Page 50 of Not Until I Found You

I’m not sure how I found myself, on this Thursday evening, at a total stranger’s house for a get-together, but here we are. Zane said his brother’s farmhouse was newly remodeled, but it’s even more beautiful than he’d described.

My hand hovers for half a second before I finally knock, my knuckles rapping softly against the door. My nerves hum under my skin, making my fingers unsteady as I draw my hand back. I glance down at the porch beneath my shoes, counting the weathered boards one by one to keep my thoughts busy.

A few months ago, I never would have done something like this. I’d be worried about being too awkward or if I’d be taking up space somewhere I didn’t really belong. Somewhere between leaving Westbridge and arriving to Covewood, I’ve realized how tired I am of living like that. I’m done with shrinking myself.

The door swings open, and standing before me is a woman with long, dark-blonde hair, her pretty face lighting up with recognition. Before I can say hello, she pulls me into an embrace like we’re life-long friends.

“Maxinne,” she says in my ear before pulling back and getting a better look at me. “We’re so happy to have you here.”

“Thanks for having me,” I reply, smiling tightly as I smooth my hands down the front of my shorts. I’m still adjusting to the fact that people in Covewood apparently hug first and introduce themselves later. It’s oddly charming.

“I’m Raine, by the way. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

She waves me inside, and I follow behind her, taking in the brightness of her living room. My mouth drops as my eyes roam over the space before I adjust myself and attempt a more natural expression. This place is gorgeous.

“This is Annabelle.”

Behind her is a little girl with braided blonde pigtails, poking her head out to watch us. She gives me a small smile and returns my wave. “You’re Ashy’s sister?”

Okay, how cute is it that she calls Ashton ’Ashy’? I try not to melt into a puddle. Bending down to be at her level, I reply, “Yes. My name is Maxinne. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Do you like brownies as much as Ashy?”

I shrug my shoulders. “They’re okay, but I’m more of a cookie kind of girl.”

She looks relieved at my confession, her smile growing, revealing a few missing teeth. I can’t wait to see the hold she has on Zane and Ashton as the night goes on.

“More brownies for me!” She jumps up into the air before rushing off through the house.

“I’m sorry. She’s going through a huge sweet-tooth phase. I have to hide any candy or chocolate that’s brought into this house,” Raine proclaims before suggesting I follow her.

“I guess it’s a good thing Zane told me to only bring a pack of Ale-8-Ones, then.”

Raine chuckles. “Thankfully Annabelle doesn’t like those.”

“I’ve never had one before,” I admit as we make our way into the kitchen. The home is an open concept, but I couldn’t see the kitchen table from the front door—or the extra people who are already here.

I wave timidly toward the two strangers and introduce myself.

“Did you say you’ve never had an Ale-8-One?” a woman with long red hair flowing down her back says before standing up from the table. She takes a step toward me, her face scrunching in confusion as I shake my head. “Well, that’s unacceptable. We’ll have to change that.”

“You can only find the drink in Kentucky, so it makes sense that you haven’t had it before,” a dark-haired man dressed in a police uniform adds before he extends a large hand toward me. “I’m Luke.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“And this rude woman is my girlfriend, Olivia.”

“I’m not rude!” Olivia swats Luke’s shoulder playfully. “Sorry if I came off that way. We’ve all been really excited to meet you, especially with how much Ashton and Zane have talked about you.”

Zane’s been talking about me? My stomach flutters at that, equal parts nerves and something I don’t quite want to name.

“Speaking of, where are they?” Olivia asks over her shoulder.

Raine calls from the kitchen, “Ryland said they’re staying a little later today, but will be here as soon as they can.”

“Can I help?”

I reach for a bowl before I can second-guess myself. I’m not used to stepping in like this or having to find my place instead of waiting to be told where I fit. But the new-and-improved Maxinne isn’t pretending anymore.