Still, I square my shoulders.I didn’t pack up my entire life and move to a new town just to be outsmarted by a fucking turkey.
So, if the plan is to nudge him, then fine… I’m going in.
“Okay, so how do we get him and the rest to go?What do I need to do to make him leave?”
She bends into her car, and my eyes involuntarily glance down at her ass before I force myself to look away.
“Sorry, Russell, this is all I have today.”She pulls something out of her car.
I snort.“The turkey has a fucking name?”
“Yeah, Russell’s definitely the star around here.”
“You’d be better off cooking him.”As if he hears my words, Russell waddles out of my car and right up to her, flashing me a look that says he’s more confident than I am…Great.
With a deliberate move, she tosses something to him, and he happily pecks at it before she dusts off her hands, a satisfied smile spreading across her face as the other turkeys scatter off the road.“I’m assuming you’re heading into town?”
“Yeah.”
“Get in quick!”she yells, hopping back into her car.I hesitate for a moment, glancing at the feathers scattered everywhere, and a strong, musky odor hanging in the air.With no time to clean my seat, I ignore it, grumbling under my breath as I jump back in, quickly slamming the door behind me.
She takes off, her car zipping down the road, and I follow, focusing on the way the turkeys disappear in the rearview mirror.Relieved to leave them behind, I lose sight of the Corolla but keep my attention on the directions I need to get to Keith’s, my dad’s best friend’s, place.
I cruise through town, playing “More Than A Feeling,” my father’s favorite song, which brings me comfort, turning it up as I take in the wide sidewalks, the vibrant storefronts, and the bare trees lining the road with their autumn leaves falling.A few small businesses catch my eye… like an old-fashioned bakery with a hand-painted sign and a cozy café with tables spilling out onto the sidewalk.There are trucks and SUVs here, blending seamlessly with the charm of the town.Which makes me feel out of place.
Pulling into a long driveway, my mouth opens at the sight of Keith’s white weatherboard house with its green tile roof.It looks like paradise compared to what I’ve left behind.It’s surrounded by lush trees, and a big fountain in the front garden with flowers around it.You don’t get that kind of welcome at a New York condo.
After I park, turn off the engine, and step out, I can’t even be bothered to be concerned about the mess from the turkey or even gathering my bags because the front door swings open.All I want to do is say hello.
As I approach, a friendly smile greets me.It’s a familiar face… with gray hair, black-rimmed glasses, and a gray beard.Something tightens in my chest.I hadn’t realized how much I missed seeing someone who actually knows me.
“Adrian, so nice to see you.It’s been too long.”Keith wraps his arms around me.At first, I’m stiff with surprise, but as his warmth seeps in, I settle into the embrace.My muscles relax, and I return the hug with a firm grip.The last time I saw him was at my dad’s funeral—a moment that now feels like a lifetime ago.When it’s only been a year.
I step out of the hug and roll my shoulders, trying to release the stress of the last few weeks.Pretend I’m just tired from the road and not everything else.
“How was your drive?”Keith looks at me with fatherly concern.
“Long.”I meet his gaze for a second, then look away, forcing a shrug.Becauselongis easier thanI don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.
“Where’s all your stuff?”He gestures toward the trunk of my car.
“I left it in the car.”
“Let’s go grab it.”He starts down the path, and I follow.He’s acting like this is just another normal day, but I’m bracing for the comment ofis that it?
I open the trunk and pull out a couple of cases and bags.
Keith’s brow creases.“Where’d the rest of your stuff go?”
“In storage for now.”So is my old life.I follow him back to the house and into my new life.“When I find a place here, I’ll have it all moved.”
“Good idea.There are a few places up for sale.I’ll happily take you to check them out when you’re ready.”
“I’m in no rush.I just want to get settled here and work.”
The heaviness of my past still eats at me.
“Of course.Just let me know when you’re ready.Meanwhile, it’ll be good having someone around.”He pats me on the shoulder.
