Page 4 of Already Callin’ You Mine

All I know is that Owen and I both landed on the committee this year to judge the booths. A member of the Hayes executive board—a.k.a. my siblings and me—always serves as a voting member for this, and this year I drew the short straw. So naturally, I roped in my best friend. Because if I’m going to deal with all this nonsense, I’m going to have him with me.

Although, if he keeps pushing me about her, I might come to regret that.

“Seriously, dude, I know you’re not thrilled she’s coming back,” Owen says, climbing into the truck. “And I get it, I do. I wouldn’t want to see the person who ruined my senior year in high school either. You know, if such a person existed. So, if you need to rage about it, I’m here. Safe space, and all that.”

I look at him, the sincerity rolling off him making it hard to stay annoyed. It’s one of the reasons he’s so good at his job and is so well-loved over at EmpowHER. Because he’s honest, trustworthy, and sincere. He’s also easy to talk to, helping the women seeking shelter there by being an ear. The fact that he’s built like a brick house from spending all his spare time in the gym doesn’t hurt either.

“Thanks. And she didn’t ruin senior year, she just…”

I trail off, not sure how to finish that sentence. She just…what? Made my life hell? Stole the thing that I had been working toward for years? The thing that no one else in my family had been able to accomplish—even Mr. Perfect himself, my oldest brother, Gus. Kept me from getting the credit I deserved? Stole the spotlight and hearts of all our teachers?

All while rubbing it in my face.

Okay, maybe she did kind of ruin senior year.

“I get it, man.”

I put my truck into drive and flip on the radio, hoping we can end the conversation now. We have bigger things to worry about. Like all the small-town politics that go into voting on the best dressed booth at the farmers’ market, and avoiding the wrath of those who don’t come in first. Things that are more than enough to occupy my mind. Which is exactly what I need.

Because the last thing I want to be thinking about is Presley Callahan.