I squint. He’s carrying something. Are those food containers?
Ugh, Rust and his surprise visitors. I should probably hide, but I’m pretty sure the guy has seen me already.
Yeah, he’s waving now.Great.
I put my empty can on the swing, raising my hand in an awkward greeting. The man jogs closer. Suddenly I want to jump into the swamp after ‘Uncle Barry’ cause I recognize him instantly and I can tell he recognizes me, too.
It’s Caleb Harper.
He’s got a healthy tan and lean muscles. His sandy-blond mullet still doesn’t quite behave, sticking out from a faded brown trucker hat. But his eyes are that easy kind of blue and his wide grin lights up his whole face.
Caleb jumps up the porch steps and whistles. “Look what the cat dragged in! Been forever since I’ve seen you ‘round this holler.”
It feels like an elephant steps on my heart. Fuck, here it comes. The comments about my disappearing act, the rumors, the intrusive questions?—
“Little Tally, all grown up. Gettin’ chased around by chickens no more.”
I choke on my own spit.That’show he chooses to greet me?
I vividly remember the day his mom took me along to the county fair and I had a traumatizing encounter with the prize-winning hen. At least traumatizing for a little girl.
I exhale a breathy giggle alongside a metric shit ton of tension. “Hope they turned that feathered beast into nuggets! It pecked at me like it had a personal grudge.”
Caleb feigns shock, putting a hand on his heart. “My apologies. Don’t tell me that story is still a sore spot?”
I fix him with a playfully somber stare. “I had to go through very intense, very expensive therapy to overcome my chicken phobia.”
“Itwasa serious incident. I understand.” He winks. “So, what are you doin’ all the way out here if it ain’t for our famous Kentucky fighting hens?”
I chew on my lip, trying to find the least complicated answer. “I’m visiting Rust.”
A flicker of surprise crosses his face and disappears behind his carefree grin. “How nice! I came cause Rust texted me and said he got a car that needs the special treatment.”
“Wait, you’re the guy who’s gonna crush my car into an unrecognizable cube and ship it overseas?”
He thumbs his chest proudly. “Yep! I own a junkyard outsideof town now.”
“A small business owner. That’s cool! How’s your mama ‘n them?”
“They’re great!” He nods enthusiastically. “Oh, before I forget…” He pushes the food containers into my arms. “I was havin’ a bite at my mamma’s when I got Rust’s message, and she wouldn’t let me come over empty handed. Corn bread and soup beans. I didn’t know you’d be here but I reckon it should be enough for two.”
With a smile, I put the containers on the porch swing beside me. “Thank you.”
“Thought I heard y’all talkin’ out here,” Rust’s voice drifts from inside. He opens the screen door with his shoulder, both hands occupied with travel bags. Concern etched on his features, he looks between us. “Cal, I didn’t expect you this soon.”
“Your text seemed urgent.” Caleb shrugs.
Rust meets my eyes. When I smile, he relaxes and grins back at me. He puts the bags down and scrubs a hand over his jaw. “Guess itissorta urgent. I’m going out of town for a week and I gotta get rid of the car before I leave.”
Caleb’s expression falls. “That means no trip to the lake tomorrow?”
“Shit, sorry, man. It’s been a wild day, and I completely forgot about fishing. I have some business to take care of.” Rust gives me a side glance.
Caleb’s mouth gapes. “Oh… You meanbusinessbusiness. Got it. I’ll take care of everything.”
Rust pats his back. “Thanks. Knew I could count on you.”
“So, where’s the car? Don’t wanna hold up you two lovebir—” Caleb coughs. “You twobusiness partners.”
