Page 77 of Glacier

Sassy rolled her eyes. “What? A lovely, kind woman who took the time to make a fat, frumpy kid feel pretty whenever she saw me? I don’t care what you do, Rita. I make up my own mind about people. And if this town is small-minded enough to be full of bigoted idiots, I’ll do what I’ve always done. Ignore them and move on.”

Rita’s breath hitched with a sob. “You’ve been missed, Sassy. Stop by and see Mama if you get the chance. She’s not doing so well.”

Sassy’s expression softened. She reached across and took Rita’s hand. “I’m sorry, Rita. Are you still in the same house?”

“Yeah.” Rita wiped her eye. “Still there.”

“I’ll stop by tomorrow, mid-morning, if that’s okay?”

Rita smiled. “That’ll be fine. She’ll be excited when I tell her you’re back in town.”

Sassy smiled wryly. “Didn’t have much choice. When I needed to feel safe, this was the first place that came to mind.”

I tilted my head, concerned. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, yeah.” Sassy nodded. “My mistake won’t follow me here. He hates small towns.”

She shook herself, like she was pushing the thought away. “Anyway, I’ll see you ladies tomorrow. And Rita, tell Ms. Star I’ll see her in the morning. I’m looking forward to it.”

Sassy gathered her flyers, leaving a few on the counter, and turned to go, giving us one last wave.

Then she stopped abruptly and spun back around. She bit her lip, indecision written all over her face. Her shoulders slumped slightly.

“I suppose it’s too much to hope that Tyler left town?”

Rita and Harriet both dissolved into giggles.

I glanced between them, confused. “Tyler?”

“Tyler Adams,” Sassy replied. “Also known as Lawless. And the bane of my school life.”

I was instantly curious. I wanted details.

Rita pulled herself together enough to answer. “He’s the VP of the Kings now.”

“Figures.” Sassy sighed, tipping her head back to stare at the ceiling for a moment. “Okay. I’m a big girl. Hopefully, he’s grown out of getting blowjobs in public.”

“What?” I spluttered, laughing. Somehow, I wasn’t shocked, though.

Sassy waved a dismissive hand. “I’ll tell you tomorrow. Seven sharp, ladies. Bring the men if you must.”

She opened the door and was gone in a whirl of cold wind and colourful hair.

“Oh, this is going to be good.” Rita shared a gleeful look with Harriet.

“He’s going to shit himself when he gets a look at her,” Harriet agreed.

“I’m guessing the two of them have a history,” I said dryly.

“You could say that.” Rita’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Don’t tell the men who owns the bar. Let’s meet there and watch the fireworks. We could all use a laugh after the stress of last weekend.”

“Deal.” I picked up my clipboard. “Come on, ladies. Let’s get this done. You can fill me in on all things Lawless and Sassy while we work.”

Oh, Lawless. You poor fool.

***

I was still chuckling when I got home that evening.