The Unwanted Runaway

Hot Topic

Anna’s POV

So, what do you think of this?" Brooke asked me as we looked through all the western clothing at Miller Threads boutique.

I shared with Brooke that Mia's boutique is nice, but I've already looked through everything during my first week in town and unfortunately, I couldn't find much in my size.

Brooke interjected, "Yes, she does. Have you tried anything on?"

I responded, "No, I could just tell by the buttons that they're all snap-ons and I have trouble with those because of my big boobs. They tend to pop out."

Brooke assured me, "Come on, Anna. You have a gorgeous body. Don't let that stop you."

I explained, "Besides that, everything here is just too expensive. Why don't we check out Walmart or Target? I'm sure they'll have more options in my size."

Brooke reminded me, "Firstly, didn't you used to work at a top-of-the-line retail store?"

I replied, "I've worked at a few places, but I did work at Forever 21 for a while. Even there, I couldn't find many clothes that fit me. My go-to stores are Hot Topic and Spencer's."

Brooke chuckled, "Yeah, I can definitely tell."

She continued, "And as for Walmart, let's pass. You know those clothes shrink and fade after a few washes. And they never fit right to begin with. And Target, it's just so cliche."

I nodded in agreement.

"But if that's where you want to go, the closest Walmart is over an hour away and Target is three hours away. We do have JCPenney's and Gordman's, which are about 45 minutes away in the next town over. Maybe we can check those out?" Brooke suggested.

"Sorry, Brooke. I don't mean to offend you. I just feel really self-conscious right now. I know you look great in those clothes, but I feel like I'll just look like a dork."

Brooke reassures me, "Just try it on, you never know until you do. The fitting rooms are over there in the right back corner." She points in the direction and adds, "I believe in you, Anna."

I hesitate, feeling unsure about trying on the clothes. But Brooke, being the caring and supportive friend that she is, reminds me that she is a trained nurse and has dressed people before. She even mentions the time when she helped me when I was unconscious. "You don't need to be ashamed of your body," she says firmly.

Then, in a more forceful tone, she adds, "If you don't go back there and change into those clothes, I will make you do it. And I'll even change myself if I have to." With a playful slap on my butt, she pushes me towards the fitting room.

Mia, who has just finished helping a customer, joins in the conversation. "Anna, I'm sorry to say this, but you look like a dork in what you're wearing right now. You don't look 23."

I look at Mia, confused but not offended. "No offense taken, it's okay," I reply.

Feeling overwhelmed by their motherly advice, I tell them, "You both are acting like you’re gonna ground me. If I don’t do what you ask you do you know that you’re both not my mom."

Brooke responds with a stern but caring tone, "Stop acting like a teenager, Anna, and just go try on the clothes, please."

I let out a sigh of irritation

G OK mom I say mockingly but follow their advice and walk back to the changing room.

Mia's phone buzzed, and she quickly answered with a casual "Hello? Yeah, I can do that. No problem."

Brooke curiously asked, "Who was that on the phone?"

Mia responded, "It was Evan. He mentioned that his sister Christine was able to book a last-minute flight for Thanksgiving."

Brooke was surprised and said, "I thought they had to cancel because their kids had a soccer tournament or something?"

Mia clarified, "Yeah, they did, but they lost in the finals or whatever it was. They're able to come now."

So there I was, standing next to the changing room, when I spotted this hilarious shirt. I grabbed it and turned to show Mia and Brooke. "Check it out!" I exclaimed, "It's not exactly a button-up, but I can't resist." Holding up the shirt, I revealed the comical saying on it: "I like it when I get milked." And to top it off, there was a cow on the front, standing on its hind legs with its hooves wrapped around its udders.

Mia and Brooke's eyes widened and they burst out laughing. "That shirt is perfect for you, Anna," they chimed in. But then Brooke added, "Although, we were trying to find something more suitable for ranch work."

I shrugged and replied, "Well, I'm still getting this shirt. It's just too funny to pass up."

After spending an enjoyable hour shopping in the boutique, Brooke and I make our way to a couple of charming antique stores in town. She then leads me to the local grocery store to pick up a gift to apologize to Denton. I hope he will appreciate it.

I carefully selected two cases of Guinness and two bottles of Jack Daniels, knowing that these were Denton's preferred drinks from our previous visit to Dukes Bar & Grill.

As I check my phone, I notice that it has been buzzing constantly throughout the day. Brooke notices and asks if I plan on answering it. I shrug it off, explaining that it's not urgent and no voicemail was left.

I know who it is, but I don't want to worry my friend. However, I can't ignore it any longer. I make a mental note to look into the hard drive and see what's on it. If it contains anything important, I'll have to reach out to Carter and hope that he keeps his promise to protect me.