I felt my phone buzz just once in my back pocket. It was probably my dumbass ex-boyfriend so I waited until I finished making my drink orders. It was a pretty slow Tuesday afternoon but Applebee’s had a strict rule against texting on duty. I snuck back into the walk-in cooler where the cameras couldn’t see. I smiled as I read the text from my dad, aka Daddy-oh! on my phone. Hey Syd You busy Sat? Lenore bailed on me for th...

Opening scene: Wide-angle helicopter view of low rolling hills ablaze with full autumn colors. The helicopter pans right and we see a majestic bridge crossing a large river. Those in the know will recognize it as the Tappan Zee Bridge crossing the Hudson River in New York State. The sun dances on the dying leaves, bringing out their full and dazzling hues. But thunderclouds are closing in from the west, lightning bolts ri...

Fuck. Utah is full of assholes. I stood there on the side of the road with my motorcycle parked, helmet on the seat. I smiled and waved at the cars and RVs that didn’t come by very often, but nobody stopped. Some kids in a camper waved back, but that’s been about it. I guess they don’t get too many black people up in here. I drank all my water and the heat kept heating. I cursed myself again. The guidebook said this Escal...