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“Gosh, Josie!” she shrieks. “Ever heard of knocking?”
Casually, I lean over to the wall and rasp my knuckles against it. She purses her lips in a frown, shaking her head. She looks relaxed and comfortable in a flowy maxi dress with thin straps. I can’t remember the last time I saw her in a loose dress like that. She looks lovely.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” I comment.
“I’m not used to you being around,” she admits quietly, streaks of grey in her hair shining in the natural light from the window. “Sometimes, it seems like youarea ghost.”
Her words hang between us for a few moments before I flop onto the lounge.
“How do you cope living inside this house with no fans?” I protest, opting to change the subject.
“You get used to it.”
I flick my gaze to her. That sounds awfully a lot like what Nick would say.
“Are you going to the rodeo tonight?”
“Yes, we will all be going.” The way she says it—We. Like they’re a family. Without me. She seems to realise this as well and awkwardly clears her throat. “Are you coming with us?”
“No, I’m going with a friend.”
“A friend?” she questions, raising an eyebrow. “Nick?”
“No. You don’t know her.”
“I know everyone.”
“Belle Mathers.”
Mum blinks. “Who?”
“She works at Danny’s Dental. She’s only been in town for a few months.”
Mum sets her mug down. I eye her as she shuffles the magazines on the coffee table, looking a little nervous.
“Josie,” she starts. “Have you thought about talking to someone? After what happened when you were away?”
Away. When I fled this town and hoped to never return, she means.
I bristle at her words, straightening in my seat. “No.”
“It might be helpful to unload on someone.”
I push to my feet, flipping my hair over my shoulder. “I’m good, thanks for the concern. See you tonight.”
I don’t miss Mum purse her lips in disappointment before I stalk from the house without a backwards glance.
* * *
With each step, a new cloud of dust layers my boots. I feel it cling to my skin and settle in my hair. I sweep it back from my face. Dirt and sweat. I can taste it. It’s everywhere.
It seems like everyone in town is here. Belle and I weave through the tents set up and the small crowds gathered. I see Nick leaning against the fence, a friendly smile on his face as he talks to Jess. I stride up to him and pull on his shoulder. Giving him no chance to say hi, I cover my mouth with his.
I feel her eyes burning holes into the side of my head. Jess looks taken aback at the display in front of her. I wait for the roll of satisfaction to come, but it doesn’t.
“Nick.” I smile, looping my arm with his.
His cheeks blush a deep red, and he can’t meet Jess’ eyes. I turn and flash her a grin.
