More Than A Vow

Chapter 5 What to do ??

Mariah had not slept well after she had seen where Tessa was sleeping. My god, how had she survived? She was living in her car for god's sake. Everything must be so difficult for her. Like where the hell does she wash and clean her clothes?

She would have to act. But how? Also, how do I do that without scaring her off? I can't run in and save her. Tessa would hate that! She's such a strong and resilient woman.

Tessa woke up and thought I need to wash some clothes and myself for that matter. I have a gig tonight and I need to impress. First of all, I have to get all my clothes together and head to a launderette. She hoped she had enough money to do it all? 

Luckily for her once she found one the woman who runs it felt sorry for her and said she had a small wash to do for someone and Tessa could add her clothes to the wash. Then she'd only have to pay half towards it. The woman said she could pick it up in a couple of hours.

Tessa could not believe her luck. She loved GC everyone she meet was so helpful nothing like Chicago.  Now all I have to do is get myself a shower. What the hell am I going to do? I can't keep going to the garage, someone's bound to catch on sooner or later.

Mariah had mentioned the Athletics Club, it has a gym, etc so could I sneak in and use their showers? She would have to be very careful she didn't bump into anyone. She put some clothes on that looked like she was ready to do a workout, and made her way there.

Lucky for her it was empty, she couldn't believe her luck. In her bag, she had brought everything she needed. Change of clothes, hairbrush, make-up. Afterward, she thought well that was painless, in and out without anyone seeing me.

Mariah did mention last night that if I was free to text her and meet for coffee. It was about 11am and she was free for the next hour before she had to collect her laundry. So she got out her phone and texted Are you free? Meet you in Crimson now?

Mariah just happened to be sitting in one of the booths when her phone pinged. Within minutes Tessa walked in and gave her the biggest smile. She sat down and said hi. The girls then chatted about this and that and then Tessa Said What's that look you keep giving me? Mariah thought Oh shoot what do I say? 

Come on spit it out there is obviously something on your mind. Take a deep breath and go. I saw you last night. Yes, we were at Society. What do you mean? 

Well, I got the cab to follow you. The look on Tessa's face! oh god, what have I done? Mariah couldn't say any more because Tessa was already heading for the door! "Tessa" please wait Mariah shouted. But it was too late she was gone.

What do I do now? Mariah thought. She decided to drive to where Tessa's car was parked to see if she could fix things. Once she arrived she realized the car was nowhere to be seen. Oh no, where's she gone?

Mariah drove back to the ranch feeling very sad. She texted Tessa with a very apologetic message. She hoped she had not left town?  Because? Because what Mariah?  Because I can't tell her how I feel about her yet. So she just wrote I'm sorry in capital letters.

Meanwhile, Tessa was driving. She was so mad at Mariah! Why did she follow me? What was she going to say to her? It would mean she would have to open herself up. She'd never done that with anyone before. Let alone with someone she was having feelings for. Wow! Where did that come from? Lock that thought away right now, Mariah's never going to feel the same way.

At that moment her phone pinged. She pulled over and read the message. It was from Mariah saying she was sorry and that she had gone to where the car had been parked to say it in person. But your car had gone. I'm hoping that you haven't left town?

She decided not to answer for now. Also, she couldn't let Abby down, plus she needed the money.

So she turned the car around and headed back to town. She managed to park up where she was before. She felt safe there since the day she'd arrived. Changing in the car was always a struggle. But at least all her clothes were nice and clean now. She decided to put on her favorite dress. It was a bit more classy than a pair of jeans she thought.