Page 32 of Believe it or Knot

Unknown Number:

Getting lost isn’t the only thing that can befall you, Sorrel.

Please, for all our sakes, just let us see you to your door safely from now on.

Even when you’re eager to get away from us.

Another shot of guilt.

Me:

I wouldn’t say eager.

Just… overwhelmed?

There’s a long pause in which I get a response from Vee and Sadie, where they confirm that in the hypothetical situation I’ve laid out, they would pursue the celebrity and see where it goes. I add Grayson’s number as a new contact, feeling a little thrill as I do.

When two full minutes have passed without a response from Grayson, I type out a response to his original question.

Me:

I can’t do dinner tomorrow.

On Mondays, I work late to prep food for Annie and Jeremy on Tuesdays, so I can have the day off.

Gray:

Even better. We can spend Tuesday together.

Liam mentioned a county fair.

Me:

You want to go to the County fair?

The Cordova pack…

Gray:

Yes. And we’ll come pick you up from the restaurant tomorrow.

What time do you normally finish?

I stare long and hard at the message. At how he just assumes I’ll be okay with them taking over my life, picking me up from work and demanding I do things like let them see me to my door even if I’m eager for space.

And the country fair? Really? I’m finding it hard to imagine the Cordova pack rambling through giant barns full of 4H entries for things like the biggest pig and most handsome rooster and greatest goat, and pies, cakes and jam.

But then there are also rides and fair food and games.

It’s been years since I’ve been to the fair, since I was a teenager. Since before Gage left and my parents died. Since before I was saddled with their dream and gave up on my own.

I deserve to have a day of fun where I actually enjoy myself. The fair seems like the perfect place to do it. And with Gage back, it might feel like old times, a good way to help us reconnect after years spent apart, only speaking sporadically and seeing each other even less.

Me:

I usually get done around nine.

Sometimes a little earlier if it’s slow.

---