I hold on until sleep claims us.
Hold on as tight as I can.
But apparently not tight enough, because once again, I wake up to an empty bed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
JESSICA
The bell rings as I step into the Reading Nook, my gaze still fixed over my shoulder at the traffic on Main Street. People are sitting in their cars, windows rolled down, as they talk to one another. Hell, some are even standing outside, leaning against their vehicles as they yell to somebody passing on the sidewalk.
What in the world is going on today?
Sure, it’s not unusual that people are friendly or stop by to chat. But a whole line of cars? In the middle of a Thursday afternoon?
“Hey, Jessy,” Becky greets as I step up to the counter. “How are you doing?”
“Hey,” I say absentmindedly, shifting my attention to her. “Good. I need to get groceries since my fridge is empty, but I figured I’d get some coffee in me first.”
“Coffee machine still broken?”
“No, thank God.” I chuckle softly. “I had one already but need another one after this past week.”
Becky grins. “You know I’ve gotcha. Work keeping you busy?”
“Yes, there seems to be some kind of bug going around, so we’re short staffed.”
Somebody honks outside, drawing my attention to the window. “Today sure seems busy,” I comment as I glance at Becky. “You have any idea what that’s about?”
Becky quirks her brow as she places my cup on the counter. “You don’t know?”
“Know what?”
Am I missing something? Usually, the town slows down between the Founder’s Day and Christmas setup, but it’s too early for that. We still have a few weeks before Thanksgiving.
“There’s a charity car wash happening.”
I turn around to find a girl around my age standing behind me, a kind smile on her face. “I actually just came from there, and it was very busy. I had to wait for like a good forty minutes before it was my turn.” She wiggles her brows at us, her wavy, light-brown hair bouncing slightly. “But the view was totally worth it. Those boys arefine. I might have to stay more than the planned day here.”
A charity car wash?
“Oh, you’re visiting?” Becky smiles at the woman.
“Yes. I’m doing a road trip while I work on my thesis. One last adventure before I have to find a real job and all that.”
“That’s exciting. Welcome to Bluebonnet Creek, then. What can I getcha?”
The girl rattles off her order, and Becky grabs a to-go cup, getting to work. The girl shifts her gaze from Becky to me. “Anything interesting I should check out while here?”
“Thursdays are usually fun at The Hut,” I tell her. “There’s live music, and decent food too.”
“Okay, good to know. I’ll need to check it out, then.” She nods, pulling out her phone just as Becky gives her the coffee and processes her order.
With another thank you, she walks out of the café.
“The car wash is for Duke, right?” I ask Becky once we’re alone.
“Yes. You seriously didn’t know?”
