“We really should install one of those automatic doors. It’d make things easier,” I argue.
“I’m not spending money on something that doesn’t need fixed,” he argues.
“Mr. Summers.” Milo’s voice booms from behind me before he steps around to shake my dad’s hand. My dad pulls him down for a hug instead.
I watch as Milo gently wraps his arms around my dad, as if he’s afraid he’s going to break him and doesn’t know what to do with this version of my dad he’s never seen. When he pulls back, my dad’s green eyes are a little brighter than before.
“Milo Carter,” Dad muses. “I heard you were back in town. It’s good to see you, son. Coaching at the high school?”
Milo nods. “I’m excited to be back on the field again.”
“Dusty Hollow could use you. It’s been years since we’ve brought home a state title.”
Milo chuckles. “Well, I’ll see what I can do.”
“Here to see Sadie?”
Milo looks at me with a wicked grin. “I need a new accountant.”
“We could use the work. You know how small-town business is, always happy to have a new customer,” Dad says before glancing at me. “You’ll take good care of him . . . won’t you, Sadie?”
I don’t look at Milo. Instead, I give my dad one of my best smiles. “Of course.”
The words land the way they always do—heavy, final, and not entirely mine.
“Thanks, kiddo,” he says warmly. “I wouldn’t know what to do without this girl. She’s the angel of accounting.”
I nod as he rolls away, his wheels squeaking more loudly than usual. I make a mental note to pick up WD-40.
“Your dad seems like he’s doing great,” Milo says softly, bumping my elbow.
“Mm-hmm.”
Seconds pass between us, mirroring the years.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”
I stare at my penny loafers, breathing in and out slowly through my nose. The office feels smaller than it did ten minutes ago.
“I’m going for coffee,” I say.
I don’t usually leave in the middle of the day. There’s always a reason not to.
“I’ll buy.”
“No.”
This time, the word doesn’t feel polite or humorous.
It feels necessary.
I walk away, the bell clanging against the glass as Dusty Hollow’s heat pulls me in.
Milo doesn’t follow.
6
MILO
