It wasn’t until I read it again that I realized my hands were shaking. What a romantic way to say goodbye. He didn’t even sign the note with his full name.
On an impulse, I did what I should have done all those years ago.
I ripped the note in half. Then into quarters and threw it in the trash.
I wouldn’t ever forget its contents, but I didn’t need the physical reminder of it anymore. I slammed the lid back on the box and shoved it back into the closet, along with everything else I’d removed as part of the search. That would be a problem for future Kira.
Today Kira?
It wasn’t just my routine I would be returning to. No, it was time for something different. To find the things that scared me and just do them.
Starting with moving on from the past.
8
LANDON
“You, Landon Cole, arevolunteering?”
Josh absentmindedly wiped a clean glass, his eyes flickering to the clock above the shelf of liquor bottles. Almost nine, and a few regulars were scattered across the tables, half-watching the muted sports games on the TVs.
The bar was unusually quiet for a Saturday evening. Soft, low music played through the speakers, scratchy tunes that had patrons humming.
“Always the tone of surprise.” I flipped through the latest news stories on my phone. “I like volunteering.”
Josh scoffed. “The only time I’ve seen you volunteer was the mandatory volunteer day in high school.”
“I like helping people,” I said defensively.
He smirked and set the glass down. “You mean you like helping Kira.”
I shoved my phone into my back pocket. “Am I not helping you by picking up shifts at your bar?”
“I pay you to do that.”
True.It was a win-win situation. Josh got a capable bartender, and I got a steady paycheck, which I would need atleast until the diner opened.
“Semantics.” I waved him off. “Like I said, I enjoy helping people. Free booze is a perk, too.” I poured a glass of whiskey.
“Leave some for the customers,” Josh joked as he glanced to make sure no one was signaling for a refill.
“But you’re partially right.” I took a sip, embracing the burn. “I’m trying to help Kira out with a few things.”
Josh’s head snapped back in my direction. “What does that mean?”
“She needed another volunteer to keep the art class going.” Aiming for casual, I started stacking menus on top of each other. “She quit art, and I want to help get her passion back.”
After three menus, my stack fell apart like Jenga pieces. A few patrons cheered for a goal by the winning team, and it made me realize how quiet Josh was. Studying me carefully. The pity in his cerulean eyes made me cringe.
The last thing I wanted from anyone was pity.
“Kira’s moved on,” Josh explained slowly. He ran a hand over his scruffy beard. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Xavier—Mr. Patagonia Vestas I referred to him—had been waiting outside her apartment on Sunday like a damn golden retriever who got lost on his way to a startup meeting. Kira hadn’t looked thrilled to see him. Her body language was stiff, her smile a flash of politeness that disappeared almost instantly.
And then there was the look she gave me before she went inside. Like she felt uncertain about the whole situation.
“I won’t.”
