Page 42

“Sort of. It’s just me and my mom. My dad died when I was little, and I don’t have any siblings. We have extended family in Indianapolis, but I don’t know them well.”

“Where does your mom live?”

I laugh. “All over. Ever since my dad died, she’s been moving us across the country. These past few years she’s been hopping from one cruise ship onto the next.”

“That sounds nice. The cruise ships, I mean, not the constant moving.”

“Yes, I’m happy for her. She keeps asking me to come along. She doesn’t seem to get that not everyone can or wants to always be traveling. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to go with her someday, but I would like to have a steady home life as well.”

I trace the embroidery of the pillow on my lap, nervous he’ll get the impression I’m incredibly boring. Everyone is supposed to love travel and adventure, and here I am, desperate to stay in one place.

“That makes sense. I like to travel, but after a week or so I want to be home as well.” Then, when I don’t say anything, he adds, “I’m not sure why you picked Cottondale though.”

“Hey, it’s a great here,” I protest.

“Mm-hmm,” he hums noncommittally. “If you’re a pretty woman, with no past baggage in this town, then I guess it could be nice.”

He winks at me, and I cross my arms in fake outrage. He keeps hinting that he thinks I’m pretty, but he says it so casually it never comes across as awkward or creepy.

“Yes, because being an attractive, tattooed, six-foot-two-inch guy must be so hard,” I mock.

“Aw, you think I’m attractive.” He leans back and does a little hair flip. “And I’m six three.”

I roll my eyes. “Wow, that one inch sure makes a difference.” My cheeks heat when I realize how that sounds. “And you know that you’re objectively attractive,” I quickly add.

“Objectively, huh? So, you don’t think I’m attractive?”

“You’re not my type,” I lie and look away.

“Oh, okay. I’ll just cry myself to sleep then.”

I bark out a laugh.

This night started off so badly, and now here I am laughing. It feels like that first night we met when I had a rough day, but Hayden made me feel better.

He is somehow entangled in three of the things that brought me trouble these past few weeks—the funeral, my car issues, and now the emergency vet visit. But I’m starting to think he’s not the bad omen I originally feared.

Unknown Number: We’re hosting the annual gala this weekend at the Weatherford. 7 PM on Saturday.

Hayden: Who is this?

Unknown Number: Funny. Our parents know you are in town. Maybe this event could be an opportunity for you to show up and act like an adult who cares about something other than himself.

Hayden: You’re telling me you want me to show up?

Christopher: I’m telling you if you want to make amends with your family, showing up to support an important event would be a good chance.

Christoper: And this should be obvious, but it’s formal attire. If you can manage that.

Hayden: Sounds thrilling, but I’m busy

Christoper: I personally don’t care if you show up, but Mom would love it. But if you can’t get your shit together, then stay away.

Chapter 17

Robin

“Whose truck did you just step out of?” Kora hugs me as I meet her on the patio of our favorite breakfast spot.