Page 117 of The Moment They Can't Forget

“I have done a great deal since last I was here,” he said.

“Will you tell us your story?” his father asked.

He sat there with the three people he’d lived most of his life with and caught up on what he’d missed as they caught up on the life he’d chosen to live. No one judged him, which surprised JD. Perhaps he was not the only one who had changed.

“You have animals?” her mother asked.

“I do. Goats, sheep, a donkey, a horse, and a cow. Plus, two dogs and a duck.”

She smiled. “I want to see them.”

“I’d like that,” he said, realizing he meant it. “I’m sorry I left and never returned.”

“We should have tried harder too,” his father said. “Stubbornness is a family trait. Now tell us about this business you have built.”

He talked and shared his life in Lyntacky and answered their questions.

“And he loves it there,” Henry said. “The life suits you, JD.”

“It does.”

“We’re glad,” his mother said.

He was different from them now. Not just with the way he dressed—today in jeans and a button down—or the tattoos and beard, but the way he lived his life. JD wasn’t part of their world anymore. The parties, the places people went to be seen. But they were still his family, and he’d been wrong to stay away from them.

He left two hours later with a promise to return soon, which would likely happen anyway if he was a compatible kidney donor. His family said they would come and visit, and he thought that was unlikely, although perhaps maybe Henry would. Lyntacky would be one hell of a shock for his parents, but he guessed he’d have to wait and see.

Four hours later, he was on a plane home. He knew Sawyer wouldn’t kill him anymore, at least not straightaway, but Zoe was another matter entirely. He didn’t know how she felt about him but guessed he was about to find out.

Chapter32

“That’s so good, Cill,” Zoe moaned as her friend ran her hands over her shoulders.

“You feel like a piece of wood, girl.”

“I’ve been rearranging the shop. Then yesterday I went to the Hecklers’ house and measured up for a total refit in the living area and bedroom.”

“I’m sure you mean boudoir,” Cill drawled. “Those two are like rabbits, always getting at it from what I hear.”

“It’s kind of cute though, right? I mean, we all thought Delores would end up with a way different life,” Zoe said.

She was currently in The Gnat lying in a dreamlike state as Cill got some knots out of her back.

“It’s a love story for sure. About love?—”

“Real subtle, Cill.”

Zoe heard footsteps and knew it was Nina.

“I don’t have time for subtleties in my life. I have kids.”

“They’ve all gone and I’ve closed up.” Zoe recognized Birdie’s voice. “Robyn brought a pitcher of margaritas. She just pulled up.”

“What’s going on?” Zoe said, trying to rise.

“You just stay right there.” Cill held her down with a surprisingly strong hand. “I still have work to do on you.”

“It’s called an intervention,” another voice said from above her.

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