Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Mom’s gaze swings to the door leading to the attached garage. “Why?”
“Remember when I would hide in there and build stuff?” The room is large enough to hold all of Dad’s tools and a generous workspace.
She nods. “I also remember your interest in high school. You loved working with your hands.”
“I did.” I step toward the door, itching to see the space that hasn’t seen the light of day in years. “Mind if I check it out?”
“Why not? Your dad left his tools behind. Maybe it was meant for you.”
He never said that, but maybe she’s right. When I push open the door, a cloud of dust kicks up, making me cough. “Better keep your distance.”
Mom backs away as I click on the light. It looks just as I remember, except for a few missing pieces and a layer of dust.
“I’m going to have a look.” I’m already moving boxes around on the floor.
“Okay, sweetie, let me know if you need anything.”
Once she retreats inside, I stay there for a couple of hours, dusting things off and then looking at all the unfinished projects. One I recognize from my first flip—window boxes for flowers. I can picture them framing the front of a quaint little cottage. A sharp pang stabs my gut, and I have a hard time catching my breath. Is this what I wanted all along, or is it because a gas station owner showed me eagles and beautiful foothills across from an ocean view?
When I finally click off the light and close the door, I’m a mess of dust and wood clippings, but I feel more fulfilled than I have in years.
It’s not a good idea to enter Mom’s house like this, so I call to her to let her know I’m leaving.
“You find what you were looking for?” Mom asks from behind the screen door.
“I think so. I might be back next weekend if that’s all right.”
“You’re always welcome.”
“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you too.” She waits a beat, then says, “Take the time to figure out what you want.”
“That’s the plan,” I lob over my shoulder.
I smile all the way to my apartment. Why hadn’t I done that years ago? I’m not sure Rocco would get it, but maybe he would, given his love of cars. We always said the business was a means to help us do the things we love. But somehow, that got away from me. I got caught up in sales and deals and paperwork and didn’t realize how much time had passed. I vow right then and there to create some balance.
24
JACK
A couple of weeks after Aaron leaves town, I’m at the Witching Hour with June, nursing a beer, lost in my head. He hadn’t even been here that long, and already, the town feels emptier without his arresting presence. Or maybe I’m losing it. And it’s all my fault. I knew this would happen if I continued cozying up with him, so I only have myself to blame.
“Why are you being so mopey?” June asks.
“I’m not.”
“Uh-huh.” She rolls her eyes. “You miss him.”
“Who? I don’t miss anyone.” I sound unconvincing even to my ears.
Johnny leans over the bar top. “You can admit it. It’s okay.”
“Says the person who never admits the same about his ex.”
“I’ve dealt with those feelings.”
Johnny may be outgoing and a good listener, but he has remained tight-lipped about what went down between him and his ex. Or should I say husband? They remain legally separated, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say Johnny’s reasons for not seeking a divorce are sentimental. And he says I’m the one holding my feelings close to my vest.
“Whatever you say, Johnny. Besides, this thing with Aaron was never meant to be anything more than a fling.”
June raises an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”
“In case you haven’t noticed, he’s gone.” I motion toward the road. “He lives somewhere else.”
“And you’re constantly texting each other,” she points out.
“What the hell? You been spying on me?” It’s true that we text several times a day. It started with him sounding so happy about reopening his dad’s workshop, and it blew up from there. He always asks about my photos and what’s happening in town, like he’s a long-lost resident, and admittedly, sometimes he feels like one.
June says, “Life is never that cut-and-dried. You should know that by now. I’ve had to move on without my soulmate, and it’s been difficult, to say the least.” I frown. She’s still suffering the aftereffects of what happened with Cain and how much that scared her. “What if you’re pushing aside your feelings because you’re scared, but he’s meant to be in your life?”
“He is in my life. We’re friends.” I motion to my phone. “But what do you expect me to do?”
“I don’t know, go see him for a change?” she deadpans. “Pass through his town?”