“Is this about my-” The dial tone comes through the receiver clearly. What the heck? My heart rate picks up. Returning to the bar where Charlene is holding court, several cocktails placed around her, I slide back onto the stool. My nerves are frayed. What the hell was that?
“You okay?”
“I don’t know. I couldn’t make out anything they were saying. But no one’s ever tracked me down here before. I’m kinda frazzled now. Do you mind if I go check on Pops? With the way he’s been in and out of the hospital lately, I can’t relax until I see he’s all right. If he’s gone to bed for the night, he’ll never answer the phone.”
“Oh, sure, babe. You do whatever you need to.” She takes a sip of her Margarita. “Do you want me to come with?”
I lean forward a bit as I answer. “Only if you need an escape.”
She waves me off, as usual, and whispers back, “I’ve got this.”
“Okay. I’m sorry, Char. Maybe next time I can ask Jo to hang with Pops if we’re out.” I hop off my stool and kiss her on the cheek before turning for the door.
“Leaving so soon?” Robert asks with a menacing grin on his face. Why do I feel like I dodged this bullet?
“Yes. Sorry. Something came up.”
“Maybe I should walk you to your car?”
“No, I’ve got it,” Harrison interjects.
Robert holds his hands up as if he’s at gunpoint and turns back to Charlene and his friend.
I make my way to the exit with Harrison by my side. “Thank you. But I’m a big girl.”
“I know you are. But something about that guy rubbed me the wrong way.”
“Well, thanks again.” I want to say,how’s your brother? Tell him I miss him. This place is much more fun when he’s here.But I don’t want to sound pathetic.
I pick up speed as I head to my car, stopping briefly to look down at the emerald green sundress and strappy sandals I’m wearing. I actually took time to put on makeup too. Unlocking the truck, I hop in and start the ignition. As much as I’d like to pretend I was looking to allow someone new into my life tonight, I haven’t been able to get the brief moments I shared with my dream guy out of my head.
Or my heart.
It’s his loss, Ellie. Matt could’ve tried harder. If he was really interested, we could’ve attempted a long-distance thing. Other people do it all the time. But that’s on him. Iamworthy of more. And I’ll keep saying it until I believe it.
As I pull out of the parking lot, I notice a familiar truck. It couldn’t be. Then it dawns on me that Matthew may have flown into Florida and borrowed one of Harry’s company vehicles while he was here.This night. Between this and the phone call, I’m losing it.
I arrive back home and throw my truck into park before heading inside. As suspected, my grandpa is fast asleep. Leaning in closer, his breathing seems normal. I stand up straight, crossing my arms over my chest. What on earth was that call about? Had Jennifer been there and put someone up to doing it, knowing it would rattle me? I certainly wouldn’t put it past her.
Heading back to the other end of the mobile home, I stop in the kitchen to grab a glass of water when I see my gratitude rock sitting on the windowsill. I gently rub it as I look out at the deck bathed in moonlight that Matt built for me.Crazy night or not, Ellie, Pops is sound asleep, and you’re home safe. Just be grateful for a good night’s sleep and forget about the rest.
* * *
The following morning, I rise with the sun. I don’t always open the food counter at Salty Jo’s on the weekends, but during tourist season, it’s best to take a chance some might find their way to our shabby filling station. It will give me a chance to jot down the timing of how I should prep the food for the festival and how much help I might need. Who am I kidding? If I need more help than Char and Jo can give, I’m up a creek.
I make a cup of instant decaf for Pops.Gross!And heat up a leftover sausage biscuit from work to take to him before jumping in the shower and heading for work.
As I jump into my truck, I notice there’s a message on my phone.
11:45 p.m.
Matt: I miss you
Chapter 29
Matt
“Hey, throw me the seasoning to your left, Matt,” Jason yells. “Can you guys turn that down a little?”
