“Left it in the car, why?—”
She takes me completely by surprise, and since I’m at the end of the dock, her tackle sends us tumbling straight into the water. My laughter muffles as I resurface, spitting out earthy, mineral-tasting water.
“Alysa!!” The moment she is above the surface, I thrust a wave of water at her. “We havenothingto dry off with!”
She giggles and simply shrugs her shoulders. “We will ride with the windows down. What happened to my not-so-uptight brother!?”
Yes… Indeed. Whatdidhappen to me?
I smile, and for the first time, it doesn’t feel distant.
Swimming quickly toward her has her shrieking and attempting to get away.
“You’ve lost your mind if you think you won’t pay for that.”
“No, no, no—” She’s cut off as I dunk her under. The sound of my laughter bouncing off the surface of the water and echoing around the lake.
For the next who knows how long, I lose myself to a place that feels like home. I know a big part of this feeling is because of her, but it’s definitely beinghereas well.
Thanks, Dad… Thanks, Leilani.
5
This week with my sister went by way too quickly.
I’m not sure if it was me or Alysa who squeezed tighter before I left her to return to the cabin. Probably me—I didn’t want to let her go. I’d definitely have cracked and never went back to San Francisco after coming here for Christmas. Goodbyes are the worst part of seeing someone you love temporarily.
After we finally pulled apart, I watched her walk into Denver International Airport before jumping into a taxi. Today was supposed to be my flight home too, but I’d already decided to stay.
Now, all I have to do is let Michael know I’m not coming back… temporarily.Forever.
The entire hour-long drive back to the cabin, I bounce back and forth on how to tell him. I still have until this afternoon—my flight was supposed to be the latest one out. On top of that, I’m supposed to meet the locksmith at the cabin in just a few minutes.
Too much is happening in my head all at once. Fucking Christ.
One thing at a time.
The taxi pulls to a stop in front of Wildhart, and I pay theabsolutely outrageous fare for the trip. Transportation is going to cost me a fortune, along with a food delivery service…
Dragging my suitcase over the rocky terrain, I spot a white truck with a sign that tells me they’re here to hand over my new key. As I round the vehicle, I see a middle-aged woman leaning against it, smoking a cigarette.
Once she spots me, she pushes herself off, and puts it out against the car. “Ayden?”
“That’s me,” I say with a compulsory smile.
She opens the driver’s side door and tosses the butt of her smoke into it, before leaning in. “I’ve got your key already made.”
Aren’t I supposed to verify this is my place?
Thankfully that lawyer, Travis, provided the proof so I could give it to the company, but it seems that was unnecessary.
“Thanks.” I know I sound irritated, but whatever. “How much do I owe you?”
“No charge, but you’ll take this off my hands.” As she leans back out, she’s carrying a small pet carrier. My eyes widen as she quite literallythrustsit straight into my arms.
I drop my suitcase, tightening my grip so I don’t let go of the crate—my guess is a cat, judging by the long meow that echoes from inside.
Tripping over my “What the?” I stare at the woman incredulously.
