No.
As I head back into town, I decide the ranch is the best place to be. I’ll figure out what I need and get it sorted before Sam and I start the hard work of fixing everything up. At least he’s on board. If he can get the other ranch hands to help, that’s one item off my list.
Passing by the Hash ’N Hop, I decide a greasy burger is what I need right now. Tearing off my tie, I toss it into the front seat as I head inside. Shouldering open the door, the smell of grease assaults my senses.
Just like it used to.
The place is packed to the brim with people. There’s one lone stool open at the bar next to a little girl with blonde pigtails.
“This seat taken?”
“No.” She looks up from the picture she’s coloring. “But I shouldn’t tell you that.”
“Why not?”
I grab a plastic menu and take a quick glance, not really needing it since I know what I’m getting.
“I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.”
“My name is Kade. What’s yours?”
“Poppy.”
“And who’s that?” I nod to a stuffed goose sitting next to her.
“Strawberry.”
There’s something familiar about her. About the animal sitting by her. I can’t pinpoint what.
It’s not like I see a lot of people when I come to town. Mom, Grace, and Verne. And it’s not like I can see one of them anymore.
The server comes over and takes my order, getting me aCoke and setting it in front of me. I take a long, refreshing drink. Just what I needed.
“You should get a milkshake,” Poppy tells me.
“Oh yeah?” I eye her. “What’s the best flavor?”
“Chocolate.”
“Not strawberry?”
She shakes her head. “Strawberry can’t have strawberries.”
I smile. “Why not?”
“Because she’s a strawberry. Duh.”
“Poppy,” a voice hisses behind us. “What have I told you about talking to strangers?”
That voice.
I haven’t heard that voice in six long years. Since the night I left town and never looked back.
That’s why this little girl looks familiar.
Spinning on my stool, my gaze lands on her, standing in a pink shirt with her blonde hair tied up in a bandanna. She looks the exact same.
Presley King.
