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I’m a complete asshole for not asking how the event went. My sister knows me better than anyone, but what I don’t want to get into is what’s going on between Solia and me.
“She’s pretty, huh? Have you noticed?” she teases, blatantly searching for more than I’m willing to offer.
“Oh, she’s pretty, all right. And smart and funny. You name it, she’s got it.”
“There’s a noticeable difference in you. And I’m not the only one who can tell. Several people around town have commented. You know how it works around here, everyone in everybody’s business. Of course, they mean well. People love seeing you smile again.”
“OK, Shannon, you got me. She makes me smile, and yes, I’m in a better place than I have been in a long time. But it’s complicated, and I don’t want to drag her into my mess. Months ago, I asked Dad to make room for me in New York. I poured my damn heart out, so he understands how important it is for me to get out of this town. I can’t continue to let the accident define who I am. I can’t bring Solia down with me. But what I can do is help her keep her family’s land safe.”
“That’s honorable of you, Jackson. And I’m sure she will appreciate any help you and the rest of the town give her. But is it just the cabin you’re trying to save?”
I pause at Shannon’s words. Of course I care for Solia. Seeing her happy and fulfilling her dreams is something I want to be a part of. Maybe deep down, I’m trying to stay connected in any way I can. “I’m being a good guy, believe it or not. If I can’t be with her, I can at least help her live the life she’s seeking.”
“Oh, I know you’re a good guy. I’ve never questioned that for a second. When you’re alone tonight, I want you to identify what or who is stopping you from being happy.”
“Yes, old wise one. I will do as you say.” I give her a gentle shove as I head into the store to catch up with Gerry.
Like clockwork, Gerry is at the end of a register line, bagging for a customer who appears to have bought more birdseed than the store can hold on the shelves. Gerry is breaking a sweat trying to squeeze the birdseed into the bags. No task is ever beneath this store owner. He is an all-hands-on-deck kind of guy, which is why everyone loves to work here. Some people started at Raubuchon’s as teenagers, then found careers outside the store, but still work a shift or two because they love being around Gerry.
“Hey, Gerry, do you have time for a break?”
“Sure do, my friend. Let me just finish bagging this for Mrs. Jones, and I’m all yours.”
“Sounds good. I’ll meet you outside.”
After a few minutes, Gerry exits following Mrs. Jones, carrying her bags of birdseed. Ever the ladies’ man, he loads her car and meanders back in my direction.
“What’s the good word, Jackson?”
“I met with Solia.”
“I heard.”
“Seriously, Gerry. You are the goddamn mayor around here. Of course, you already know. Do I need to fill you in on our conversation, or do you already know that too?”
Gerry is all smiles, knowing full well I’m messing with him. “Right, I see what you’re getting at. I don’t go around seeking other people’s business—it finds me. What can I say?”
“Sure, sure. Well, Solia was all ears. She wants to save her place as badly as I want to save the orchard. It’s ironic the two of us have found ourselves in similar situations. She’s thrilled we have a lawyer on board. I told her he would be here on Saturday. The only thing she needs to do, which she said she’d get on right away, is inform her parents.”
“Yeah, I do know that part.”
“Of course you do, Gerry.”
“What’s new on your end?”
“Let’s see … every single property owner I’ve talked to wants to fight. No one is even considering selling to these bastards, except Earl and possibly the two others I haven’t gotten to yet.”
“Your grandpa has it in his head that he’d rather leave a fortune than a field of apples to his family. He figures you can do what you want with the money, but the apples will be nothing but a headache. Getting older is difficult—wouldn’t I know? And part of him wants this chapter to end on his terms. Which, I’ve got to admit, I understand, but it’s not the right call.”
“This is my fault, Gerry. I can’t get my head on straight. Ever since the accident, my world here hasn’t been the same. I need to start a new chapter. I guess I’ve always known Grandpa wanted me to take over the orchard, and I hate letting him down. But now my father is counting on me, and I’m not going to disappoint him. He went out on a limb to get me into the fold at the cider company. I can’t screw up.”
“I hear you. You’re a good man, Jackson. Just remember, either way you slice it, you are going to disappoint someone. The one person you shouldn’t cut short is yourself. Remember that. And while you’re at it, ask yourself why you need a new zip code to write a new chapter.”
Exhaustion washes over me. I’ve done more deep thinking in the past month than I have in my entire life. “OK, Gerry. Got it. What’s my therapy copay today?” I jab his ribs.
“You need to pay in poster board and Sharpie markers.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
