Outrunning Her Past

Chapter 2

The alarm blared in my ear as I dragged myself out of the bed. Stumbling into the shower, I fought the urge to scream when the hot water suddenly shifted to ice cold. My teeth were chattering by the time I managed to get all the shampoo out of my hair. I need to find a damn job and fast. I dressed in a simple pair of black jeggings and a mini dress I'd gotten at a local Goodwill store. It was a simple outfit, but professional enough for job hunting, or at least I hoped. Grabbing my bag and room key, I headed to the local library to use the free internet and search through the help wanted ads.

Those front doors were just as heavy as I remembered them from my youth. Stepping to the front counter I smiled at the young girl working. "Hello, I'd like to use the internet if possible."

"Do you have a library card?" she asked.

"No, I just moved here, so I don't have much of anything really," I replied.

"Oh, well I can get you one, just fill this out please," she pushed a small clipboard with a form toward me. Smiling in response, I accepted it and found a seat nearby to fill it out. I gave the basics, but most of it remained blank. I hoped she wouldn't notice the motel address I was using and assume it was an apartment. Heading back to the desk, I waited behind a dark-haired man as he asked the girl a few questions.

"Sorry, Wyatt, but I'll have to get that one through a library loan. We don't keep it on our shelves," she told him.

He dragged the stack of what looked to be at least six or seven large novels toward him and replied, "Oh well, at least these will keep me busy for a week or so." The girl laughed and nodded, then turned to me.

"Oh, are you finished?"

"Yep, like I said, I just moved, so not much information." I handed her the small clipboard and waited patiently. She hummed to herself, a small frown forming, and glanced at me, then maybe she took pity on me because she typed something into the computer, and a few seconds later she handed me a still-warm library card. My face broke out in a genuine smile.

"The computers are to your left. Just log in with your ID number. Copies are ten cents per page for black and white if you need any. Sadly, the color copier is broken right now," the girl gave me a soft smile as I nodded like a fool and grabbed my bag to head toward the computers. I hadn't even realized the man with the stack of books had followed me. When I looked up, I realized he was at the computer across from mine.

"Oh, hello," I said, a bit startled as he stared back at me like he'd seen a ghost. Taking in his lean build, dark hair, and those green eyes peering at me, I smiled, "You're Wyatt aren't you?"

A grin spread across his face, "I was hoping you didn't think I was a stalker. It's been a long time, Dani." He stood and stretched out his hand to shake mine firmly. "Nate hasn't shut up about running into you last night, neither has Dean."

My cheeks flushed, "Wow, never knew I'd get such a reception coming back here." I pointed to the stack of books, "Doing a bit of light reading are you?"

It was his turn to blush, "Yeah, actually I have horrible insomnia so I read a lot. If I stay on my phone I'll doomscroll all night."

"That makes sense. I used to do that a lot. Honestly, not having a phone is awkward sometimes, but also freeing in a way, except when you're job hunting," I sighed.

His eyebrows raised. "What kind of work are you looking for? I might have a few suggestions."

"One that pays and doesn't require illegal acts," I smirked. "I'm not picky at this point."

His finger tapped against his chin, "Hmm, well Dalton is hiring for a server at the diner. The university has a few cafeteria positions and custodial spots. If you have clerical skills, you might try the law firms or utility companies in town. Those are your best bet at this time of year. Slim pickings in a college town, but then again, you already know that."

I furiously scribbled down notes about the places he'd suggested. "Thanks, Wyatt. I'll fill out some applications online, then head to the diner later. Is Dalton back? Dean had mentioned he was sick."

Wyatt laughed, "Yeah, about that... Seems Dalton wasn't actually sick, he just had tickets to a concert out of town and didn't bother to let anyone know. Talon was supposed to cover for him, but canceled and I guess he told Dean about the supposed illness." I giggled, my hand flying to my mouth to try and stay quiet. He chuckled at me, "I doubt Sara will kick us out for laughing. If you haven't noticed, we're the only patrons here."

I looked around in surprise, he was right. We had the entire place to ourselves. Giving his hand a squeeze, I thanked him. "I appreciate the suggestions, Wyatt, and it was nice to visit."

"Are you busy this evening? Nate said he dropped you off last night. One of us could pick you up and you could have dinner at our place?"

I tilted my head in confusion, "One of us...your place?"

"Oh, I guess Nate didn't tell you, we all live together," he grinned.

"Huh? I teased Nate about living the bachelor life. He gave the impression he lived alone."

Wyatt snorted, "Well the bachelor life is fairly accurate. We tend to eat either at the diner or carry out from the diner most days. Our work schedules are scattered so sharing a house just made sense. Dean was the last one to move in when he returned from art school last year." He scribbled a number on my paper. "Just think about it and give Nate or me a call. This is one of those rare nights when we'll all be under one roof. Heck, you could even talk to Dalton about the waitressing position."

"Wait, he lives there too?" I asked, surprise filling my voice.

"Sometimes. He has an apartment at the diner, just off the back, but when he wants to get away from it all, he crashes with us."

"Well," I drawled, "I...uh..."

"Favorite comfort food?" Wyatt asked suddenly.

"Fajitas," I said, "Why?"

He typed a bit on his phone, and then it pinged, "Because we are now having fajitas for dinner so you have to come." He flashed me a full smile that made my stomach flip. Woah, this guy had gotten gorgeous. Then again, so had Nate and Dean. I was beginning to feel a bit like a wallflower. "Please, Dani?" he begged.

"Oh fine," I huffed, then grinned. "Stars forbid I refuse a free meal."

"Yes!" he breathed then grabbed my hand. "Nate or I will pick you up at six. See you tonight," he said, then quickly placed a kiss on my cheek before grabbing his stack of books and walking off.

I stood there touching my cheek like a damn schoolgirl, just grinning before I finally sat down and started searching through the locations Wyatt had suggested.  

Author's Notes:  Now we've met three former schoolmates...who's next?  Please comment, vote, follow, and share!