Page 71 of Small Town, Big Storm

“I get it,” she says. “Big job. Big life.” A laugh that’s all sharp edges and jagged sounds. “It certainly has to be more exciting than living here in Cedar Hollow.”

“Pop,” I begin, some part of me needing her to understand why I moved away like I did, why I stayed away. “That’s not⁠—”

“Look at me!” Holly cries as she barrels by us, wobbling left and right, but staying on her feet as she speeds around. She’s peeled off a couple of layers of clothes and her hair is windblown, her cheeks flushed pink as her friend chases after her.

She’s kicking ass.

I grin.

Poppy smiles too. “Way to—ack!”

I lurch forward, wrapping my arms around her middle, steadying her. “I’ve got you,” I promise.

And I want it to mean that I have her now, that I’ll have her…

For days and months and years.

For longer.

For…forever.

But the reality is that I know she’s thinking the same thing I am.

I have her.

Just…for how long?

We eat an early dinner at Molly’s and I walk Poppy and Holly home, slipping the hundred-dollar bill into Poppy’s pocket before I leave.

But I don’t stay away. Or not for long, anyway.

Instead, I stand in the entry of my father’s house⁠—

Of—fuck—my house.

(And Rain’s.)

Debating.

Lingering.

Hesitating.

Because I know I’m about to do something stupid.

Sully’s is close by and Poppy is working tonight.

And Holly’s right there too.

Maybe I can sneak upstairs and read her a book, can spend some more one-on-one time with her…and then come down and hang around the bar with Poppy. Prove that I’m⁠—

What?

I don’t even fucking know.

But I’m still reaching for the knob anyway.

Knock! Knock! Knock!