That Girl Read Online Free PDF

thing, I understand a woman’s pride. I’ll sell you that damn cupcake and give you one,” she says with a wink.
    She then kicks her grandson right in the shin, furrowing her eyebrows and launching a perfected death glare.
    Bending down on his knees and placing one hand on my leg, Jeremiah says, “I’m sorry for startling you. Guess I got excited seeing a new face in town, and a pretty one at that.”
    “Okay, okay, you little horn dog. ‘Sorry’ was enough,” she scolds, standing up.
    “I’m really okay. Thanks,” I try to sound confident.
    In all reality, I can feel the thumping pain in my wrist and know in my heart it’s broken.
    Jeremiah’s grandma shakes her head. “You’re not okay. We are going to eat cupcakes and get you checked out if the swelling continues. By the way, I’m Alice, and you’re about to eat the best cupcake of your life.”
    She’s the type of grandma you don’t dare argue with.
    “Okay, Alice,” I meekly reply.
    “Good girl, now pick your cupcake,” she says, sitting down a tray full of them, “And Jeremiah, sit your ass down, too.”
    Jeremiah doesn’t question his grandma, he just sits, and I’m not sure if it’s her don’t-fuck-with-me attitude, or if he really just wants a cupcake.
    “Birthday girl goes first,” Alice insists.
    The tray is so heavenly, stacked with all sorts of cupcakes varying in color from neon to pale hues, making my choice extra difficult.
    My mouth begins to water. “Which one do you suggest, Alice?”
    “Oh, sweet baby, they are like my own personal kids. I could never pick a favorite.”
    Jeremiah speaks up, “Well, I can definitely help you on that end. I’d pick that one with the orange and pink frosting all swirled up. It’s Gram’s signature red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting. Just saying, if you don’t take it, I will.”
    Jeremiah is a big, stout man. Very muscular and clean-shaven, he seems to be the perfect cupcake expert, so I reach for the one he suggested. I also grab a purple tie-dyed one, hoping it’s chocolate.
    Jeremiah’s chuckles fill the room, and I freeze with embarrassment, fear, and I don’t know what else. It’s an odd feeling.
    “It’s okay,” he says, “That was just my second choice.”
    “Sorry.” I hand the cupcake over to him.
    “Oh, no, Gram would paddle my ass. You enjoy it. In all honesty, I haven’t tasted something of hers that I don’t like,” he says, patting his belly.
    Gram bustles into the open area, sits down a pitcher of ice water, and then proceeds to turn the open sign off.
    Sitting down, pouring herself a glass of water, she begins to talk. “Now, tell us about yourself. What’s your name again?”
    Not where I wanted the conversation to go. But what can I expect them to ask, considering I’m a complete stranger sitting in their bakery? So I nervously play with the dainty tablecloth while thinking of my reply.
    “You a felon?” asks Jeremiah.
    “Don’t be a jerk,” Alice spits and slaps him on the arm.
    “Oh geez,” I blurt, “It’s okay. My name is Michelle, and I’m just spending some time here to make enough money to move.”
    “Do you have family here?” Alice asks.
    “No.”
    “What made you settle here?”
    “You writing a book, Gram? You can tell she doesn’t want to talk about it.”
    “It’s okay,” I chuckle.
    The two are quite a funny combo. I’m not yet sure who could take whom in a wrestling match. I might put my money on Alice.
    I fumble for an explanation to appease them without giving away my secrets. “I just didn’t have much to live for where I came from, so I’m finding a new place to live.”
    “I think that’s fantastic,” Alice squeals, her face alight.
    “So, what do you do for work?” Jeremiah asks around a mouthful of cupcake.
    “Oh, I waitress at the restaurant down the road, clean rooms at Motel 6, and do a little yard work for a neighbor.”
    Alice throws up her hands in disbelief. “Good grief, child.