Chapter 1
Ellie
October, Age 28
“Okay Ellie, you got this,” I mutter to myself, rounding the corner into the old, familiar neighborhood. The pecan trees that line the streets were my favorite as a kid. I used to wander for hours along the shaded blocks, sunlight filtering through where the leaves didn’t quite overlap. It felt cozy, and I would daydream that I was in a secret garden, or some forest in a movie where the princess meets her true love for the first time. Now it feels suffocating, like a tunnel slowly narrowing around me until the very last moment when I realize it’s actually a monster, not a tunnel, and that monster is going to swallow me whole.
After driving in circles for the last 20 minutes, I’ve finally forced myself to turn onto the street that holds my destination. Pulling up to the curb in front of the cozy yellow house, I take a shuddering breath as I turn my key in the ignition.
That wasn’t so hard, was it?
Stepping out of the rental, I grab my bag from the trunk. When I reach the first step of the stone pathway that leads up to the house, I pause again.
This is ridiculous, Ellie.
Itisridiculous, but that doesn’t change the fact that I can’t convince my feet to move. Objectively, staying at my best friend’s new house shouldn’t be a big deal. It’s a lovely house. Beautiful, even. I’ve seen it countless times on FaceTime, and being with Abby feels like home no matter where we are.
The problem isn’t this house. It’s the house across the street that I’m avoiding at all costs–I can’t even bring myself to look at it.
“Are you lost, ma’am?”
A wide smile spreads across my face, and I whirl around to face the source of the familiar voice.
“Jack Robbit,” I say, instantly feeling lighter than I have in months.
“It’s been ten damn years, how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me that?” He returns my smile, stepping forward to pull me into a hug, planting a kiss on the top of my head.
“You only hate it because Abby came up with it,” I say, my voice muffled with my head buried in his chest. Withone final squeeze, he releases me from the hug, crossing his arms and looking stern. It only makes me smile harder.
“No, I hate it because it’s stupid,” he counters. “And it undermines my authority.”
“Authority?” I ask, laughing. “What authority?”
“They made me deputy fire chief,” he says with a sheepish smile.
“Jack, that’s amazing!” I squeal. “So why are you here, shouldn’t you be in Dallas?”
“No, I meanhere.In Larkspur. Old man Ritter plans on retiring here in the next few years, wants to train me up to take his spot. Although the way he’s training me now, I’m pretty sure he actually just wants a clone.”
My smile falters, the sinking feeling I’ve had for the past month returning in full force. So Jack Robb is back in Larkspur. I’m the only prodigal who hasn’t returned since we all left for college.
“That’s amazing,” I repeat emphatically, schooling my facial features back into place. “I can’t imagine anyone better for the job.”
“Thanks, Ellie Bellie,” he says softly, his eyes full of an understanding that tells me he didn’t miss my reaction. “I’m really glad you came home for this. It’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you too,” I say, linking my arm through his. “Now, are you going to walk me to the door like a gentleman, or are we just gonna stand at the curb all day?”
It’s been ten years since we graduated, five since I set foot in Larkspur, Texas. I would have been happy to stay away forever, but I was told in no uncertain terms that Iwouldbe the chair of the reunion planning committee, despite my vehement protests.
So here I am, arm in arm with my favorite guy, walking up to the home of my childhood best friend and her husband, Aaron. Before we can even think about knocking on the door it flings open, and a wild mop of auburn curls vibrating with excitement greets us.
“Hi, my sweet ginger angel,” I say as she squeals loudly and jumps up, wrapping her legs around my waist. Thank God Jack is standing directly behind me, otherwise we’d be tumbling down the walkway back to the street.
She smacks a big, wet kiss on my cheek, then hops back down, her arms still tightly wrapped around my neck.
“I can’t believe you’re in Larkspur, I thought you would make me haul my ass to Boston every time I want to see you for the rest of our lives,” she says excitedly. With a glance over my shoulder, she adds, “And you brought Jack Robbit!”
“Don’t call me that,” he says gruffly as we step into the entryway. “And she didn’t bring me, you told me to come over, remember?”
