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“So... good.”

“But it’s also temporary.”

“Yeah, that’s what Dad said too.” Rissa shifted in her seat, facing her. “But why does it have to be?”

She wasn’t sure how to answer without admitting she’d been asking herself the same question. “I live in California. Your father lives here.”

“So?”

“So, that’s a pretty big problem.”

“Only if neither of you wants to do anything about it.” Rissa paused. “I mean, you like it here, right?”

She opened her mouth, then closed it again.

That should have been an easy question. A month ago, it would have been. Now, she wasn’t so sure.

By the time she pulled into the Minor family’s driveway, she still hadn’t found an answer she particularly liked. She enjoyed being in Antelope Rock far more than she'd expected after so many years away, but her home, career, and most of her life were several states away.

The photographer continued past the house, no doubt satisfied that he knew where she was. He'd probably turn around, sit on the side of the road, and wait for her to leave. She put the car in park.

“Thanks for the ride.” Rissa unfastened her seat belt, then hesitated. “Do you have dinner plans?”

“Not really. Aunt Edith is going out with some friends tonight for dinner and Bingo.”

“Then stay. I’m making homemade pizzas, and Dad should be home soon.”

The invitation caught her off guard, mostly because it sounded so ordinary. No elaborate plans to get her and Grady together. No sneaking around. Just dinner.

“What kind of homemade pizza?”

“Whatever kind you want. We have plenty of options.”

“Well, when you make an offer like that...”

Rissa grinned. “Come on.”

Inside, she texted Fen and Aunt Edith a quick message that she wouldn’t be back for dinner, then joined Rissa in the kitchen. Within minutes, ingredients covered the counter, and while the teenager began stretching pizza dough, she put Amanda to work slicing mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

“So, have you decided anything about next year?” Amanda asked.

“Besides graduating?”

“Yes, smart-ass. College. Gap year. Running away to join the circus.”

Rissa tilted her head in thought. “Hmm. I think the circus has benefits.”

“I doubt the retirement plan is great.”

“Probably not.” With three racks of pizza dough complete, she pulled out a stick of pepperoni and began slicing it. “Anyway, I still don’t know. I keep going back and forth about the gap year.”

“What would you do for the year?” Amanda had heard enough about the subject over the past few weeks to know Grady was trying not to push his daughter in either direction. He wanted her to go to college, but he also wanted the decision to be hers.

“Work. Save some money. Maybe travel a bit. And figure out what I actually want to study instead of picking something because everyone expects me to pick something.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I know. But then I think maybe I should go. If I take a year off, what if I never go back?”