Page 64 of The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away

“If the policing doesn’t work out, you could always join Jay in real estate,” Finch said.

“Ha, not likely.” Dan looked at him. “The thing is, bud, this could give you something you’ve been looking for. Some stability and a place to heal without your family and friends in your face—if that’s what you want, of course. I mean, you may love all that smothering good intent?”

He snorted. “I’ve been on my own, surrounded by people like me since I was eighteen. I am now drinking green juice cleanses and having my mother pop in regularly to check my aura.”

Dan winced. “Has to be hard, even when it’s done with love. What do you plan to do?”

Finch looked around him. “Hell if I know, to be honest. I have a few physical limitations at the moment, but they’re improving. Not sure they’ll go away completely, but that’s the hope.”

“Okay, now don’t get angry⁠—”

“Four words that never worked in anyone’s favor,” Finch said.

“But I think you could start something here,” Dan continued. “A fitness retreat, or something along those lines. Or you could take on the kids who need some direction, rather than us locking them up? Both, even.”

“Not sure I’m up to something like that,” Finch said, but he felt that little flicker grow into an ember.

“You have the skills, Finch, and this place is growing. Plus, if you bring people into Lyntacky, it would be good for the town. There’s also the Slatters—you could team up with them.”

He thought about the hiking and kayaking he’d done with the Slatter kids. Finch had loved it.

“So, what? You just came up with this plan on my behalf, Dan?”

“Of course not. Sawyer, Brody, and Ryder, came up with it for you.”

“The people in this town are far too invested in my life,” Finch said, walking away to inspect the bedrooms again. But Dan’s words had started him thinking, and he knew that tonight, he’d be sitting down with a notepad and pen to work out numbers and logistics.

Chapter 18

Nina took a long hot shower when she got home from The Gnat, and after pulling on her PJs, she grabbed the leftover pizza from the fridge and sat down to eat it on her sofa because she could. Nina hadn’t had a vegetable in days, but she would get to that—soon.

Mabel jumped up to join her, yowling loudly.

“I’m officially a crazy cat lady, Mabel.”

The cat didn’t seem impressed by that sentiment and glared at her.

She’d spent hours with Hank and Nancy since purchasing Circle Left. Closing was going through in two weeks, which was fast, but there was nothing stopping either party.

But learning the ropes of a business took time. She needed to find a manager she trusted.

Nina picked up her phone when it rang and answered, “Hello?”

“Girl, get that fine ass of yours to girls’ night ASAP!”

“Blue, I⁠—”

“No excuses. I’ll see you there, or I’ll be on your doorstep, dragging you to the Rollaway.”

Blue cut the call before Nina could say anything else.

She knew it was girls’ night but hadn’t been in the mood to go. Nina felt emotional and was constantly shifting between anger that her mother hadn’t told her about her father and sadness that she’d lost her. When you added in what Dale Falcon was—well, there was a whole lot going on inside her head.

Her phone signaled a group message from her friends.

Blue - I just called Nina and told her to move her ass to girls’ night, or I’d show up on her doorstep. I’m not sure she took me seriously.

Birdie - I’m sure she’ll come if she wants. She’s grieving.