Page 94 of The Other Guy

“Yeah, it is. I like that they don’t feel like it has to be this big production or define what they are.”

“I like that, too. He’s never been married or really had any long-term relationships. I always wondered why.”

“Grandma said he had a girlfriend for like five years when he was in his twenties.”

I wasn’t alive then and have never heard anyone mention her. “That’s a long time ago.”

“I know. I think he’s happy being alone.” She shrugs as she takes a big bite of her croissant. “Holy crap,” she mumbles, covering her mouth with her hand as her eyes roll.

“Good?”

“Not at all. You should let me eat yours so you don’t have to experience how disgusting this is.” She starts to reach over and I slap her hand away.

“No way. I’m not sharing carbs.”

“Good to know.”

We eat and chat about nothing much in particular until our plates are cleared and our coffee is refilled, neither of us in a hurry to leave.

“I was talking to Austin last night and want to run something by you.”

“What’s that?”

“What if we collaborate and bring our companies together? We could offer baby/kid/pet matching outfits. Or coordinating, like a cow and a cowboy or cowgirl. That type of thing. Super dog and Superman. Wouldn’t that be adorable?”

I don’t even have to think on it before I reply, “Yes! Let’s do it!”

“Really? I was so nervous to ask you. I don’t want you thinking I’m taking away from you or anything but I think we’d make a killing and it’d be so much fun.”

I don’t mention the windfall of money that I received from Kyle a few days ago that we could use for a store or production space because I want to discuss it with him first. And maybe Jack, too. I love living here already, but I don’t want Jack to think I’m chasing him. Not that he has the market on the town, and not that he’s given me any indication he wouldn’t want me living here (we are going on a date tonight after all), but I haven’t exactly had a great track record when it comes to relationships. I don’t want to do anything to mess it up before it has the chance to begin.

I’m also not sure if I should save it to put a down payment on my own place to live. There’s too many questions up in the air right now, but one thing’s for certain, life is definitely looking up.

“It will be a blast. And it’s not as if we’re only offering joint costumes, it will just be one of our options, right?”

She nods excitedly. “Right. And maybe we can find someone down the line who does grown up stuff, too. I know either of us could, it’s just a matter of if we want to.”

Mallory’s so animated and excited about the prospect of the business, her hands are flying all around her and her face is lit up like a Christmas tree. It’s infectious to be around and soon we’re both hunched over our phones, making notes and looking at each other’s online catalogues.

By the time we leave the diner, each of us has had enough coffee we’re practically buzzing. We hug tightly, make a plan to get together next week for dinner at her house so I can meet her husband and daughter, to which she tells me to bring my uncle and Jack, if I feel comfortable.

“Gah. I’m so so happy we met, Sierra. I know the reason you’re here is kind of sucky.”

My body seizes up. “You know?”

“Grandma told me and Kyle told her. I think he needed to vent because, man, he was ticked off at that ex of yours. He needed an outlet and didn’t want to burden you with it.”

“I’m not upset he told her, just wish he wouldn’t have felt that way, I guess. I wish it wasn’t even a topic of conversation, you know?”

She nods in understanding. “They’re close. They share a lot with each other and from what Grandma says, you’re like a daughter to him.”

“Yeah. He’s been there for me my entire life. Even when my parents were a little flighty.”

“He’s good people, for sure. But, Sierra, I can’t help but think that a larger power than either of us brought you to our town. It wasn’t just you visiting your uncle or finding out that awful stuff about your ex. You belong here.”

I suck in a breath because I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere. Not really. I was always on edge, no matter where I lived. But she’s right. Ever since I came here, even before I officially/unofficially moved in with Uncle Kyle, it’s felt like home to me. It wasn’t as if I was just visiting even when I was, but I didn’t realize it until just now. I feel a sense of belonging here simply walking the streets and sitting in a diner having brunch with a friend. I don’t feel out of place.

“Thank you,” I say, bringing her in for another hug. “Next week?” I confirm, my voice wavering a little bit.

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