Page 63 of Trailer Trash

“Same,” I lie.

Killian gives the most infuriating crooked smile. As he walks away, he pats Nina’s ass while glancing over his shoulder.

I don’t react, showing him I don’t care.

The bastard still smiles.

I could stab the table with a fork. He makes me so mad.

Because I didn’t like that. I hated it. I don’t want to hate him touching anyone. What is wrong with me?

“Are you okay?” says Jaxson.

“Yes, um...” I clear my throat. “Absolutely. It’s always weird to see a patient in the wild.”

He chuckles. “Definitely is. I can’t believe some drug dealer cut up his mouth.”

“How did you know about that?”

“Rumors all over the hospital.”

That makes sense. Jaxson works as a CNA too.

“He seems like a nice guy,” he adds.

“Killian is. He’s funny.”

“Like the joker. He has the scar to match.”

I squint, because I’m slightly taken off-guard. It’s not cool to say—

Wait, why the hell do I care?

Why are we talking about Killian?

“Anyway,” I say, emphasizing the word. “Let’s see. You asked me what I like in a man. Someone funny—”

Oops.

“Someone who is a people-person, smart, communicates, puts in effort, shows he cares.”

Killian.

Oh God, shoot me.

“That’s great,” Jaxson replies. “I’m those things. Marriage and kids?”

“One day. The normal stuff.”

“Good. Cheers to that.” He lifts his drink, tapping it against mine. We sip our matching margaritas and smile.

Slowly, the weight lifts off my shoulders.

Phew. It’s so silly how upset I was. Everything happens for a reason. Those two problems — Evan and Killian — tried to ruin a new start, but they’re actually showing me what a good man looks like in contrast. Jaxson. He is a God-fearing, family man, with goals.

I relax into the booth, feeling completely calm and happy. I gaze into the lime-green margarita as every muscle in my body releases the tension. The cool ice bobs, creating highlights and shadows. A faint smile forms. Jack Nicholson, grinning in the movie, The Shining. It’s one of Killian’s tattoos.

Shit.