Ivy glances at me, almost waiting for me to tell her to skip the song or something. But I don’t. I nod, put the truck in drive, and drive off.
Her music selection is unique, but not bad. She plays some pop hits that everyone knows and filters in other genres. There’s everything from nostalgic boy bands to staple 2000s emo tracks and what I’m guessing are smaller indie artists.
It’s a nice day. I roll down our windows halfway and look over at Ivy. She’s mouthing the words to the song playing. When she sees me looking at her, she nods and rolls the window all the way down.
The sound of wind whips through the truck. I turn the volume up. Ivy looks at me and is smiling. Like, really smiling. The kind that goes ear to ear, pushing her cheeks up, creating delicate lines in the corner of her eyes. It’s like her cheekbones could touch her long lashes.
This is the kind of smile that makes me smile. Because it reminds me of Hazel.
Warm air continues to flood the truck and I smell lavender. We’re nowhere near any of the local farms. It must be Ivy.
Chapter Seventeen
I’M IN A REMARKABLY good mood. First, there was the drive with the windows down and the music loud. I typically walk or take public transportation at home so this whole experience is rare for me.
Second, Holland let me play whatever music I wanted. Truly. He didn’t make fun of me or make any snide comments as the playlist went song to song—another rare occurrence.
Plus, I’ve wrapped up one of my most successful shopping trips to date. Nothing felt better than swiping my company credit card in the smallest act of “take that.” Even though no one will probably question my receipts, it feels good.
Holland even took me to an indie bookstore. I love visiting local bookstores when I’m traveling to a new city.
I should be set for the next week, and then some, because why not? Holland even had the brilliant idea to get another suitcase, since my small carry-on won’t be sufficient with my new haul. Smart man.
We’re at the last store to get some hiking things. And since I know literally nothing about what I could need, Holland takes the lead. After asking for my shoe size, he comes back with a few hiking boot options.
“They have these colors in your size. What’s your pick?” Holland liftsshoes in blush pink, black, and gray.
The answer is easy. “Pink.”
Holland hands me the shoes to try on. Surprisingly, I like shopping with this almost stranger.
The blush pink boots fit perfectly. Holland nods in approval.
“Okay, down to the last of the list. There’s a wall of waterproof jackets.” He points. “Pick one out and I’ll grab socks.” He spins away from me in the opposite direction only to turn back. “Do you have a sock preference?” he questions as he puts the boot back in the box with its match.
Again, I don’t know what I’m supposed to want or not want from hiking socks. “No preference. Use your best judgment but don’t be afraid to pick out something fun,” I call after him.
He gives me a thumbs up. “Meet me at the checkout when you’re ready.” He tilts his head to the front of the store.
There are so many jacket options, I’m instantly overwhelmed. Instead of spiraling over something I’ll only use a handful of times, I pick the first black jacket I find in my size, and try it on to make sure it fits.
I remember my phone is ondo not disturb. A little wave of panic rolls though as I peek at the notifications. I double check that Stella hasn’t tried to contact me. She hasn’t. It’s mostly Jack. I delete all the notifications and take a harmless mirror selfie for Vivian.
I click send. Almost immediately, I can see Viv is typing.
OUTDOORSY IVY AT YOUR SERVICE
VIVIAN
WHAT IS HAPPENING
ARE YOU BEING HELD AGAINST YOUR WILL
HA! No, I'm good.
Trading a hike in exchangeto see a dog
Okay okay that sounds like my Ivy
