Page 18 of Where You Left Me

“We’re so sorry we’re late,” the other guy chimes in. “Hangovers are a real bitch.”

At those words, sympathy radiates in my chest. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with hangovers today.

“You get it, though, am I right?” Matt says.

My shoulders stiffen as I head to the rock-climbing section, and they follow behind me. I proceed to grab a backpack that’s already stuffed with the climbing essentials.

“Now that was some entertaining shit last night.” Matt chuckles.

“Oh, that was you?” the second guy asks.

“That was me,” I finally say, as I shove the pack at Matt’s chest.

He releases a strangled puff of air on impact. “Ya know, Mia, I’ve always thought you were hot, but you only ever had eyes for Jones. Hell, if I knew why.”

I let him ramble while I make quick work of attaching the extra rope to the side of the other backpack with a carbineer.

“And let me tell you, you don’t have to worry because I’d never knock you up. I’m a pro at the pullout method.”

“I’m not so sure that’s something you should be bragging about,” I quip, and hand the second backpack over. “Here, take your gear and go.” I all but shove them through the store.

“All I’m saying is, maybe it’s about time you give someone else in this town a shot with you.”

“Sorry, but I’ve sworn off men for the summer.” I open the door. “If you bring back your gear late, by even a minute, I’m charging you double.”

“Fine. Shit. You don’t have to be such a bitch.”

I glare at him. Hard. “Better make that even a second late.”

Matt and his friend mumble curse words and degrading comments about me while they spill onto the sidewalk. I regret opening that door.

After I count the tills and put the cash drawers into the safe, I shut all the lights off and shuffle up the stairs to the apartment that’s been my home since I was ten and Dad bought the business. Before that, he was a forest ranger and we lived on the outskirts of town toward the mountain.

A memory pops into my mind, riding my bike with Cammie and Rosie from my old house to Gigi’s cabin. My heart pushes against my ribcage. Gigi raised Rosie after she lostboth of her parents in a car accident. She’s in so many of my childhood memories. Thinking of Maple Ridge without Gigi feels impossible.

It’s a reminder of how much has changed during the eight years I was gone. Jones and Cammie’s mom is gone too. Cammie and Maverick are together. Rosie owns a coffee shop and is in a serious relationship. Jones didn’t take over his dad’s hardware store—Cammie did. Dad and Jones have been planning Bikes and Beers together for the past five years.

All I want to do is a faceplant on my bed, but Dad needs me. So I cross through the living room and past the kitchen where Mom is making tea. Her once deep-brown hair is now highlighted with grey. She has it pulled in a loose bun.

“All finished for the night?” Mom calls.

“Yep, all closed up.”

“Any problems?”

I debate telling her about douchebag-Matt and his sidekick, but I don’t. “Nope.”

“Want me to heat up some dinner for you?”

“No thanks. I’m just gonna check in on Dad and then go to bed. I’m pretty tired.”

I’ve almost past her when she says, “I’m so sorry your secret is out, honey.”

I freeze. Even Mom heard about last night. About how I couldn’t hold my liquor and blabbed about the baby to all of Maple Ridge.

My eyes water.

“It’s my own fault,” I mutter.

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