Page 19 of Country Contract

Hunter hops back onto the ATV, that little girl nestled between his legs.

“Welcome to our little slice of paradise, Harlow.”

I’m a little shell-shocked. I look around to make sure there aren’t any cameras. This can’t be real. Everything here seems too easy, too good. It’s exactly what I needed.

I was wrong.

I was so so wrong.

I pace through the small house. Cleo is still passed out in her carrier, although the door is now open. I’ve unpacked and organized, then reorganized, only to find I liked it better the first way. So, I put it all back where I originally had it.

The house is clean, cozy, simple, just as the pictures had shown. Being here is a completely different story. The silence is now deafening. Music seems too loud. The air seems too crisp. I feel like the walls are getting closer to me.

Is being understimulated a thing? Can people have anxiety attacks from not having enough input? If Meg werehere, she would tell me to relax and work through the emotional deconstruction of being somewhere quiet. Then, she would slip me an edible and I would be able to do so. She’s not here, and I don’t even have anything edible, let alone any edibles.

I’m not an avid marijuana user but it’s legal for recreation in my state and, on occasion, Meg and I will indulge before an art show, movie, stand-up, or even just to chill out. It’s always been a great experience.

My lack of supplies in the food department has my stomach starting to make noises that are much more suitable for the animals outside my door. A quick search of “food near me” brings up less than ten options within a ten-mile radius. I read through some general reviews to make my choice.

Pan & Cake: Closed.Cute, looks like a breakfast and lunch spot. Great ratings and the pictures of the food are divine.

Louis’s Diner: Open.Less cute, run-down, the owner seems to be rude but the server Sharon is the best and the food is basic and edible.

The Draft: Open.Eclectic, local brews are one of a kind, small seasonal menu always great.

Quick Mart: Open. Limited Groceries.

Greasers: PERMANENTLY CLOSED.Sounds appropriate.

Frenchy’s: Closed.Why on every Tuesday?

The Store: Open.Groceries.

So many thrilling options, I don’t even know where to start. I walk over to Cleo’s carrier and slip my hand in to give her some gentle pets.

“I’ll be back, sweet girl.” Off to The Draft I go, then a possible stop at the Quick Mart.

Chapter 8

Harrison

Silas laughs obnoxiously at me. He can’t get enough of the dates I’ve been on, telling me I should make a podcast or a stand-up skit based on these stories.

“I’m telling you, if you put these stories out there, the right girl will fall into your lap.”

“I’m telling you, I don’t think there is a normal girl out there. Let alone the right girl for me. Hunter got lucky; the girls in Cassidy’s group are the only four normal women out there.”

Silas’s eyebrows shoot up and then a wide grin sets across his face.

“Wait until I tell CeCe that, she’ll have you by the balls.” CeCe is Silas’s sister, and I will stand my ground when I say that girl is absolutely not normal. When I first met her, she had an entire roll of bubble gum tape stuck in her hair, so her mom had to cut it all off. She came out in sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt to play football in the park. It took me three games before Silas told me she was his sister and not his brother. Since then, she’s been the onlylittle sister I’ve ever known, and she fits in with the boys just fine.

“You go ahead and tell her; she’ll probably take that as a compliment.”

We swing the door in big sweeping motions a few times before letting the heavy metal go and watch it slam firmly shut. I’m standing outside the back of the bar while he’s on the inside.

“It’s about damn time you put a proper door back here,” I yell.

“What? Can’t hear you!” he yells back dramatically.

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