Cowboy ala Cart, #NaNoWriMo writing challenge.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Charlene arrived to visit Meri, and fussed about her weight loss as she made a late breakfast.

"I know how thin my body is, but I haven't lost any weight, so I'll be fine," Meri insisted as she plated crepes with apple-cranberry compote. "And look, I have a bump."

Char pointed a fork at her after groaning while eating the first bite, "Trina said to ask how much you've gained since you won't tell her."

Meri licked her teeth then huffed, "I've gained thirty pounds."

"Liar," Char refuted her, "You don't look like you've gained ten pounds. The baby is just pulling all the weight from the rest of you... Seriously, isn't your special diet helping?"

"I don't have time to go through this. I have to go in early for a staff meeting." Meri filled her travel mug with mint tea and kissed her sister's cheek. "Eat enough for both of us. I'll be back by seven."

Meri arrived early for the staff meeting, but Janine grabbed her hand and pulled her into the walk-in before she could protest. Carl's bulk blocked them from view.

"You can't be here," Janine whispered in hushed urgency.

"What is going on?" Meri murmured back. "I thought we were just supposed to meet the new owners today."

Carl stepped into the cooler, holding out a bag, as Janine revealed, "Steven's father is the new owner and Steven is the new manager. We got the stuff from your locker, and everyone knows not to say anything about you or where you live."

Carl and Janine sneaked her out the delivery and employee entrance. The giant chef hugged her. "I'm so sorry, Meri. The boss gave you a severance package when I told him the situation. If you need a reference, have them ask for me or Janine or call us on our cell phones."

Janine hugged her too, then they hurried back to Viva Roma. Meri felt sick. She felt like she wanted to weep. Her dream of being head pastry chef was gone because her stalker had talked his father into buying her employer. Defeated, she went back to her car and stared in horror at the cream-colored rose left under her wiper.

The note made her stomach turn.

I can't wait for us to be coworkers. I miss all your delicious, sweet things. Steven.

Meredith looked around the garage in terror then got in her car and sped away. She texted Janine to confirm Steven was at the meeting and headed home. If his father owned Viva Roma, then Steven would be able to get her address from her employee record and tax paperwork, she would have to move and move fast.

She stopped and picked up a coffee for herself and her sister. Going up in the elevator, she stepped out of the doors just as Charlene stepped out of Meri's apartment.

"You're back? Did you forget something?"

Meri inhaled and exhaled. "I lost my job today. Steven's dad bought Viva Roma and the old owner laid me off with a severance package." She handed the coffee over as they went back into the loft.

"What are you going to do?" Char asked in concern then she sipped. Making a face, she took the cup from Meri. "I got your decaff."

Meri didn't even want a coffee but stopping to pick up the drinks was more of a comfort habit gesture. "I... I think I need to leave Vegas, but I have school."

"Call your mentor and tell him what is going on... He can't want you to stay here if you are in danger from a stalker. Your lease is up in June right?"

"July. And I have to get my range removed and replaced with the one they took out," Meri pointed at the thing she bought with her college fund as school supplies.