Page 106 of Savage Keepsakes

With the windows down, I turn up the metal music and try to vibe along. The wind whipping through my hair.

Everything feels dull and lacklustre in the absence of Billy. His infectious silliness and ever-changing moods always brought a positive energy. Life isn’t the same without him.

However, I know I still must live my life as empty as it seems without him. My heart still aches for him, and maybe it forever will, but his secrets will die with me.

Despite the harm he may have caused the world, he provided me with more than anyone ever has. If that makes me greedy, then it’s what I am.

Parking behind JoJo’s little black car, I pull my bag off the passenger seat and climb the stairs to the porch and walk through the front door.

“Honey, I’m home.”

She only laughs and turns from the counter.

“You know, I learned the lot next to me is up for sale. We literally could be neighbours. It’ll be a huge downgrade in size, but something to think about.”

I raise my eyebrows and set my bag down. “Sounds perfect. I’ll get in touch with the realtor to see what I can sell this for.”

JoJo grins and claps. “You’d be the best neighbour, Lucy.”

“What’s for dinner?” I ask, but she says nothing and gives me her phone.

Looking down at the screen, I watch the video playing. It seems to be a big newscaster talking about the investigation of the Keepsake Killer hitting a dead end. They will never find him if he doesn’t want to be found.

“Do you think with Leah dead and the case going cold, he’ll come back?”

I shake my head, knowing he won’t risk both our lives.

“Well, when you move in next door we can live out the rest of our years as little old ladies angry at the whippersnappers that speed down the streets.”

“When have we ever been mad at that?”

With a casual shrug, she breaks into a wide grin, handing me a plate piled high with pasta casserole and a dish of salad.

“Have you heard anything more about the soap recall? They didn’t provide enough details. Even when I called the number, they barely offered a refund.”

“No idea. I don’t see why it wouldn’t be safe for human use. Mammal fat is as useful as chemical shit,” I say.

Digging into dinner, I realize I’m hungry and would most likely starve half the time instead of putting in the effort to feed and water myself.

“I miss the organic soap. It was perfect. He made excellent products. The community misses them,” JoJo says.

“You know, I didn’t think I’d heal overnight, but I hoped this giant hole in my heart would close at least a little. With Leah dying, and time passing, I thought maybe it would help, but it feels like my chest is cut open.”

I glance downward, my eyes settling on the contents of my plate. I haven’t been honest with anyone about the burden weighing me down.

“Lucy, I know. The love you both had was the type from the movies. You fit together and he adored you so fucking much.”

Her words don’t comfort me. The tears well in my eyes before spilling down my cheeks.

“New topic. How’s the book coming?”

I sniffle and wipe away my tears as I take another bite, trying to mask my emotions. “It’s back from the editor. I still need to make all those changes. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doingfor marketing,” I say.

“Well, I’m no pro, but I’ll read through it and brainstorm ideas, okay? Anything I can do to make your life easier.”

“I love you, Jo,” I whisper.

“Love you too, Lucy,” she utters before going back to her meal.

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