no turning back

• one •

gladys

Stepping out into a chilly gust of wind, I shivered and pulled my coat tighter around me. After living here for three years, one would be rightfully tempted to assume that I had acclimated to Colorado's climate, but I hadn't.

Then again, it was hard for even locals to adapt when the weather changed so sporadically. It could be humid and hot but snowy and frigid the next.

"Gwen! Wait up!"

I paused, turning to acknowledge the voice. A coworker of mine, Jesse, stood in the doorway.

"Sorry, I meant to grab you before you stepped out, but I got stuck in an exam room," she said as she rubbed her hands together. "Got a sec?"

"Yeah, sure." I smiled. "What's up?"

"That Halloween party I mentioned the other day . . . well, it's tonight. Are you interested?" she asked. A huge smile illuminated her face. "It would mean so much to me if you were my plus one!"

Damn, I'd forgotten about the party. She invited me a few weeks ago and I told her I'd think about it.

Given the whole going-on-the-run thing, I'd made a habit of dodging social outings and anything that risked bringing people too close. Automatic deflections and excuses were just instinct now. It was pitiful, really, how I'd resigned myself to living like a ghost in the shadows.

Normally some excuse would rise from my throat, the words always rushed and awkward, because I was a terrible liar.

"Sorry, I have a gyno appointment."

"Sorry, my dad is feeling pretty bad. He might by dying."

"Oh, I can't. I have to pick up my groceries. I've already online ordered them."

Like, seriously. I was the last person on earth who should be forced to lie about my identity every single day. It was only a matter of time before witness protection figured out what a liability I was.

Nevertheless, no matter how bad it was, I always did find something to say. Always . . . until now, apparently.

"I don't know . . ." I bit my lip.

"Girl, please! What else do you have going on?"

"Well, nothing," I admitted with a sigh.

"See! You have no valid excuse for denying me."

"Sure, I do. It's called fatigue and anxiety."

Jesse snorted. "Come on! We only live once and we're young for now." Widening her eyes, she put her hands together, pleading, "Please, oh, please!
I'm begging you.—I can't go alone. I'll get preyed on by some creep!"

I took a deep breath and rubbed the heel of my hand against my temple. I was such a pushover. This was why I needed to just lead with my shitty excuse.

If I put aside my anxiety about being discovered or about Ben's opinion of my life, I had to admit there was a strong desire to go along with this. I wanted to have some fun.

I'd been basically locked down for three years, never making friends or going out. Just sticking to the strict necessities—the grocery, work, and the gym. Even though I'd always been an introvert, this was an incredibly lonely way to live.