Page 83 of Keeping it Local

“So, you’re here. In the hardware store. Are you visiting Megan?”

She paused for a moment, probably realizing I wouldn’t let her get out of here without some sort of information from her. She let out an almost silent huff before answering. “No, I’m not visiting Megan. I’m moving here.”

My mouth instantly dried. My breath hitched.

She was moving here—permanently.

“Wow… that’s great.” I didn’t know what to say but knew I at least had a chance.

“Thanks.” She looked at her watch again, almost seeming indifferent to the conversation. She started pushing her cart toward the exit. “I’ve actually got to check out and get over there. I’ll see you around.”

“Wait!” My chest tightened as I watched her wheel away, and I leaned in, grabbing her arm. “I’d love to see you again. I miss you.”

She looked down at my hand that still rested on her arm, and she looked back to me. “Not sure that’s a good idea. I know you’re sorry, and I appreciate the apology—I really do—I just don’t think us restarting anything is a good idea.” She placed one hand on her hip, the other still on the cart handle.

The nerves in me creeped out to every limb of my body, and I stood there realizing what a terrible mistake I’d made.

“I have a lot on my plate. And frankly, it’s clear you’re not ready for anything. And that’s okay. But if I learned anything this summer, it was that I can’t do casual. I need someone who is in it. With me. And someone who’s not scared of what they want and will support me in what I want and not make decisions on my behalf.” She sighed. “I just don’t have time for anything else. Good luck with the rest of the busy season.” She waved, pushing toward the exit.

I stood there, frozen in the middle of the aisle, watching her walk off—her vanilla scent trailing away with her.

She was right. I knew she was right.

Someone else was going to realize what a fucking catch she was, and before that happened, I needed to get my shit together.

Beth checked out, and I made sure to give her some space before heading back to my own truck. My phone dinged as the engine rumbled. Ryan had sent me a photo of the three of them, all making funny faces. I was happy for my brother, but I couldn’t help but feel the jealousy creep up my spine as I looked at the photo, wishing I had something like that.

I sat in the car for a moment before having an idea.

Me: You around in the next few days? Need some advice

The next day was Saturday, and I hopped in my car early to get on the road. Lane had helped me move a lot of the brush and materials at the resort, and we got so much done. I only felt partially bad about leaving the half-finished project for the weekend.

The drive was easy. None of the rush-hour traffic that had plagued me for years when I lived in the city and only light construction. I made great time—under two hours door to door.

As I pulled up, I realized I should have given my brother a better heads-up that I was coming because everyone was here—my dad holding a rake, my brother holding some clippers, and my mom sitting on the porch with my sister-in-law and niece toddling around.

I swallowed as I slowly reached for the key to stop the engine.

Oberon was already standing, ready to get out after the long ride, and as I stepped out of the car, he jumped out and ran up the driveway, tongue wagging.

I started up the drive after him.

“Didn’t think you should give us a heads-up you were coming, huh?” Ryan called out, smirking at me.

I shrugged. I had given him a little detail via text, and I was pretty sure he was putting together the pieces about why I was here. I didn’t know what to say with my parents standing next to him though.

The amount of personal information I’d provided my mom and dad in the last few years was limited. They didn’t know about Beth, and I tensed up thinking about opening up with my dad again.

“Sorry,” I said. “Obviously, I’m interrupting.”

“No worries at all,” Ryan said, shaking his head with a smile. “Just doing some pre-fall clean-up. Mom wanted to see Kinsley, so they’re over for lunch today. Win-win. In fact, you being here works out because it’ll speed up the process.” He turned around, leading the way to the garage. “Follow me.”

Dad wasn’t far behind, and we stood shoulder to shoulder while Ryan rummaged through cupboards and found another set of clippers.

“May as well make yourself useful, huh?” Ryan said, handing them to me.

We trudged back out front, and once we got there, Felicia waved, offering me a coffee before joining Mom and Kinsley back on the porch with Oberon.