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Before I can respond, she whips around and disappears into the crowd.

I wrap my hand around the back of my neck, pulling.

It’s a good thing I booked that appointment with her after the holidays. I get the sense I’m not the only one feeling stuck these days. I need to change that. If she can’t help herself, I’ll do it for her. Hell, for both of us.

I’m not like Elliott—he hates change, coveting stability and routines. And I’m not like Hollis, who enjoys his solitude and likes his quiet life in the woods. Sutton left Echo Lake after college and hasn’t looked in her rearview mirror. So why do I feel like a traitor for wanting to apply for a position in Portland to further my career?

After a quick internal pep talk, I pull my phone from my back pocket, pull up my résumé, and hit Send.

There. It’s done.

It’s not like sending my résumé means I’ll be moving tomorrow. It’s just step one in a long process, and besides, even if I do get a call from them, I can always change my mind.

SIX

Collins

When I logged into the computer this morning, I was surprised to see Ansel’s name on my list of clients this afternoon. In all the years I’ve been working as a massage therapist in Echo Lake, he’s never once come to see me.

I haven’t seen him since Baylor’s birthday party, not that I expected to. Less than a week after the party was Christmas, and the clinic was closed for a few days. I pretty much hibernated in my house the whole time except for running over to Nina’s to give Jacob his gift before they left for her sister’s.

I’m not sure why, but as I sanitize and prepare the room for Ansel’s arrival, my hands tremble slightly. This used to happen early in my career, but it’s not as if I don’t know what I’m doing now. I’m comfortable with the process and my technique and ability.

When his appointment time arrives, I leave the dim treatment room and walk up the bright hallway to the front. I give Carly at reception a smile, then turn my attention to Ansel sitting in one of the chairs resting against the wall.

“Ansel, I’m ready for you.” I keep my voice professional and wait for him to stand before I turn and head down the hallway, leading him to the massage room.

I hold the door open for him, and when he steps inside past me, the scent of his cologne wafts by me. I don’t know what it is, but it smells good. He turns to face me, and I softly close the door behind us.

“I didn’t expect to see you today.” I clasp my hands in front of me.

“My lower back has been bugging me lately. Thought maybe you could help me out.” He rubs a spot on his back.

“Definitely. Did you do something to injure it? Was there an event you remember it happening?”

He shakes his head. “No, it’s more a general tightness than anything.”

I nod. “How often does it bother you?”

He shrugs. “Comes and goes.”

“All right, we’ll see what I can do. I’ll give you a minute to get undressed and lie face down on the table under the blanket.”

“Sounds good.” Ansel nods.

I turn and leave the room, listening to the rustling of clothes on the other side of the door. When I hear the familiar creak of someone getting up on the massage table, I wait the usual couple of minutes before I knock on the door. Ansel calls for me to come in, so I walk through.

“Is the room warm enough?” I step over to the table. The sheet covers the lower half of his body.

“Perfect.”

“Wonderful.” I sanitize my hands and grab the warm massage oil. “I’ll concentrate on your lower back, but do you want your legs and arms done as well?”

“If we have time, that’d be great.”

“All right. I’m going to get started. If anything hurts or is uncomfortable while I work, be sure to tell me.”

“Will do.”