Page 71 of Small Town, Big Storm

“I get it,” she says.“Big job.Big life.”A laugh that’s all sharp edges and jagged sounds.“It certainly has to be more exciting than living here in Cedar Hollow.”

“Pop,” I begin, some part of me needing her to understand why I moved away like I did, why Istayedaway.“That’s not?—”

“Look at me!”Holly cries as she barrels by us, wobbling left and right, but staying on her feet as she speeds around.She’s peeled off a couple of layers of clothes and her hair is windblown, her cheeks flushed pink as her friend chases after her.

She’s kicking ass.

I grin.

Poppy smiles too.“Way to—ack!”

I lurch forward, wrapping my arms around her middle, steadying her.“I’ve got you,” I promise.

And I want it to mean that I have her now, that I’ll have her…

For days and months and years.

Forlonger.

For…forever.

But the reality is that I know she’s thinking the same thing I am.

I have her.

Just…for how long?

We eatan early dinner at Molly’s and I walk Poppy and Holly home, slipping the hundred-dollar bill into Poppy’s pocket before I leave.

But I don’t stay away.Or not for long, anyway.

Instead, I stand in the entry of my father’s house?—

Of—fuck—myhouse.

(And Rain’s.)

Debating.

Lingering.

Hesitating.

Because I know I’m about to do something stupid.

Sully’s is close by and Poppy is working tonight.

And Holly’s right there too.

Maybe I can sneak upstairs and read her a book, can spend some more one-on-one time with her…and then come down and hang around the bar with Poppy.Prove that I’m?—

What?

I don’t even fucking know.

But I’m still reaching for the knob anyway.

Knock!Knock!Knock!