry Festival, Fourth of July parade – just to name a few. Plus, there’s always a Saturday night dance somewhere. Our biggest attribute is the lake, though. Gale Lake. It’s beautiful. Lots of rental cabins down there. We get quite a bit of out-of-towners in the summer.

That’s a lot of festivals, Avery said as she sipped her coffee.

Yeah, Rosie smiled. It’s just an excuse for people to stop work early and go party.

Avery laughed as the cook – a different one from the previous day – dinged the bell. Rosie turned to grab the plate and placed it in front of Avery. You’re lucky you got here early.

I was surprised to see it so empty on a Sunday morning, Avery said.

Oh, it’s always this way on Sunday. We don’t get busy until after the churches let out.

That explained it. Avery remembered very little about the one time she’d visited Gale Ridge with her mother, but she did remember how it seemed as if everyone in town attended church on Sunday morning. Rosie was one of the few who didn’t.

She finished breakfast just as people who’d attended the early Mass started filtering in. Leaving cash on the counter, Avery slipped out before Rosie could protest.

Although it was late May, the sun was already hot. As she walked around back to where her truck was parked, she wished she would have brought her convertible. It would have been so much better driving around with the top down and the wind in her hair. But, she would have attracted too much attention to herself and she didn’t want that. She had hoped that she’d just blend in, but that wasn’t looking like it was going to happen, either. Everywhere she looked, people were gawking at her.

Just because I’m new, she mumbled as she dug her keys out of her bag and hopped in the truck. Pulling out of the alley, she took a left and then another left to take a tour of downtown.

Downtown wasn’t very large at all, but very clean and quaint. One main drag ran between two rows of businesses. She spotted a Laundromat (with dry cleaning services), a health clinic, a post office, an ice cream parlor, a market with a pharmacy, and, at the very end of town, a rather large feed/farm supply store with what looked like a huge, red barn beside it. There were other stores that she hadn’t paid much attention to, but she figured she had plenty of time to check them out – in between all the festivals, that is.

Giggling at her own joke, she stopped at the gas station across the street from the feed store to fill up the truck. Realizing she was thirsty, she ran inside to grab a bottle of water instead of using the Pay at the Pump feature.

Can I help you? the young lady behind the counter asked. She’d experimented with makeup that morning, probably in an attempt to make herself look older, but Avery figured her to be barely out of high school.

This, Avery said, placing the bottle on the counter while telling her how much gas she wanted on pump two.

No problem, the girl said. Just passing through?

Um, no, Avery said with a smile as she handed over her credit card. I’m staying in town for a few weeks.

Why? the girl asked, an expression of total confusion on her fresh face. I mean, no one your age comes here for vacation or anything. Usually just old, married people. And their brats.

Avery forced a smile, removing the credit card from the cashier’s hand. I heard all about the festivals and I couldn’t wait to go to them.

Really? the girl asked.

Avery contained her giggles as she nodded. I have some family friends in town that I’m visiting. Could I just sign the slip? I need to get going.

The girl handed over the slip in which Avery quickly signed. With a smile, she handed it to the girl and quickly left, crossing the hot concrete to her truck.

Why had she egged the girl on that way and then been perturbed because the girl had been curious?

Idiot, she mumbled under her breath as she pumped the gas.

A rattling, rusted farm truck pulled up on the other side of the pump. An older man in overalls climbed out of the driver side, barking out orders to the young man in the cab.

The young man jogged inside the station, presumably to pay, while the older man waited at the pump. He spotted Avery and a flash of curiosity flickered in his eyes. He nodded in her direction.

Morning.

Good morning, Avery said, replacing the nozzle and screwing the gas cap back on. Attempting a smile, she hopped into the truck and cranked the engine. The farmer watched her as she drove out of the station and back onto the main strip.

As local church services ended, more and more people lined the sidewalks, either going to Rosie’s for brunch or stopping at the market to pick up things for Sunday supper. Her mind wandered to what she’d be doing back home if her world hadn’t been shaken up so radically. Most likely, she’d meet friends at the little bistro down the street from her apartment for mimosas and a light lunch. Afterwards, they’d probably shop a little bit or catch an early show. They’d probably be laughing as they recalled the events of evening before – probably spent at a swank club.

But not here. Nope. Life moved much slower in Gale Ridge.

And that was fine. Avery