Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Someone barks out a laugh, and I’m jerked into the present. Sneakers squeak across linoleum and voices chatter while the class follows me through the building to the exit.
As much as I’m out of my element with this new career, there’s relief in it. I’d been good at my accounting job, but I threw myself into it to avoid an unhappy marriage. I needed a fresh break from everything.
“It’s hot out here,” someone complains. “Does this greenhouse have AC?”
I ignore the kid as I open the door to the greenhouse. Inside, I’m met with the earthy scent of damp potting soil and fertilizer. Toward the front of the greenhouse that’s bigger than my apartment, there are tables and tables full of planting supplies. Stacks of pots, bags of soil, bins full of hand shovels and tools. Beyond that, there are picnic tables that serve as desks. At the far end of the greenhouse is a garage door that can be opened to let a breeze in but also serves as a way to easily move plants and supplies in and out. The FFA banner hangs in the corner, the edges frayed and the material yellowing from age. The place isn’t perfect, but I feel like I can breathe deeper in here than in the classroom.
Once everyone files in and takes a seat, I notice a familiar blond head at the table closest to me. She sits alone which is confusing to me. The girl is the typical “popular” type with sleek blond hair, designer clothes, and pretty features. Yet, for some reason, she behaves like an outsider, a loner, a freak.
Is that why you let the watch thing pass? You felt sorry for her?
It was the whispered, cruel words and the tears in her eyes that got me, I think. She’s going through something, and as someone who’s been to hell and back recently, I recognize a kindred spirit.
I somehow manage to rattle out my spiel about greenhouse safety and rules, but my attention remains on Addison. There’s a sadness that emanates from her—one I can almost reach out and touch. It’s familiar to me.
Who hurt you, Addison?
“Can we grow weed?” Liam asks, flashing me an idiotic grin. “It’s legal now.”
Addison’s eyebrows lift as she watches me for a reaction. I want to study her bloodshot eyes to see if I can read more of her emotions, but I focus on the dweeb nearby.
“Let’s master tomatoes and cucumbers first,” I deadpan. “We’re in the business of killing weeds, not growing them.”
The class perks up with excitement when I put them on the task of planting some seeds in starter pots. It’s basic and just something for them to do in order to get familiar with the greenhouse and dirt.
I find my stool and perch atop so I can watch everyone. My gaze lands on Addison as she daintily presses dirt into the tiny pot. Her movements are careful, unlike Liam and Zayne who are spilling soil all over the damn place. She must sense my staring at her, because she lifts her eyes to meet mine.
Brilliant and glittery blue like the lake I lived on growing up.
Warmth gathers in my chest at the memory of fishing and swimming in the cool waters at the back of our farmland. After helping Dad with summer chores, I’d reward myself with an afternoon dip.
I notice Addison’s cheeks turning as pink as her long, painted fingernails. I give her a small nod and wink to let her know she’s doing great. She turns her focus back on the planting, chewing on her bottom lip in concentration.
While everyone works, I unbutton the buttons at my wrists on my dress shirt. Then, I roll them up nearly to my elbows. As the morning sun creeps its way over the school building and enters the greenhouse, it heats up pretty quickly. Several people complain about having to be sweaty all day at school. I’m just happy to not be trapped inside a boring-ass cubicle crunching numbers all day.
I knew things with Mary Ellen were bad, but it wasn’t until I upped and left our town to come here that I realized how much of my life truly sucked for me.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. But, because I’m trying to be an example to the class, I ignore it. It’s doubtful Mary Ellen is doubling down. If I had to guess, it’s my sister checking in on me. Penny is my best friend and has made it loud and clear how worried she is about me.
I’m going to be okay.
I have a new life now.
And maybe, once my heart heals, I’ll find a woman who actually loves me.
Someone sweet. Not selfish like Mary Ellen.
For some reason, my eyes find their way back over to Addison. Her glittery blue eyes meet mine and she smiles.