to try to win End back? Is she a goddamn insane person? Over my dead body. That woman will not be allowed anywhere near my child if I have anything to say about it. Hell, at this rate, End won’t even be able to look at her without wanting to strangle her for the things she said about Luna and me.
Heaving a sigh, I rub at my temples, feeling a headache coming on. “Jesus. I’m ready to go home and sleep. This is too much drama for one day.”
Julia scoffs. “Where have you been? Dunsmuir has always been drama. Welcome back.” She pats me on the butt before getting back to work. As if it was meant to be, I spot Holly hanging around out front and decide to take matters into my own hands.
I call out to Rita and tell her I’ll be taking my break as I make my way outside. At the sound of the bell chiming, Holly turns, her face scrunching in distaste when she sees me.
“Can I help you?” She raises a brow, clearly annoyed by my presence. I’m not exactly chipper to be standing here with her either.
“You called my daughter a bitch, Holly. She’s a child, for Christ’s sake. Do you not have an ounce of respect for anyone in this town?”
Anger flares in the depths of her eyes. “I did not call your child a bitch. Would you go harass someone else?”
I scoff. “Are you seriously calling my daughter a liar, right now?”
“Well, it would definitely make sense. Like mother, like daughter.”
I jerk back. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Fury clouds Holly’s expression. “It means you fucked my boyfriend! Lying obviously runs in your family.”
I send a menacing glower her way, and my hands curl into fists at my sides. “You know nothing about me or my family.”
She laughs, taking a step closer. “Oh, I know enough. I know you’re not this sweet, perfect girl this town makes you out to be. You’re not the girl Endymion thinks you are.”
“And what, you are?” I challenge.
“I’m a whole hell of a lot better than you! The only reason he’s with you is because he accidentally got you pregnant. You have to know that.”
Pain rips through my chest. I suck in a ragged breath and narrow my eyes. “If you say anything about my daughter again, our next conversation won’t be half this civil. I couldn’t care less about what you think about me, but you’ll keep her name out of your mouth. Oh, and if you really think I’m the source of all your problems, you need to have a look in the mirror and ask yourself why you were never enough for Endymion to begin with.”
Her face shutters.
With those harsh parting words, I turn on my heels and head back into the diner.
On the drive home from work, I stop at the empty store lot Julia was telling me about earlier. I don’t know why I do it. It’s not like I’ll be able to have it, but she’s right. It is a cute place. I can’t even remember what store was here as a kid, but she said the town hasn’t been able to sell or lease the spot. It’s in downtown Dunsmuir in a prime area. The storefront is brick and rustic, and with a little TLC, it could be something special.
Maybe.
In the far future.
If I ever decide to follow my dreams again.
With a quick glance at the clock, I decide to pull over and park along the street outside of the empty building. Endymion still isn’t back home with Luna yet anyway. I spoke to him after I got off work, and he mentioned they were still at his parents’ house having dinner. He told me to stop by, but I said I’d meet him at home. I didn’t feel like rehashing my day in front of his parents.
Locking my car behind me, I walk up to the building, assessing everything about it. It’s too dark out here to see inside. I’ll have to stop by during the day, but I still peer in through the windows. It’s shadowy and difficult to see what condition the inside is in, but as far as space goes, it’s a good fit. A little bigger than the last place I leased in Pasadena.
A part of me wants to say to hell with it and make this happen, but a bigger part of me is afraid. Afraid of failing again. I