“Ruby.” I nod, keeping my tone neutral. But she sees through me, like she always has.
She sets down the jar of huckleberry preserves she’s labeling and wipes her hands on her apron. “I was wondering when you’d find your way back home.”
“Didn’t figure you’d be surprised.”
“I’m never surprised, honey. But I am curious. You here to stay this time?”
“That depends on how the plans for this gym go.” I step up to the counter, leaning in slightly. “And I don’t mean one of those fancy, corporate chains. A place for the kids in town. Somewhere they can hit a bag instead of getting in trouble. Thought it might be time Mustang Mountain had a place like that.”
Ruby tilts her head, sizing me up like she’s peering straight into my soul. “You’ve been thinking about this a while.”
“Since the day I got locked up.”
Her expression softens, but she doesn’t let me off the hook. “And how do you plan on making this happen, Cooper? You’ve been gone a long time. This town’s changed.”
“I’ve changed too.”
“I know you have.” She reaches under the counter and pulls out a manila envelope. “This might help.”
I raise an eyebrow. “What’s this?”
“A friend of mine is investing in Mustang Mountain. They want to remain anonymous, but they have been watching you, partly due to me making them. They want to help. Of course, you will still need townspeople on your side. You’ll need allies.”
I open the envelope and skim through the forms. Bureaucracy isn’t my strong suit, but I’ll do whatever it takes. It’s a contract for an investor. Lots of forms to read over. “Thanks, Ruby.”
She leans forward, voice dropping. “And Cooper? If you need a little extra to get started, come see me. Orville and I have been thinking about investing in something worthwhile. And you, son, are worth the gamble.”
I’m not sure what to say. Ruby’s never been one to offer help lightly. She’s got plans, she always does.
The bell jingles again as the door swings open. Laughter floats through the air, light and easy. It punches me in the chest.
Riley.
She’s standing there, chatting with another girl like she owns the place. Her dark hair’s pulled up in a messy bun, tendrils falling loose around her face. She’s wearing a simple sundress, and her smile... God, that smile hasn’t changed a bit. Except now it’s aimed at Ruby as she says hi, and I’m standing here, knocked flat by it.
I shouldn’t be staring. I know it. But I can’t look away. It’s been years, but seeing her feels like getting hit by a freight train. She looks different, softer around the edges, but also stronger somehow. Like life hasn’t been easy, but she’s still standing tall.
Ruby’s eyes dart between us, a knowing gleam lighting up her expression. She’s about to stir the pot. I can feel it.
“Well, if it isn’t Riley Sanders. Just in time.” Ruby gestures toward me with a grin. “Look who’s back in town.”
Riley’s gaze follows Ruby’s hand until her eyes land on me. For a heartbeat, the air’s too thick to breathe. Her smile falters, and for a moment, we’re frozen in place, caught somewhere between the past and the present.
“Cooper.” Her voice is a whisper, but it’s enough to wreck me. I haven’t heard her say my name in years.
“Hey, Riles.” My tone’s gruff, but it’s all I can manage.
She steps forward, and the movement’s slow, deliberate. Like she’s bracing herself. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Didn’t expect to be here.”
Her lips curve, not quite a smile, but not cold either. “You always did like surprises.”
The tension is palpable, but Ruby’s already halfway back to the stockroom, pretending to give us space, though we both know she’s eavesdropping.
“You look...” I trail off, searching for the right words. Beautiful doesn’t even scratch the surface.
“So do you.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, eyes flicking away for a moment before landing on me again. “Different. But the same.”
