Page 109 of Over the Line
Maybe in some alternate universe.
“Anyway, you’ve got some thinking to do. And I’ve decided we need to shop so we make some room for lunch.”
How could Vanessa still possibly be thinking about food after a thousand-calorie coffee stop?
Vanessa stood and dumped her empty bag in a nearby trashcan.
After wandering in and out of quaint stores and galleries, they agreed to eat at the Timberwolf Saloon, a locals’ favorite with live music.
They ordered a large pepperoni pizza and beer, and within minutes the frosty glasses were slid in front of them.
“So why were you watching home improvement shows?”
At her friend’s comment, Sydney tipped her head to the side. “I told you. The twin brothers.”
“I think it’s deeper than that.”
“Do you?” After taking a long drink, she couldn’t resist pursuing Vanessa’s open-ended statement. “Enlighten me.”
“It’s about home. Connection.”
“I have a place.” And certain things probably did need to be updated or remodeled, not that she’d thought much about that until right now.
“I’m talking about home. Not someplace you dump your bags before your next trip.”
Sydney blinked.
“Isn’t that what you have on Michael’s ranch?”
Maybe it was. A part of her recognized that being on his land restored her.
The sunrises, sunsets. Trailing her fingertips in the gurgling river. Feeling the wind rippling through her hair. Even Chewie and her ridiculous antics. Talking with Jeb. And her ritual of gathering eggs.
At first, she’d been too nervous to go near the chickens, but he’d introduced her to his ladies—as he’d called them—even telling her the girls’ names.
But instead of admitting that she truly was missing Michael as well as Eagle’s Bend, Sydney changed the subject. “I still argue that home improvement shows are better than watching gruesome murders. Especially ones committed by people who are still out there.”
Right after their food arrived, the band began to play again, making conversation more difficult, something she was ridiculously grateful for.
After lunch, they found a store that carried sage, and Sydney waved it in front of her friend. “Hmm. You’re still here.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll be getting rid of me soon.”
Which sucked, because suddenly Sydney didn’t want to face another evening alone.
Once they’d paid for their purchases, they returned to the condo, but Vanessa refused an invitation to come inside. “I need to get back.”
Across the car’s console, they hugged.
“Think about what I said.”
Her friend hadn’t stopped talking all day. “Which part?”
“About compromise. Maybe there’s a way for you two to sort it out still.”
It was already too late. The cold, unfeeling expression in his dark green eyes had made that clear.
After thanking Vanessa for making the drive and for spending the entire day in Evergreen, Sydney went inside her condo.