Page 59 of Finding You

“Just take it easy with her again…”

“I was easy with her the last time, Devin. She’s just got some years on her.” She rubbed the dash lovingly as she said it. “I’m sure she’ll be fine this time. And I have my phone with me…you know…just in case.” And with a wink, she started the engine and slowly backed out of the garage.

Walking along beside the car, he tapped the hood to make her stop.

“What’s up?”

“I was wondering if you might stop at the store and pick up something for us to take to Jade and Levi’s tonight?”

Jade had called earlier to say they were also skipping the festival today but were hosting a barbecue for friends and family and hoped they could come. It sounded like it was going to be fun, so they had readily agreed.

“Yeah, sure! No problem. I’ll run into the grocery store after I drive around town a bit.” Then she playfully blew him a kiss as she backed up. Devin watched her go and gave her a quick wave as she drove away.

As she had on her last drive, MacKenzie circled the town and drove along some of the side streets before hitting the town limits and pulling over.

Then immediately reconsidered and turned the car around to head to the grocery store. She really wanted to pick something up to take to Jade and Levi’s later. Ten minutes later, she pulled into the parking lot–which was oddly empty–and shut off the engine. But before she shopped, she took out her phone and Googled car engines and tried to find something to do that wouldn’t be too obvious again–and would be easy for her to do on her own with no tools.

Or without any witnesses to her tampering with her own engine.

Unfortunately, there was no way she was going to stick her hand in the engine again or crawl under the car. There weren’t a whole lot of options for her, and she actually lost track of time while scrolling for ideas. When her phone rang, she screamed and dropped it on the floor. Picking it up, she saw Devin’s number on the screen.

“Hey!” she said, sounding overly bright and cheerful. “What’s up?”

“Is everything okay? You’ve been gone for a while.”

“Oh…um…I was just…”

“Is the car running okay?”

She sighed wearily–but quietly. “Yeah,” she said, a little deflated. “It drove great. Really.”

“You’re sure?”

“Of course I’m sure, Devin. I’ve been all over Sweetbriar Ridge and…I just lost track of time. Everything is so damn pretty around here that I just got caught up in it all. Now I’m at the store and was just about to go in and grab some salads or something. I’m guessing they’ll have plenty of dessert stuff, so I’m going to see what else looks good. Any requests?”

“They have some great dips. Maybe grab some chips and guacamole and maybe a veggie platter. How does that sound?”

“Very yummy! I’ll text you when I’m done!”

“Please do,” he said cheerily before hanging up.

Going inside, it was a little like a ghost town. There were only a handful of people shopping, and she was able to get everything she wanted and was checking out in a matter of minutes. She’d gotten everything Devin suggested, but also grabbed some buffalo chicken dip and a spinach and artichoke one.

“You can never have too many dips,” she murmured as she put the bags in her car.

When she got back in the driver’s seat and shut the door, she pulled out her phone to text Devin. Unfortunately, that’s when she remembered the message waiting for her from her mother. And because her curiosity got the better of her, she opened the app and held her breath.

Oh, my goodness, MacKenzie! This is a surprise! It’s definitely been a long time and I honestly thought it was for the best. I believe the last time we spoke I made you very upset and your father asked that I not reach out again.

“Wow, right away with the blame. Good to see nothing’s changed,” she mumbled wearily.

I am sorry to hear about his passing. It’s been a long time since the two of us saw eye to eye, but he was a big part of my life and I was sad to hear the news. I hope you’re doing okay without him.

“Um…no, Mom. I’m not doing okay. I’m a mess! Seriously, why would you even say that?”

As for you coming to Oregon, I’d really like to talk to you about that. And not here in a social media message, but on the phone. Honestly, I rarely come on here. I don’t know why I did the other day but I’m glad I did so I could see your message. Life’s a little hectic right now. I’ve remarried and have two sons. It’s summer vacation and we opted not to do camps this year, so they’re keeping me very busy. I’m not trying to make excuses, but I haven’t told the boys or my husband about you. I actually think Dale knows, but we don’t really talk about it.

Muttering a curse, tears stung her eyes and she contemplated throwing her phone out the window and then running it over with the car.

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