Letty finally stopped when she reached Texas. Perhaps, it was the old-fashioned gas station she stopped at, where the attendant filled her tank for her with a smile. Perhaps, it was the "For Rent" sign. Whatever it was, three days later, she was looking at a little white house with green shutters, wondering if this would be her new home. There was a number on the bottom of the sign, and she scribbled it down on a piece of paper.
She'd left her cell phone in California, so she headed toward town to find a pay phone. It was a sleepy little town, old buildings, and friendly people. Best of all, no one asked her what brought her there. She didn't have to answer to anyone as she stepped into the diner and headed toward the back. Slipping some coins into the slot, she dialed the number for the home owner. "Hello?" She had a sweet voice, twang and all.
"Hi, my name is Arletta. I was wondering if the house on Robin Road was still available for rent."
"Why it sure is," the woman replied eagerly. Five minutes later, Letty had made an appointment to see the house that afternoon. Hanging up the phone, she stared at the rest of her change guiltily. Sighing, she dialed the number to Mia's cell.
"Hello?" Mia answered.
"Hey, girl, it's Letty."
"Letty! Oh my God, are you okay?" she cried. Letty swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Yeah, I wanted to let you know that I'm okay."
"Why'd you leave?" She could hear Mia beginning to cry.
"Look, Mi, I had to. I couldn't take it anymore. I've got to go, but I love you," Letty fought back her own tears, "And tell everyone else that too."
"Letty, please come back. We're all miserable without you, especially Dom."
"I love you." She hung up the receiver, letting out a shaky breath. So, Dom was miserable? Good. She felt bad for leaving the rest of the team, though. Still, it was something that she needed to do. Stepping out of the little wooden phone booth, she took a seat on one of the barstools.
"Howdy," the waitress smiled. She looked about Letty's age, maybe a little younger. Her blonde ringlets were pulled into a messy bun on top of her head, but some spilled out. The blue and white name tag on her uniform read "Lindsay."
"Hi," Letty gave a small, sad smile, "Can I get a cup of coffee?"
"Sure thing," Lindsay smiled as turned to grab the pot. It was warm and rich, and Letty drank it down quickly. "Thirsty?" Lindsay laughed, refilling her cup.
"Guess so," Letty replied, looking out the large windows at people passing.
"So where ya from?" Lindsay asked, sitting down on a stool behind the bar. Letty considered lying, then decided it was pointless.
"Los Angeles."
"Los Angeles. Wow, quite a ways from home. So what brings you to Henderson?"
"Nothing. Everything," Letty sighed, "Guess I just needed a change of scenery, ya know?" Lindsay nodded and decided not to pursue the topic further.
"So, you gonna be livin' here now?"
"Gonna try to. Got an appointment to see a house for rent."
"Which one?"
"Little white one on Robin Street."
"Oh," Lindsay smiled broadly, "That's a great house. The McIntyre's used to live there. When are you going to see it?"
"Four thirty."
"Great," Lindsay smiled and refilled her cup of coffee, "I get off at four, so I'll come with you."