“That doesn’t sound like him.”
“Not the current him. But he was… different.”
I have to ask. “How?”
“He’s a lumberjack, but he’s handy, too. He built shelving for half the businesses on Main Street.” Mason tilts his beer toward the row of shelves behind the bar with clean lines and solid joinery.”
“Mae mentioned her display case.”
Mason points to a wall. “See that photo?”
As I squint, I make out Jace, pre-scar, with a few other men. “That’s Jace.”
“He volunteered with mountain rescue, too. Worked alongside Eli Donner for three seasons.”
That kind of work required communication. I can’t see Jace involved with that. “Really?”
“They pulled a family out of a flash flood up at Miners Creek. Jace carried the kid on his back for two miles.” Mason sets down his glass. “Then the cable accident happened.”
“Four years ago.”
“After that, he stopped everything.” His eyes meet mine, direct and unblinking. “The accident took more than skin.”
I stare at the flyers sitting between us, untouched. I’ve been learning about Jace by what was in his cabin. The mug with the handle turned my way. The damper. The books. My carved bookmark. But Mason is filling in the gaps.
A sharp pain pierces me for Jace. I want him to return to this tavern, but I don’t know if I’m brave enough to ask him if I can stay. How can I help him return to Hollow Peak if I’m not around?
“Anyway, I shouldn’t talk your ear off,” Mason adds. “I’m sure you need to get going.”
“It’s nice meeting you. Evelyn said you’d know what to do with the flyers.”
“I’ve got you covered.” He sits up straighter, eager and open. “Come back anytime. Always happy to help.”
I hope I get the chance to return and not alone. And if time is the only thing standing in the way, I’m willing to wait.
Outside, I text Jace. Ninety seconds later, the green pickup is headed toward me. This time, I don’t get a side-eye from the driver. He smiles at me, a real smile.
That has to be a good sign, right?
As soon as I climb into the truck, Spool smothers me and licks my face. His tail wags. “Miss me, sweet boy?”
Jace heads toward the logging road. “We both did. Get what you need?”
I place the bag of goodies Mae gave us where Spool can’t reach and hold on to my binder. “Yes, Evelyn’s so excited about the lending program, she didn’t want to wait until next week to get started.”
“Next week?”
“My first official day at the bookstore was supposed to be this coming Monday, but since I’m still in town, I thought I’d get started a week early and do what I could from your cabin.”
“Makes sense.” He glances at the bag. “Buy something?”
“Mae gave it to me. It’s for both of us.”
Jace rolls his eyes.
“What?” I ask.
He grips the steering wheel. “She… meddles.”
