I came here to say goodbye.
To scatter ashes.
To close a chapter.
Instead, I painted walls. Planned events. Defended a bar. And apparently joined a small town war over “standards.”
And maybe I didn’t just come here to let something go.
Maybe I came here to start something.
And if this is high school with better lighting?
I just found the right table to sit at.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Ryder
The Hollow’squiet when I come down from the office.
I see her before she sees me.
Aurora’s at the long table by the stage, papers spread out, preparing a hostile corporate takeover. Laptop open. Hair falling out of whatever knot she tried to contain it in. One shoe kicked off. Pen between her teeth.
She kinda belongs here.
That’s the first problem.
I walk forward, boots hard against the floor.
She glances up.
Doesn’t smile.
Suspicious already.
“What are you stalking?” she asks.
“I own the building.”
“Debatable,” she mutters, and slides a stack of papers over before I even ask.
I pick them up.
Founders Day – The Hollow as Official Sponsor & Safe Venue
Safe.
Venue.
My jaw tightens.
“You’re announcing us as a sponsor.”
“Yes.”
“You’re hosting a bake sale.”
