Page 32 of Hot Chicken

I make my way to the exit with Harrison by my side. “Thank you. But I’m a big girl.”

“I know you are. But something about that guy rubbed me the wrong way.”

“Well, thanks again.” I want to say,how’s your brother? Tell him I miss him. This place is much more fun when he’s here.But I don’t want to sound pathetic.

I pick up speed as I head to my car, stopping briefly to look down at the emerald green sundress and strappy sandals I’m wearing. I actually took time to put on makeup too. Unlocking the truck, I hop in and start the ignition. As much as I’d like to pretend I was looking to allow someone new into my life tonight, I haven’t been able to get the brief moments I shared with my dream guy out of my head.

Or my heart.

It’s his loss, Ellie. Matt could’ve tried harder. If he was really interested, we could’ve attempted a long-distance thing. Other people do it all the time. But that’s on him. Iamworthy of more. And I’ll keep saying it until I believe it.

As I pull out of the parking lot, I notice a familiar truck. It couldn’t be. Then it dawns on me that Matthew may have flown into Florida and borrowed one of Harry’s company vehicles while he was here.This night. Between this and the phone call, I’m losing it.

I arrive back home and throw my truck into park before heading inside. As suspected, my grandpa is fast asleep. Leaning in closer, his breathing seems normal. I stand up straight, crossing my arms over my chest. What on earth was that call about? Had Jennifer been there and put someone up to doing it, knowing it would rattle me? I certainly wouldn’t put it past her.

Heading back to the other end of the mobile home, I stop in the kitchen to grab a glass of water when I see my gratitude rock sitting on the windowsill. I gently rub it as I look out at the deck bathed in moonlight that Matt built for me.Crazy night or not, Ellie, Pops is sound asleep, and you’re home safe. Just be grateful for a good night’s sleep and forget about the rest.

The following morning, I rise with the sun. I don’t always open the food counter at Salty Jo’s on the weekends, but during tourist season, it’s best to take a chance some might find their way to our shabby filling station. It will give me a chance to jot down the timing of how I should prep the food for the festival and how much help I might need. Who am I kidding? If I need more help than Char and Jo can give, I’m up a creek.

I make a cup of instant decaf for Pops.Gross!And heat up a leftover sausage biscuit from work to take to him before jumping in the shower and heading for work.

As I jump into my truck, I notice there’s a message on my phone.

11:45 p.m.

Matt: I miss you

Chapter 29

Matt

“Hey, throw me the seasoning to your left, Matt,” Jason yells. “Can you guys turn that down a little?”

I slide the garlic pepper down the kitchen island, and he catches it like someone on aFood Networkcompetition. It’s been a lackluster day at the firehouse. We’ve only had one call, and that was one of the town’s frequent fliers who activates 911 whenever one of her animals escapes her coup. Or if she needs to reach something on the top shelf of her kitchen cabinets. Thus the boys try to entertain themselves withTop GunandThe Bourne Supremacyreruns.

“When’s dinner?” Trevor asks, rubbing his belly as he eyes the flank steaks Jason is preparing. It’s a wonder we aren’t all overweight around here. These guys really know how to cook. My mind instantly returns to my favorite chef, and I frown. If I’d ever let her cook dinner for me, there would’ve been no walking away.

“Should be ready in fifteen minutes,” Jason says with his back to us.

Trevor reaches into the fridge for a bottle of vitamin water before standing beside me. “Take a walk with me?” His question surprises me.

“Me?”

“Yeah,” he answers quietly, looking to verify Jason’s attention is firmly on the food he’s preparing.

I slide off of my seat and follow him outside. “What gives? You’re making me nervous. Everything okay with Addison?”

Trevor is one of the newer members of our station. As luck had it, he caught the eye of one of the prettiest gals in town. Sweet too. I don’t mind saying I was more than a little jealous he was able to land her. We all were. What’s worse, he fought the attraction tooth and nail, not wanting to commit to anyone after a bad breakup. I’d give anything to settle down with a firecracker like Addie. Have someone to come home to when the twenty-four hour shifts are over. Eventually, he came to his senses, and they’ve been together ever since.Lucky bastard.

“Addie’s great. Everything okay with your mom?”

“Yeah. Well, as okay as it’s ever going to be. She’s getting worse day by day. But there are days she’s lucid enough to remember who I am.”

“I’m sorry, man. That sucks.” He motions to the picnic table, and we both take a seat.

“My brother Harrison is a saint. I owe him for stepping up so I can stay here. But I need to do better about giving him some breaks when I have my stretches of time off every three weeks.”

“Is that where you were last weekend?”

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