AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yup.” I stand and grab a water bottle from the mini fridge.
“Anyway, what are you doing in Africa?” I rather hear about his life right now instead of talking about my failure to interact with Lex without it seeming like she wants to rip my head off.
“I’m volunteering at a non-profit to help a small village have essentials. It’s amazing and such an eye-opening experience. These people have nothing, and they’re so happy. I’ve never met a group of people who are the definition of pure and innocent joy.” Passion drives his words.
“That sounds amazing.”
“It’s hard to put into words. I’ve been here for a few weeks already. It was a shock at first, not having certain things we’re used to readily available, but it shifts your perspective about life. It’s an experience I recommend to anyone.” Hearing him talk flicks something inside of me.
I can’t say the same for my own life, living and doing something I’m so passionate about. I settled into the family business because it was expected, and I was good at it. But I don’t talk about my job the way Tristan does, or even the way Lex did years ago when she’d plan out her dream studio.
“I’m happy for you, Tristan.” It’s the truth, too, not just something older brothers tell their siblings. Tristan always knew what he wanted and didn’t let anything stand in his way.
“Thanks. You know it’s never too late to break away and do what makes you happy.” His carefree mood turns serious.
“Yeah.” I leave it at that. I’m not even sure what I’d want to do. My whole life, I’ve been groomed to take over Remington Agency. Who am I without that?
“Just think about it. If you’re happy with Dad, I support you. But if there’s any bit of you that wants to do something else, make a change in your life, I have your back.” I clear my throat upon hearing his words.
“Thanks. You know you can always count on me, even if you are saving the world and trotting the globe.” I smile at the thought of my carefree brother working with villages in Africa. It sounds as if it’s done him good.
“I know. And maybe things change with Lex,” he suggests.
“I don’t know. She hates me.”
“She’s hurt. It’s expected. She probably uses hostility as a defense mechanism.” His words of wisdom strike me with hope. I doubt this is the classic case of I like you, so I hate you.
“A lot’s happened, and she’s not leaving Hartville. She has her studio here. She’s happy.” Without me. I don’t add that, not wanting to show more vulnerability than I already am.
“It’s great she finally got her studio open. I know how much she wanted that. As for you, like I said, it’s never too late to pursue a different path. I know you like working at the agency—though I suspect it’s because you’re good at it—but some things can change if you decide you still want that career.” He yawns.
“Go to sleep. I bet you’re bone-tired.”
“Yeah, gotta be up early tomorrow. Glad you called.”
“Me too. Bye, Tristan.”
“Talk soon.” The line goes dead, and I place my phone on my lap, staring at the screen.
I stand and stretch my arms over my head, needing to get out of this room. I guess it’s another dinner at the diner. Maybe I’ll walk around town later. Unlike New York, where people are out at all hours of the day and night, Hartville quiets down in the evenings, but a walk after dinner will still help clear my head.
I love the chill in the air that fall brings. I walk along Main Street, looking into the businesses closed for the night. The diner was quiet tonight, with no run-ins with the past or nosy residents to steer clear of.
After being used to the hustle and bustle of the city for so many years, it always shocks me when I visit my hometown. It’s as if the part of me that lived here no longer exists. It’s strange how that happens, how we transform and shift with time and experiences. The teen I was back then feels like someone else.
I peek through the big display windows of a clothes store. Not that I need anything, but there’s nothing else to do walking down this sleepy street. Next, I look into the antique shop. It’s been here for ages. Lex used to love going in when we were younger in hopes she’d find a treasure. I’d tease her about it, but she wouldn’t care. She loved searching through the shelves and aisles, looking for a piece of history, as she’d call it.
I knew seeing her again would affect me, but I didn’t realize how much. Guilt, nostalgia, and sadness all persist in filling me. Being away gave me the space and distraction I needed to not think about the past.
Work is busy, always traveling from one place to another. Wining and dining clients leave little space for reminiscing about ex-girlfriends—except when my friend Jameson subtly brings her up. All he knows is that I have an ex, but every so often, he likes to push.
I continue walking, seeing the barista in the coffee shop cleaning the floors. When I hear a noise a few feet away, I look up to see a silhouette. A smile lifts my lips as my feet propel me toward her.
“Hey.”
“Oh!” Lex startles, dropping her bag. She turns around and sighs, closing her eyes.
“You scared me,” she accuses.
