Tequila Rose

by Willow Winters

some kind of rule about mixing alcohols, but I’m pretty sure those rules don’t count when it comes to breakups.

Once you have love for someone, I think it’s always there. Either that or hate, and I could never hate him.

There were plenty of moments over the past four years where I felt alone, although I’d never tell her that. I think everyone has those moments, though, no matter how many people are around you. Every mother definitely has those moments. It’s just a part of raising a child. I

This isn’t a weird dream. It’s a nightmare.

Which … breaks my heart just a little. Maybe a bit more than a little. Maybe it hurts a lot to even think that years ago when I searched for him and prayed for him to come save me, he was nowhere to be found, and now he shows up?

Please, please, I don’t want to be the topic of whispered conversations anymore.

I hope she didn’t spend a pretty penny on it. It’s only worth a dull one found between sofa cushions.

“How about to eat at Morgan’s? Have you been?” I suggest and immediately notice Miss Jones’s huff of disapproval. I shouldn’t be taking the lead, according to Southern etiquette rules, but you know what? She can stuff that huff where it came from.

“Take it from me, dear, I know a thing or two.” She gives me a kind smile even though her eyes reflect sympathy. “This is going to be a wild ride. So smile, dear. When you look back on it, you’re going to want to remember you did it with a smile.”

I’m relying on a gut feeling, an instinct to go with it. I’ve followed that instinct all my life and it hasn’t screwed me over yet.

With a long inhale, I nod. “I did my best.” Why does it never feel like it’s good enough?

“Are you seeing him?” I don’t expect Robert’s question or for him to be so blunt. Neither does Renee, although she only peers up from her phone and remains silent. This counter is my defense; that phone is hers. But neither will save me from this conflict. “Seeing him is a phrase for it … I guess.” I swallow the truth down, deep down. My plan of action is simple. Brody is told first. I tell him tonight. Then the world can know and judge. Right now, as much as I don’t like it, Robert is grouped in with the rest of the world. Even if it does make me sick to my stomach.

Oh, my heart. My poor, dumb, ready-to-be-torn-to-shreds heart.

I thought the town said she’s single. That’s what you told me. But it doesn’t look that way. His response is telling: There might be a complication … or two.

High risk, high reward, never sit still, never look back—has been my motto for years.

Pretty much my motto! Gotta keep it moving.