Page 49 of When We Were Young

“Come on, Holden. It’s no secret that things are awkward. Let me just say that I thought Aron Falls would be a good, safe place to live. A nice place to rebuild a life for me and⁠—”

Now she’s the one who stops herself.

I don’t like that she said safe in a way that sounded like she hasn’t always been. Didn’t she feel safe in Elladine? It’s basically just a bigger version of Aron Falls. I’m going to have to pay attention and see if she keeps saying things like that. It worries me. But I feel like a dick because what concerns me more—what I dislike more—is that she said me and...

Who is the “and”? Maybe a pet. Hopefully.

“Do you have a dog?”

Her forehead wrinkles in confusion.

“That was random, but no, I don’t have a dog. Though I’ve thought about getting one.”

“Oh, okay.”

That tight feeling I get in my chest when I’m anxious creeps its way into my body. Why, after all this time, do I still react so strongly to her? Shock at her being here must be the reason. It’s the only thing that makes sense.

“I don’t really have a choice at this point but to stay. I can’t keep moving and buying businesses. I planned to put roots down here and stop picking up and going. It’s too much to do that over again.”

Out of nowhere, she jumps up from her seat as if something bit her on the ass.

“Well, did you come by because you need something? I really need to get back to cleaning.”

“No. I’m just... I used to come here all the time, and I was wondering if it was almost ready to open.”

She tenses and gets that deer-in-the-headlights look. She swallows, and it draws my attention to her slender neck.

“Not quite yet. There was more work than I anticipated. I’ve got the cleaning mostly done, then I’m going to paint. I’ll put the flooring in myself, and a friend from Elladine is going to put in a new counter. He said he’d help with anything else I needed, but I’m not sure what that would entail yet.”

Her cheeks flush a rosy pink. “Sorry. Not sure why I told you all of that. I’m rambling.”

I don’t want to stop talking to her, but I also know she needs to get back to work, so I rise.

“Okay, sorry to have bugged you, and if I freaked you out.”

“I’m fine.”

“Did you finish all the painting upstairs? I’m sorry I didn’t stay and help.”

She laughs and attempts to smile, but it only makes her look sad.

“Yeah. I think it was best that you didn’t. Your friends and family are so kind, and we did get it all done.”

“Oh, Lizette⁠—”

“Please don't call me that,” she snaps.

I’m a little taken aback by her reaction. “What do you mean? I always called you Lizette.”

“Yeah. Please don’t do that. I prefer Lizzie now.”

Why? Lizette is such a beautiful name. It was my name for her... Oh. That’s probably why.

“Okay. Sorry. I’ll do my best to remember.” Flustered, I grip the back of my neck with one hand. “Anyway, I guess just let us know if you need anything.”

I walk to the door, and she follows, her hand on it, ready to close it when I leave.

When I get to the threshold, I stop and turn back to face her.