Page 71 of Out of Place

“A little,” I tell her.

I see her and Dad share a look out of the corner of my eye.

“Did you consider a long-distance relationship?” she asks. “I’m sure it’s easier with technology these days.”

“No. No, I can’t do that. If I’m gonna be with her, I need to actually be with her. And what would be the point? She never wants to live there, and I can’t do shit in New York.”

“I’m sure there would be plenty for you to do there,” Mom says.

“This is my home, Mom. I don’t want to leave here just like she doesn’t want to leave New York.”

“Ah, so you’re both being stubborn,” she says.

“Probably. Can we just not talk about it, please?” I snap. I don’t typically snap at my parents. In fact, I don’t really snap at anyone. I’ve always been a pretty laid-back guy. So, I instantly feel bad. “Sorry,” I say, rubbing my hands down my face. “Sorry, I just miss her.”

“It’s alright, honey. We all miss her.”

I nod, and she thankfully drops the conversation.

* * *

And with that, life goes on.

Cam, Benny, and I show up at Underwood Farms at the crack of dawn every day. We tend to the horses, chickens, and goats. I miss the sound of Olivia mumbling ‘ew’ whenever she bent down to a cow or her shrieks if a chicken tried to peck her.

I still meet my friends at the diner for meals every so often. I order the chocolate milkshake because I always thought it was adorable that she would say she didn’t want any but then end up drinking most of mine.

We still go to Cowboy’s on nights off, and I watch the crowd line dance, wishing Olivia was intertwined between them, stepping over her own feet. Sometimes, I laugh to myself, picturing the first time I pulled her out there. She had no idea what she was doing, but that didn’t stop her. She kept a smile on her face the entire time.

Dinners at my parents are noticeably quieter. They know I’m not in the mood to talk about Olivia, but I know that they miss her, too.

Ms. Dottie doesn’t give me any updates on Olivia and doesn’t ask if I’ve talked to her. She occasionally asks if I want to stay for dinner, but I always decline. Sitting at that table without Olivia doesn’t feel right. I’ve even started eating my lunches outside on the porch swing.

I know it’ll take time.

As the days go on, it does get easier, just like everyone said. I still feel her in my bones. I see her everywhere I go in Thundersville, even my own house. But she made the best choice for her, and that I know she’s happy makes it a little easier on my heart.

I’ll get used to her not being here, but I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving her.

CHAPTER 29

Olivia

Asking my brother if he wants to meet for lunch is harder than I thought. I type out and delete several texts before I finally settle on just a simple Are you free for lunch? He replies quickly, telling me where and when to meet him.

I’m at the little cafe near his office fifteen minutes early just to be safe but also because I didn’t have anything else to do. I grab us a table and order myself a water while I wait.

Rhett walks in exactly when he said he would, and I wave at him to grab his attention.

“I wasn’t expecting you to be here already,” he says as he sits across from me. He’s in his standard suit and tie. He’s been working closely with my father, learning the ropes to take over the company one day. The two of them act more and more alike every day.

“Surprise, here I am. I ordered you a water.” I tell him, nodding towards the glass in front of him.

“Thanks. I’ve got to keep this quick. I’ve got a meeting in forty-five minutes,” he explains as he waves down a server.

After we order, he clasps his hands on the table and asks, “So, what’s this about?”

“Do I need a reason to have lunch with my brother?”