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“That’s ridiculous.” Her frown faded and she offered a half-smile. “But I love you too much to hold it against you. I just think it’s a dumb decision, and part of me hopes that you’ll come to your senses.”
Scarlett laughed. “Sorry to break it to you, but I’ve finally started thinking clearly.”
“Okay, so what’s your plan? You used to be a translator for some big company. What now? I don’t think that Ingrid down at the hardware store will need someone who can speak five languages.”
“Actually, it’s nine now.”
Annabel choked, coughing after she sucked in sharply. “Seriously? Dude, you really shouldn’t even be here. This town isn’t going to give you anything after the life you led.”
“It’s going to give me more time with my dad,” Scarlett said simply. “And my friends.” She cocked her head slightly and her smile widened. “Ten years later and you’re still the only one I would want to bare my soul to.”
Her friend laughed. “Does that mean I’ll be the first one you tell when you find the guy you’re after?”
Scarlett joined in on Annabel’s laughter. “Of course. I can think of no one I would rather spill all my secrets to. Now, tell me if there’s any fresh blood I should make myself aware of. Or anyone I should avoid.” She lifted her brows a few times. “I drove past that new country club coming in. That place is huge.”
Annabel pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. “Yeah. The guy who owns it isn’t half bad. He’s actually more of a saint. First, he built the club. Then he expanded it into an equine therapy center for kids and adults. It’s crazy.”
“Whoa. Is he single?”
Annabel rolled her eyes. “I guess when you said you were ready to get married, you weren’t lying. No, Shane is engaged to one of the Callahan girls.”
Scarlett gaped at her friend. “Wait, so how many of them are married? Brielle married Wade, right? I still can’t believe that. So Adeline must be married. Who was next in line?”
Shaking her head, Annabel let out a heavy sigh. “There is way too much for you to catch up on tonight. You might as well schedule some sessions with me so I can fill you in on everything that’s changed.”
“Well, it’s not my fault,” Scarlett groaned. “You were supposed to keep me informed about everything that was happening out here. I feel like you’ve been holding out on me.”
“I guess we’ve both been sorta busy.” Annabel pressed her lips together. “Do you have a plan for what you’re going to do? I mean for work?”
Scarlett shook her head, a chagrined expression filling her face. “I don’t have a clue. I figured I’d get back, settle in, and then decide what’s the best route to take. I don’t have many expenses.” She glanced over her shoulder toward her car. “And if worse comes to worst, I can just sell my car, ya know?”
Annabel’s gaze followed the motion. “That would be a shame. It’s an awesome car.”
“Material things aren’t everything,” Scarlett said quietly. “If my mom’s death has taught me anything, it’s that I need to prioritize my relationships with others a lot more.”
“Man, you really have changed,” Annabel mused. “Then again, you might change your mind like you have in the past.” She said it with a light tone, but it still hurt a little bit. Scarlett must have made a deep impression on the people in her life if they all insisted that she was this flakey.
“I guess only time will tell.”
Her friend’s smile brightened. “I bet it will be great. And it’s like Lucas said. If you need any help with your dad’s farm, you can let us know. We’ve found a good rhythm here. We could give you some pointers if you need it.”
“I’d like that. There’s some stuff he’s let go of since my mom passed. It’s only been a couple weeks, but it definitely shows.” The ache in her chest increased. She still couldn’t believe she’d missed saying goodbye to her own mother. They’d thought she was going to pull through after the accident.
Never in her wildest imagination had she thought she’d be motherless.
“You want to talk about it?” Annabel’s voice broke through her reverie, and Scarlett glanced at her friend.
“Nah. I’m fine.”
Annabel’s eyes narrowed. “Scar…” she drawled. “You lost your mom. I can tell you’re upset even though you’re putting on a brave face. You don’t have to hide it from me, you know that, right?”
“I know.” She rubbed her arms up and down, but it didn’t rid herself of the goosebumps that had formed. “Everything is still a little too fresh.” Her voice broke this time. “Maybe in a few weeks after I have some time to process it?”
“Can you at least talk to your dad about it?”
Scarlett shook her head. “There’s no way. He’s a ghost of himself. I’ve never seen him so despondent. If I told him how I was feeling, I think it could make things worse.”
“I’d think you two could connect on it, though.”
