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One

“Anyone who has nevernew”

Albert Einstein

“How lanced at the young uidance “No, hat about the Bend Over Shirley? Could I have that with seltzer instead of Sprite? Or the Mickey Slim, maybe?”

She returned the drink list to the bar “I knew athe horotic twins in relationship to the concordance for homosexuality”

Alas, Jude wouldn’t likely experience the sterile safety of her precious lab ever again

She sighed and slid the resort brochure from her purse Castle Alainn in October, A Mystical Adventure Jude snorted This whole vacation/contest win, organized by her dear Aunt Agnes before her death abut a frivolous excursion to help Jude forget themoment of her life And she hated frivolity It was a threat to her safety and the safety of those around her She was not a frivolous type of being if one considered her PhD, her Chevy Spark Hatchback, and the 401K she’d invested in since she was sixteen

The bartender’s brows lifted “Honey, how about we start with a nice Long Island Iced Tea?” The roo the bartender’s coht”

Jude relaxed a bit on the bar stool “Yes, an iced tea would be lovely” A simple iced tea for an unfamiliar experience Perfect “Is your water filtered? I’d prefer spring water, if that’s okay?” He smiled and turned away She reached into her purse for an antibacterial wipe, cleansed her hands and the bar surface before tucking the wipe safely into the sleeve of her cardigan

The place was beautiful Exposed beams, luxurious couches, and ornate chandeliers This castle resort in Noble Pass, Colorado was known for its reclusive opulence—owned by an eclectic Irish couple who organized a ridiculous “Noble Pass Affaire” contest each ive a failure like her a break from her unpalatable state of affairs

Too bad October’s win had been wasted on a thirty-eight-year-old, in like her

“Here you go, Sweetie”

Jude glanced at the bartender’s na “Thank you, Steven”