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“Well, I am dammit. It’s just, never mind. I really am glad to see you, and by the time the party starts, I promise to be in a better mood.” My smile’s as bright as I can muster, squinting against the sun so I can’t see his reaction.
That’s probably a good thing. I’ve moved on. I thought Stone was gone forever. Hell, we all did.
“I’m going to make it up to you, Ivy. That’s a promise.” With that, he turns and walks away. I’m left feeling like I just got the wind knocked out of me.
Shit. Seeing Stone after all these years has stirred up a whirlwind of emotions I never expected.
On one hand, I’m overjoyed to have my best friend back in my life. The relief of knowing he’s safe and happy is overwhelming.
Yet, beneath the safe and happy is a sense of hurt and anger. Five years ago, he disappeared without a word, leaving me to navigate the hardest years of my life alone. I understand why he had to leave, but understanding doesn’t erase the pain of his absence.
I take a deep breath, trying to reconcile the warring emotions inside me. I want to embrace the joy of Stone’s return, to fall back into our easy friendship as if no time has passed. But a lot of time has passed, and the weight of those missing years holds me back, reminding me that things can never be the same.
Just like that, my world’s flipped on its head. Again.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Stone
Any hesitation I might have felt about returning home to Opey washes away when I stand on the front porch and watch my family gather to welcome me home. Everyone is here, beers and whiskeys in hand and wearing big-ass smiles because they’re happy that I’m back. Happy to see me.
Fuck it feels good to be home.
This party out on the front lawn with the music blasting makes it feel—almost—like I never left. Like five years haven’t flown by since I last set foot on this soil, but then I look out, and I can see the changes. Hair is grayer, and people I remember as kids are now teenagers or older. It’s all different but also exactly the fucking same. I’m not sure how I feel other than overwhelmed.
I grin and rush down the steps to join the chaos of a party on Hardtail Ranch. I scan all the familiar faces in search of the one I haven’t seen yet, but I’m sure she’s here.
“Hey, Hollywood, lookin’ for someone?”
I smile. I know that voice. Sage. Ivy’s little sister. I turn and see she’s all grown up now, except for that mischievous smile she’s perfected.
“Hey, Squirt. Have you seen my sister?” My gaze scans the crowd, and I see and recognize everyone except Maisie.
Sage punches my arm with a scowl. “First of all, don’t call me Squirt. My name is Sage.”
“Don’t call me Hollywood,” I shoot back with a teasing smile.
Sage rolls her eyes before answering my question, “Maisie hasn’t been here in forever. She’s busy living it up in Las Vegas. I thought you knew that.”
“I do know that. I just thought she’d be here. Guess I’ll have to plan a trip to Vegas soon.”
Sage’s face lights up. “Can I go with you? Now that you’re all hot and adult-like?”
I grin. Sage has never minced words. “Adult-like? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re all grown up. So am I.” She beams.
My lips tug into a smile, and I ruffle her hair like I did when she was a kid. “Don’t know, Squirt. Just got here.”
Sage’s frown is as adorable as ever. “And to think, I was happy to have you home.”
“Aw, thanks, Squirt.” I press a loud, obnoxious kiss on her cheek. “It’s good to be home.”
Her lips fight a smile that already lights her eyes. “Yeah, well, I guess we’ll see about that. Happy homecoming, Hollywood,” she teases around with a smile before walking off toward the bar.
I walk over to Holden and Wheeler. They’re like uncles to me and their women, Aspen and Annabelle. Well, I’ve known them my whole life. “You dirty old men better scram before I tell your wives you’re hittin’ on these hot young chicks.” I wink at them both, earning me an eye-roll from each.
“Who the fuck you callin’ old?” Wheeler stands first, taking my hand and wrapping an arm around me. “Glad to see you’re home, but don’t forget,” he says with a broad wink, “I can still knock you on your ass, son!”
