The warmth in my cheeks deepens as he hands me a folded gray hoodie. “What’s this?”
“For the non-poncho days.” He winks, jogging up the stepstowards the entrance. “See you around, Liv.”
Liv.My cheeks burn at the nickname. No one has ever given me a nickname.
I unfold the sweatshirt, looking at the faded logo across the worn cotton. It’s for a karate studio somewhere in town. The name ‘HAYES’ is ironed on the back, though the glue is more legible than what is left of the vinyl letters.
And, in the front pocket is a stick of men’s deodorant. Nothing natural about it.
I tuck it in my backpack, smiling to myself. At least I don’t have to worry about smelling bad at my new school.
* * *
Present…
The final wooden block settles at the top of the tower, completing the castle, and I sit back to admire my work. I’m babysitting baby Kate tonight, and even though she’s already tucked sweetly in her crib upstairs, I want her to have something fun to see first thing in the morning.
She’s only a year old, but I think she’ll appreciate Aunt Liv’s craftsmanship.
I never knew how much I could love another human. The second I laid eyes on her, I was in love. No one can convince me that she isn’t somehow part of my DNA.
I spent Thea’s entire pregnancy mourning because I thought I wouldn’t get the traditional aunt experience. We lived on opposite sides of the state, but one look at my best friend holding her sweet baby girl after she was born, and Iknew I couldn’t miss it.
I couldn’t settle down with Elliot without having a chance to be a part of Thea’s journey into motherhood. And even though he thought it was a childish decision to make, I think he’s under the impression that this phase will help me get over my friendship from college.
But he doesn’t understand our relationship; he’s never really tried. She’s the sister that I never got. She knows me better than anyone, including him, the man I’m supposed to marry.
Having her as my person is something that I’ll never take for granted. And, being here for her while she navigates this phase of life was nonnegotiable, so he kept his judgments to himself when I made it clear I wasn’t asking his permission.
I was born to teen parents who gave me up for adoption, and my new mom was a single woman in her fifties. I had no family, no siblings or cousins.
Thea is my family. Now, my cottage is ten minutes from her house, and I can be her village. I get to babysit the sweetest baby ever, so mom and dad get a break.
I get baby snuggles and all the giggles.
She’s the best. She’s–
A wooden board creaks behind me, and my spine stiffens against the back of the couch. Thea and Jesse won’t be home for at least another hour or two.
I don’t look towards the sound because I can’t tell where it came from, but I train my ears to listen closely to my surroundings. It’s an old house; it could’ve been the wind.
But when another faint creak sounds to my left, sweat gathers at the neck of my sweater. It sounds like it came from outside. My hand slides over the velvet couch cushion to gripmy phone. Should I call the police?
What if it’s nothing?
It’s been nearly two weeks since the last flower was left on my car. This has nothing to do with that…
But, even as I think it, my brain is contradicting itself. I don’t want to look like the girl who cried wolf. I have a professional reputation to uphold in this county.
I should call Jackson. He’s the Sheriff, but he’s my friend; he wouldn’t judge me. If I call Elliot, I’ll have to explain why I’m so paranoid, and I have no desire to open that can of worms.
No, I’m a grown woman, I can handle this. It’s probably a stray cat.
I tiptoe towards the door and flip on the porch light, but nothing happens. The dim yellow light normally shines through the small windows at the top, but they’re still cast in darkness.The porch light is out.
It’s nothing. The light bulb probably needs to be changed.
It’s nothing.
