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Footsteps rattle on the stairs, and June steps away from me, clutching her hand to her chest, wide-eyed. Alex darts into the kitchen a second later. “She asked about the slumber party, Dad. She asked if I can go this weekend.”
“I’ll drop by and talk to her moms tomorrow.”
Alex claps while June turns away, facing an empty cookie sheet. She starts doling out dough, and Alex joins her.
“Do you want to help, Dad?” Alex asks.
“Let me wash up, and then I’ll be right down.”
Because right now, I can’t think of a better way to spend my early evening other than with Alex and June.
Thirty
JUNE
I standat the window in my bedroom, phone in hand, staring out at the backyard and the side of my mother’s house, the moon high overhead.
I promised myself I would leave this town in my dust, but one night with him and it’s like I’m ready to throw it all away. I’ve got that consultation coming up with the counselors, and now I’m torn between excitement and regret.
When I leave, I’ll be leaving Alex and Cash. If I don’t finally get my teaching certificate, I’ll despise myself for it.
Getting way ahead of yourself.
“Ugh.”
I abandon the window and flop down on the bed, but that’s not any better. It smells like Cash, and I’m instantly hot all over.
A text blips through on my phone, and I peer at the screen.
MARCI
Can’t wait for the hike this Saturday! Get keen, girls!
HANNAH
I was born ready for this.
BELLE
I didn’t bring sneakers. Do I have to buy a pair?
MARCI
Unless you want to go hiking in your Louboutins, city girl.
I love the group chat we’ve got going on. The girls added me to it after the night at Longhorn’s and, to their credit, they haven’t asked me about Cash too much. I think mostly because Hannah’s in the group and it would be super awkward.
I’m about to shoot off a text when another message comes through, but it’s not from the girls.
An unknown number.
UNKNOWN
Hey, June! How are you? I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, and I thought we should catch up. I know it’s been forever but it’s about time, right?
Who is this?
Three dots appear on the screen and then disappear, but the soft swish of a letter being pushed underneath my door distracts me and I go pick it up.
