“That can be arranged.”Daphne smiled gratefully.
Daphne had been married briefly, but her ex had decided he wasn’t the father type and had cut and run before JoJo was born.Though she’d never ask for help—she was like her mother that way—I knew she needed it, and I was glad to be able to offer it.
Plus, hanging out with Jo was no hardship.
“All right, I need to get this little one to swim class,” Daphne announced, reaching for her daughter.
“And I need to get over to the restaurant,” my aunt added before turning to me.“What’s your plan for today?”
“I think I’ll go on a run up the trail at the end of the street,” I began.“Then I need to get some food in the house, and I saw there’s a garage sale nearby.Might go see if I can get a few things to spruce this place up.”
“Let us know if you need any help.And, honey”—my aunt moved in close for another hug—“you might get tired of me saying this, but we are so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”I smiled sincerely, giving her a squeeze before walking them toward the door.
In the silence that followed their departure, I leaned against the front door, taking in my new space and looking forward to making Green River home.
It was time to get to work.
After unpacking a few more boxes, including my workout gear, I laced up my running shoes, excited to explore the trails near the house.I’d turned to running early on in life as an outlet—a way to burn off the frustration of feeling powerless.
Now, I hoped it took on a new meaning, one of freedom.
I knew from my aunt and cousin that the weather here could turn on a dime—we could even see snow this early in the season.After harsh winters and muggy summers in DC, I relished the crisp, sunny mountain air as I headed up the steep, wooded trail.
I let my mind wander, heart pumping in a now familiar rhythm, legs burning from exertion.I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost didn’t see the woman coming down the trail until she flagged me down.
“There’s a giant rattler across the trail about a quarter mile up,” she informed me as she wiped her brow.
“As in a rattle snake?”I exclaimed in shock.
She laughed.“Not from around here?”
I made a face.“I guess I’ll have to work on not giving that fact away in 2.2 seconds,” I retorted, making her laugh.“I just moved from DC.”
“Ah, not many rattlers there, huh?”She smiled warmly.
“Not that I’ve ever seen.Giant bugs, though.”I wrinkled my nose.
“I’m Katie,” she introduced.“I’d shake your hand, but…” She gestured to her glistening form.“Sweat.”
“Same.”I laughed, liking her immediately.Dressed similarly to me in shorts and a tank, she was cute with dark brown hair and a warm smile.
“I’m Lucy,” I added.
“Want to make our way back down together?I don’t think that big boy is moving off the trail anytime soon,” she explained.
“Sure, I certainly didn’t bargain for that kind of adventure,” I agreed.“Are you local to the area?”I asked as we began an easy pace down the trail.
“Born and raised,” she confirmed as her ponytail bounced in front of me.“I went away for college but moved back a few years ago.Missed it too much.”She shrugged.
“Seems like that kind of place.”
“What brings you to Green River?”
“My aunt owns Goodie’s,”I said, offering the easy explanation.
“Love Goodie’s,”she exclaimed, “and your aunt.Everyone does.I was so sorry to hear about your uncle a few years back.”
