“Maybe I’ve finally lost my mind, but that actually kind of makes sense.”
“Good! That’s why I’m here.” She ruffles my hair, and I almost smile. “And to bug you and your brother to drive me around town.”
“We’re happy to do it,” I promise her.
Ryland has been joining us for the past week, but today, he’s getting a head start on the project for Blair.
It’s the only other activity that’s keeping us sane.
It’s not done yet—it won’t be done for a while—but it’s at least presentable if she wants to see it when she comes back in a week.
Ifshe comes back.
Maybe she won’t ever come back. Maybe she’s decided you’re too much and doesn’t want some emotional weirdo in her life.
The insecurities and negative thoughts come in waves.
I’m supposed to let them pass by me, just accept them and move on.
But some days it’s really fucking hard.
By the time I pull into Mari’s driveway, my heart is racing and my palms are clammy.
As if she notices my discomfort, she gives me a sweet smile.
“It will be okay,” she says. “Remember, both of you have feral hearts.”
I nod slowly, as if I know whatever the fuck that is supposed to mean.
I stay in her driveway until Mari closes her front door, then glance down at my phone to see a text from my brother.
Travis just texted me.She’s back and on her way to the packhouse.
The tires screech as I peel out of Mari’s driveway.
32
BLAIR
Travis drivesme from my apartment to the packhouse, Marlin and Mervin in tow. I placed a blanket on top of each of their carriers, shrouding them in darkness so they don’t panic as much in the car.
It’s a trick I learned when trapping cats.
“I still don’t drive well,” I admit to him softly. “I have to sit in the driver’s seat and count until I can start the car.”
The admission is bitter on my tongue, but now that he knows about Annette, nothing seems off limits.
The truth is freeing.
“I know,” he says. “I saw you in the parking lot at Scents a few times.”
“Oh, god,” I groan. “Really?”
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of. We all deal with things differently. I couldn’t pick up a damn knitting needle for years.”
My heart aches at the reminder of the story of his parents.
“You’re the least judgmental person I’ve ever met, Trav,” I admit.
