The Unwanted Runaway

Dukes Bar & Grill

Anna’s POV

As we journeyed down the rough and rugged back roads, Carter deftly steered onto the old highway that would lead us straight to our destination. Despite the vast expanse of open land, I couldn't help but wonder if I would still manage to get lost, though not in the city - each building there had its own unique identity. Out here, everything seemed to blur together. Don't get me wrong,the state of Wyoming, is breathtakingly beautiful and I'm thrilled to start a new chapter here, but this girl is from L.A. I would still struggle to navigate. Growing up, I never needed a driver's license, but now I realize it may be a necessity. There are no taxis or ride-sharing services out here, so I would have to rely on the generosity of a neighbor or someone at the ranch for a lift into town. Lost in my thoughts, I let out a small sigh.

Suddenly, Carter's voice pulled me back to reality. "Anna," he said with a hint of amusement, "in the short time I've known you, I can already see you're starting to let loose a bit more compared to yesterday." I managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach my eyes, grateful for his kind observation.

As I settled into the front seat, I couldn't help but notice how spotless and pristine the interior of the vehicle was. I asked Carter if the radio worked and if I could play some music. He replied that it depended on my music taste, to which I responded with a laugh, "Definitely not country or pop like Taylor Swift." He informed me that most radio stations in the area played primarily country, with a sprinkle of pop here and there. I sighed, hoping for something more along the lines of Green Day or Ozzy. Carter chuckled and shook his head, emphasizing the "p" sound as he said, "Nope, not a chance." Well this sucks. I said what I’m supposed to do sing to myself. Then Carter said, actually we have an old karaoke machine It still works but Carly unhooked it a while back because she was tired of all the drunk, patron, swinging the mic and dropping them and the really bad screeching from intoxicated tone participants . I told Carter, no worries I know I’m a terrible singer anyway and I don’t really like to sing in front of people I do my best to try and avoid that embarrassment. Carter shook his head and said noted . “Truth is I love singing, but he doesn’t need to know that.

We arrived at the bar, and as we both stepped out of the truck, I couldn't help but notice the small, honky-tonk style building with a modern twist. As we walked towards the Dukes Bar & Grill door, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous for some reason. Carter kindly held the red door open for me, and as I stepped inside, I immediately noticed how much bigger it was than it appeared from the outside.

Carter asked what I wanted to drink, and I opted for a soda since I had to be up early the next morning. I took a seat on a stool at the counter while Carter disappeared into the back of the kitchen. A few seconds later, a beautiful dirty blonde woman with green eyes emerged, wearing a black T-shirt with the Dukes Bar and Grill logo. She introduced herself as Carly, Carter's twin sister, and shook my hand with a friendly clap on the back. She offered me a drink on the house, and I couldn't help but notice her eyes lingering on my engagement ring.

As she stepped back, I could tell she had picked up on the fact that I was running from something. She looked up at me and said, "I know you had some trouble with one of our waiters yesterday. Just wanted to let you know that if things don't work out on the ranch, you're welcome to have a job here." I thanked her for the offer, and just then, Carter returned from the back and stood next to Carly, telling her that I am a funny and witty individual, much like their mother.

Carly laughed and agreed that their mother was one of a kind. She then informed Carter that Denton, Jason, James, and a few others were playing pool. Carter turned to me and asked if I wanted to join in on the game. I hesitantly agreed, and as I looked to my left at the pool tables in the back corner, I noticed Denton with a beautiful auburn-haired woman hanging all over him. Next to him was a younger guy who looked like one of the ranch hands, and a gorgeous young girl in medical scrubs. I couldn't help but think that James, dressed similarly to Carly, must be on his break.

I’m still sitting in my barstool I told both Carly and Carter I’m fine right here for right now. Carter says to me to let him push a couple more orders out and I’ll walk over there with you so we can go join the group together and I won’t feel odd being over there . He then says I promise you already know Denton but once you get to know the rest of them you’ll definitely enjoy yourself. I looked at Carter and said OK. Carly said she also had to go take some orders to a few tables . She tap me on the shoulder and crouching down a little to whisper in my ear, you know, my brother is a sheriff, so whatever trouble you have, I’m sure he can help you. Also, he’s very much single. She stand straight up again and turns and walks back into the kitchen. Talk about uncomfortability. I don’t see him in that way though and I definitely don’t need anyone’s help. I feel bad that they think I’m running from Someone. well, I kind of am but more less also from my broken heart. It’s my own worst enemy. I start slurping my Shirley Temple that I ordered a minute ago. The guy next to me looks at me weird. Ma’am, I got something you can slurp with you want to keep making all that noise. I stopped from slurping the rest of my soda through the straw., I then push my Cup for the back on the counter, look at them, realizing he’s a little intoxicated because I could smell the liquor coming off his breath. He’s a short Stocky guy with a major balding spot on top of his head. He laughs and says you wanna get out of here. I finally look at him disgusted and say, and with you the rejected offbrand of the super Mario brother. He looks at me like I don’t know what I’m talking about. like as If I’m crazy. then he mumble something hateful underneath his breath at that moment Carter steps out othe kitchen and says OK Jean it’s time to go home if you can’t behave yourself or would you rather get thrown in the drunk tank for the night, because if she punches you, I ain’t gonna stop it sheriff or not . Then the rejected Mario brother I guess his name is Jean that I just learned . Looks at Carter and says no sheriff I’ll behave . The creeper then winks at me . sheriff she started by slurping that drink there I’m just sayin “ . I get up to move a seat away, and he slaps me on the rear. I jump from the impact, and dumped the rest of his drink on top of his head and threw my empty soda glass at his face he smacked up in the nose with it. all while calling him a few choice curse words in the process. the Mario reject, looks at me and calls me a childish name “ ugly stupid fat ho bag saying I shouldn’t of lead him on by teasing like that. Seriously all I did was take a drink. I didn’t even know he existed until he first made that rude comment. Carter says all right man you gotta leave now i’m not gonna deal with this to him. Carter escorts the guy out. Carly comes back up to me and says you are alright.? by the way That was hilarious, I say yeah “ I’m fine. with a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. Yep” I think to myself it would have been best if I stayed back at the house I’m not really ready to socialize with others yet.