Page 61 of Kian

“About?”

“Kian, come on. I know we broke up, but when I heard you were missing, it terrified me. I just want to make sure you’re alright.”

He smiled. “Sheila, as you can see, I’m fine.”

“Kian, I love you. Oh, not in that way, but as someone I care a good deal about. I was so scared when your boss called me. I was surprised that he called, though. I mean, since we were no longer together.”

“Dave had no choice. All my past and present contacts were questioned about their interactions with me. You weren’t singled out,” Kian said.

“I kept thinking if you were dead, I’d never be able to tell you that I’m sorry I hurt you.”

He pulled her into his arms. “I’m over it. You were right. We didn’t belong together then and we still don’t. You’re a good friend and I hope it stays that way.”

“It will. Go to work. We’ll talk before I leave.”

Kian nodded, hugged her again and grinned. Sheila was a good person and though their relationship hadn’t worked out, he was glad she had come into his life and he wished her well.

****

Gretchen’s eyes lingered on the painting, a small smile playing on her lips. She had captured Lobo chasing after the ATV in the snow, with Kian at the helm, but it was hard to tell that it was him specifically. She had painted him driving toward the woods, leaving tracks in the snowy landscape behind him.

It had just been a few hours since Kian left, and she missed him so much. But she refused to be the one to reach out. He said he would be busy, and she wanted to give him the benefit of thedoubt.

She needed to go into Clifton to restock supplies and visit her parents. Since Kian left this morning, she had been painting, finishing several pieces. She needed to get them to the Chicago gallery within a few days. Once they dried, she would pack them up and load them into her car. On the way, she would stop by the Post Office before visiting her parents.

The paintings were set to debut in June, just as Gretchen had told Kian. She added a few more pieces and would ship them off soon. After all, it was almost May.

Lobo barked as he entered through the pet flap, demanding attention. Gretchen handed him a biscuit, but he refused to take it and continued barking.

“Don’t tell me you found someone else out there,” she playfully scolded. Lobo spun in circles before finally taking the biscuit and leaving the room.

At first, Lobo had missed Kian too. He sulked, just like Gretchen did. It may have seemed silly, but she had fallen for Kian. All she needed was to see him again and find out if their connection was simply a result of being stuck together or if he truly cared for her. She had no doubts on her end, but wanted to know his feelings about her.

After carefully packing the paintings into boxes, she loaded them into her SUV and started driving toward Clifton. The roads were clear, and she was excited to see her parents after a couple of months. She had kept in touch with them through text messages.

Gretchen hadn’t told her parents about Kian. She didn’t want to try to explain him through texts. She’d tell them in person.

When she arrived in town, she parked at the Post Office and used the button on her fob to open the back hatch of her vehicle. After getting the boxes out, she closed the hatch and went inside.

“Good morning, Gretchen,” greeted Candace Murphy, thePost Office clerk.

“Hi, Candace. I need to ship these to Chicago.”

“Not a problem, honey.”

Gretchen smiled. Candace was one of the kindest people in town and always went out of her way to help others.

“How’s Kenneth doing?” Gretchen asked as she placed the boxes on the counter.

“He’s doing great. Thanks for asking. Although some days he says he’s bored since retiring.” Candace chuckled.

“I can imagine.”

“You know, I’m so glad to get out of the house some days.” Candace shook her head, causing Gretchen to laugh. “How are you doing?”

“I’m good, thank you.”

“That’s great to hear. I’ll have these shipped first thing in the morning.” Candace picked up the boxes and placed them on a nearby table.

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