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“What about you and Olivia?”
“I love her.” It’s his turn to be in the hot seat. “I don’t know if we can salvage our marriage, but I know that I’ll always love her.”
“I’ll always love Holly.”
“I get that, man. Any woman in your life from here on out will need to accept that. She gave you those two angels. But you see, our situations are different. Holly is gone. She didn’t choose to leave you, Gray. She died, man. I know that’s harsh, but it’s the facts. You have the chance to move on. My wife left me, and I have to see her around town and drive her drunk ass home from Pony Up. I’ll have to watch her move on, and I’m telling you, man, I don’t know that I’ll be able to handle that.”
“Then fight for her.”
He nods. “You fight for you. And I’ll fight for me.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready.”
“You are. You just have to admit it to yourself and allow yourself to move on. Holly would want you to move on.”
I nod. I’ve had enough of the deep conversations for the day. I’m at my max capacity for talking about it. “Girls, pack up your toys and give Uncle Ryder a hug. We need to get home and get baths,” I call out to my daughters. I watch as they scurry to place everything back in the bag of toys and then rush to hug Ryder.
“Thanks for dinner.” I stand and toss our empty plates in the trash.
“Thanks for the company. Leave all that. I’ll get it. You’ve got dad duties.”
“You sure?”
“Go.” He waves me off.
Grabbing the bag of toys and slinging it over my shoulder, I hold a hand out for each of my girls and lead them to my truck. My conversation with the guys and Ryder earlier today and my conversation with Ryder tonight are replaying in my mind. They’ve made some good points, and I can admit to myself that I’m lonely. I have my daughters, but I miss the touch of a woman.
I need to get the girls in bed and a shower myself and bed. All of this “feelings” talk has me exhausted.
Chapter 9
Laken
“Laken! Are you listening to me?” Lenora asks.
“Uh-huh.” My phone is pressed to my ear as I stare out the window.
“Wait. Are they washing the trucks again?” She chuckles.
“It’s a hardship, really,” I tell her. “To live so close to the firehouse. I mean, watching gorgeous, ripped men wash the trucks every week is a huge distraction.”
Her loud, raucous laughter makes me smile. “I think I should stop by and finish this conversation in person. You know, so I can watch the show with you.”
“I mean, I’ve got good seats,” I reply while gazing out my window, watching the show as she so eloquently put it. “I could pop us some popcorn.”
“Anyway,” she says with a chuckle, “get your ass moving. We have appointments at the salon to get our nails done.”
“Since when?” I ask, forcing myself to look away from the scenery out my window.
“Since I called and made us one. We have to be there in twenty, so get moving.”
“You know I’m going to miss the ending of my show, right?” I say, barely able to contain my laughter.
“You’ve seen that show once a week or more since you moved in. I think you’ll survive.”
“Fine. The sacrifices I make for you.”
“Hush.” She sniggers. “I’ll see you in a few. And don’t say you have to work. I know you close at one on Saturdays.”
“I’m thinking about staying open later. Jasmine mentioned she could use more hours.” Jasmine is a senior in high school and a great kid. She’s good with the customers, and she loves all books. She reminds me of myself when I was her age.
“Well, we can talk about that when you meet me at the salon.”
“Fine. You owe me one.”
Her reply is to laugh and hang up on me. My reflection in the mirror shows that my smile is wide, and it has nothing to do with the shirtless men who are currently washing the fire trucks. Don’t get me wrong, that’s definitely worth smiling about, but this one is for my sister. I’m so damn happy to have her home.
“There she is.” Lenora waves at me as I enter the salon. She’s already sitting in the chair, her feet soaking in the warm water.
I smile and wave and make my way to the empty seat next to her. “For you, my dear sister.” I hand her an iced coffee from Java Jitters. Sure, it’s on the other side of town, but I was craving one.
“Another sacrifice.” She grins.
“Right? Take notes,” I say as I slip my feet into the bowl of warm water.
“So, you’re thinking about staying open longer?”
“I am. Business is good, and Jasmine does a great job. She mentioned needing more hours. I thought I might try it and see if the sales make it worth it. She’s already working two days a week after school. I might add some extended hours. Maybe have two late nights. That will help give her hours. She’s saving for college.”
