“But I thought you wanted me to help you unpack.”
“I love you dearly, brother, but it’s well after two in the morning. Please get out of my house.”
“Fine. I’ll be here bright and early in the morning since I don’t have to work.”
“You probably shouldn’t lie to your sister.” I can’t help the small dig. I need someone else to feel the brunt of Callie’s ire. Even if I really stepped in it.
He grins before shaking his head like he can’t believe I called him out like that. “Let’s get out of my sister’s hair.”
With a quick wave, I follow my friend out of the house. “Why didn’t you tell me your sister was moving back? I could have helped with it.”
“I swear I mentioned it. Anyway, she’s not in a great space and will need all the support she can get it. Does your offer still stand for unpacking tomorrow?”
“Sure, I’m not doing anything else. Maybe everyone can come over for lunch at Mom and Dad’s. You know they have their traditions.”
“Sounds good.” He opens the door to his truck and glances over. “Do I still have clothes and stuff at your house? I’m certain I’ve forgotten some there at some point.”
“Yeah, you can crash on the couch too. It doesn’t make sense for you to drive in the opposite direction to the ranch when you’re coming back.”
“Thanks, man.” He gets into his truck and turns it on. He gives me a thumbs up before pulling out of the driveway and turning left toward my house.
I take one last glance at Callie’s house. It’s odd seeing her after so many years. Not too long after she moved away, I sent her a friend request on social media. She may have been annoying, but I needed to make sure she was okay in her new surroundings. It’s still in the pending section.
Four
Callie
My stack of clothes is getting smaller and smaller. There’s nothing quite like hearing you look like a mess to revamp the wardrobe. Seeing Peter trip over his words last night, or early this morning, was worth it. Maybe.
Since the separation I’ve gotten lax about my appearance. Outside of work, all I’ve been wearing are yoga pants and over-sized t-shirts. I guess seeing my childhood crush is the reality check I needed.
Once upon a time I cared about my appearance. It was one of the things that made me happy. Now…it feels like more work than it’s worth. But moving back to Asheville is my chance to start over, and that includes my clothing choices
“I thought you said Uncle Miles was going to be here early.” Alexandra is leaning against the door, Alice beside her, when I turn around.
“You’re definition of early and his are two completely different things. We’ll be lucky if he gets here by lunch.”
Not that I blame him. He gets up early to work at the ranch, I don’t blame him for wanting to sleep in when he can.
“Speaking of, what are we doing about food?” She points toward the kitchen. “We don’t have much in the fridge and it’s not like I can walk to the closest fast-food place. They don’t have those in the middle of nowhere.”
Here we go again. This is her biggest complaint about moving here. Not necessarily Asheville in general, but this house, so far away from everything. Maybe it was a mistake to move back home and upend her entire life. I mean, what high school kid wants to switch schools in the middle of the school year? But…I didn’t have much of a choice. Not if I wanted a fresh start.
“I can see if your uncle will pick something up, or I’ll run to town to get something for us.” Those really are the only two options until I can get to the grocery store and stock up.
“Fine. I’ll text Uncle Miles.” The frustration in her voice isn’t missed and does nothing to make me stop feeling like the worst mother in the world. “He can consider it his wakeup call.”
Hopefully he’s not an ass like he used to be when we were kids. I hated when our parents asked me to wake him up. The number of pillows I’ve had thrown at me is unreal.
“Good luck,” I call to her retreating back.
The piles of clothes on my bed are judging me, and I don’t want to keep separating into keep and donate piles. I wouldn’t even be doing this if Peter hadn’t made that comment last night. I’m blaming this all on him.
There’s a yell of frustration from Alexandra and Alice starts barking. What in the world is going on out there. I rush out of the room, knocking over one of the empty boxes, and into the living room.
“Is everything okay?” My eyes study the floor and walls to see if she might have broken something.
“No,” Alexandra grumbles as she points at the windows. “Uncle Miles will not be bringing food because he’s already here.” She takes a step closer, peering out the window. “And that guy who found Alice is with him. What’s his deal anyway?”
