Page 3 of An Uphill Battle

“Sounds good, sister-girl.” I offer her a wide smile, even though I’m dying a little on the inside. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so damn happy for Myla Rose. She deserves all the good things and then some. But I want a love like hers, and I just don’t think it’s in the cards for me. Not when the man I love doesn’t love me back. “Hate to dash, ladies, but I need to get going. Mom wants me to meet her and Pops fordinner.”

* * *

Ibreezethrough the doors of Trattoria, our favorite little Italian bistro, at half past five on the dot. The hostess waves to me as I beeline past her, straight toward our usual table, where both my mom and Pops stand to greetme.

“Azalea, dear, how’ve you been?” my mother asks me with a kiss on thecheek.

“Mom, you saw me yesterday. We spoke on the phone earlier today. And we’ve beentexting.”

“Still. A mother likes toknow.”

“Know what?” I can’t help but laugh. “Not much has changed in the last twohours.”

“Not much? Not much! That means something’s changed.” My mother, God bless her. Beverly Bishop Barnes is more of a s’mother than mother, but I wouldn’t trade her for all the gold in theworld.

“Bevvy, leave the girl be,” my stepfather admonishes her, only to start in on me as well. “So, any gentlemansuitors?”

Choking on my sip of ice water, it takes me a full two minutes to regain my composure. “Jesus, Pops, who talks likethat?”

He looks downright affronted. “Talks likewhat?”

I shake my head and smile. “Never mind. And to answer your question, no. Noboys.”

He shakes his head, like he’s baffled by my singleton status. “Huh. Always thought you and that Collins boy would hit itoff.”

At the mention of Drake’s name, my spine straightens and my posture becomes ramrod stiff. “Drake? And me? Together? Piiiiish.” I roll my eyes, begging for a subjectchange.

Mom and Pops exchange a knowing look but let the topic go.Praise be. “So, how’s the salon going?” Mom asks. Nosy woman. What she’s really asking me is how Magnolia—the “new girl”—is.

“Work is great. Busy as busy gets.” Mom drums her perfectly manicured nails on the tabletop, and I decide to throw her a bone. “Magnolia is a godsend. She’s really quiet but works hard and knows her stuff. She can craft some of the most gorgeous and natural-looking blondes I’ve everseen.”

“Well, that’s wonderful. Especially with Myla Rose still beingout—”

“Speaking of Myla Rose,” Pops cuts in, “when is she gonna bring that boy of hers out to the house?” You’d think Mom would be the one to go all gah-gah over Brody, but it’s my stepdad who seems to have caught "GrandbabyFever.”

“She and Cash have a hot date this weekend, and I’m watching him. Y’all should stopby.”

Pops rubs his hands together excitedly, glancing between Mom and me, as if he’s waiting for her permission, which she freely gives. “That sounds wonderful, dear. And how’sSeraphine?”

“She’s doing really well, but her dad’s heart is reallystruggling.”

Mom’s eyes mist with tears. “So sad. He’s so young.” Pops and I nod ouragreement.

The server brings our food, alerting me to the fact that I never ordered. Cocking an eyebrow, I turn toward my mother. “Oh, dear, I took the liberty of ordering for us. I got you your favorite, chicken Parmesan.” I smile and nod my head, pleased with herselection.

The rest of our meal is full of small talk and town gossip, and it’s just the thing I need to get my mind off DrakeCollins.

2

Drake

“Stubborn-ass woman, I swear,”I mutter as I trudge from Southern Roots back to my truck. “Hard-headed as theycome.”

With my frustration at an all-time high, some hard work will do me right. Suddenly, that fence I’ve been putting off building seems like a real goodidea.

With my mind made up, I point my truck in the direction of home. On the way, I pull out my phone and dial up my dad. He’s been on me about getting this done, so I know he’ll be thrilled I’m finally getting around to it. I should have done it last month, but time just got away fromme.

Now here we are, three weeks from Thanksgiving, but hey, at least it’ll be cool out. Dad answers on the third ring. “Son, to what do I owe thepleasure?”

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