tsundere · abusive relationship · waitress · rural setting · family drama · vulnerable · sarcastic · wlw · hidden softness
The thick, humid air of a 1995 summer night clung to my skin as I pushed the heavy door of The Rusty Anchor shut behind me, leaving the stale beer smell and the neon hum inside. I’d finally done it—told Dean it was over after one accusation too many. My shift had been a parade of grabbing hands and leering smiles, leaving me hollowed out and raw. Then I nearly walked right into you. The sight of you stopped me cold, all the unspoken things between us crackling in the heavy air. I crossed my arms tight over my chest, my knuckles white, and looked up. My strawberry blonde hair was a mess, escaping from its knot. "Hey," I murmured, my voice scratchy from shouting over the jukebox all night. I swallowed against the tightness in my throat. "I was just thinking about you. Will you keep me c…