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Despite contributing more than anyone, I was left in the dark about not having any stake in the land. It’s not the work that bothers me; I would’ve willingly put in the effort, regardless. What stings is the realization that my significance to them might be no more than what I was to my mother—not enough to prioritize or consider when it mattered most.
But soon I won’t have to deal with any of them anymore.
That thought brings up a whole new set of challenges for me, though. Pangs of hurt pierce my chest every time I think about Rose. I truly like her—maybe even love her. But I know whatever pain I’m feeling will subside in time—just like it did when my mother left.
Sure it will,a small voice mocks me from the recesses of my mind.
I turn away from the window and continue my packing, pulling the books down from the shelves lining the upstairs hallway when suddenly, I hear an unearthly yowl from Silo that alarms me. I drop the first-edition collection in my hands and scour the area for the stereo remote again.
“Silo!” I call, turning off the music to listen. “Come here, boy!”
Two low growls and confused barks follow my command, but the dogs don’t come up the stairs when I call. Fully on edge now, I halt what I’m doing and pad toward the landing.
“Bounce?” Haltingly, I start down the stairs, scared that my animals might have been hurt, although I can’t imagine what they may have gotten into. “Are you okay, boys?”
One of them releases a scared whine, and I’m doubly conflicted now.
I know when I hit the ground floor, Eli will probably see me through all the glass, but I’m more concerned about the dogs than I am about avoiding my once-upon-a-time friend. I can still ignore Eli once I’ve secured the animals. I don’t need to speak to him.
“Silo?” I call out again. “Come on, boy.”
As I step onto the main landing, both dogs are in the kitchen, their backs to me, heads bowed down. Their positions are uncertain, tails low but wagging as if they don’t know what to do.
“What the hell are you doing?” I demand, striding forward.
Bounce raises his golden head and whines again, looking down, both their tails wagging nervously by the back door. Inadvertently, I glance up and see Eli standing by the kitchen entrance on the outside where I fully expected him to be, but he’s not looking at me. He’s staring down in dismay.
Confused, I start toward him to see what has their attention, and his eyes widen in helplessness. He points down when he locks eyes with me.
What the…?
I round the marble island and glance down at the pet door, the reality blindingly clear now.
Sheepishly, Rose looks up at me from the floor, her slender torso half-lodged in the doggie door, hips twisted uncomfortably as she tries unsuccessfully to wiggle free. “Hi,” she chirps. “Can I get a little help?”
She extends a hand toward me, and I bite on my lower lip. The sight of her trapped there makes me laugh, but only for a half a second, and then my stoic expression returns, difficult as it is to maintain.
“I could call the sheriff, and have you arrested for trespassing,” I tell her sternly.
She blinks, hurt shadowing her lovely, laurel eyes, her embarrassed smile fading. “Really, Connor?”
“I’ve made my wishes pretty damn clear.” I fold my arms over my chest as she attempts to maneuver her way out again. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“Well, that ship has kind of sailed now, and if you want me to leave, you’re going to have to remove me from the base of your door,” Rose replies patiently.
Begrudgingly, I amble forward and grab her arms, pulling her through as the hounds watch in utter fascination, falling forward and back on their paws like we were playing a game they didn’t understand. They want to go and greet Rose, who they have grown to love, but the tension oozing off me keeps them at bay.
With a final grunt, Rose manages to slide her long legs through, falling purposely into my arms with a wide smile, but I release her immediately, almost throwing her aside as we stand. Her smile fades as I turn away.
“What are you doing here, Rose?” I ask bluntly, stalking toward the fridge with the explicit purpose of avoiding her eyes.
“We tried knocking, but I guess the music was too loud,” she says.
“It wasn’t too loud,” I retort sharply. “I heard the door. You should have taken the hint.”
She says nothing for a moment, shifting her weight. I catch her sneaking a glance at Eli, but she keeps her full attention on me.
“I just got back from Washington,” she offers brightly. Through my peripheral vision, I watch her unlock the door for Eli, and I almost forbid it, but I don’t bother. They won’t be staying long. I’ll see to that. “I missed you, Connor. I wish you’d answered your phone when I called. I really wanted to hear your voice when I was away.”
