Page 60 of Finding You

But she didn’t, because curiosity had her wanting to read the rest of the damn message.

So before you hop in your car and head all the way across the country, I think we should talk. I’m not sure you’ll even want to talk to me after reading this. I’ve finally gotten my life together and for the first time, I feel like my head’s on straight. You probably won’t believe this, but I know I wasn’t a good mother to you. Your father certainly knew it, and I think he was relieved when I finally left. It wasn’t fair to you, but back then, I couldn’t handle being a mother. Some days I still struggle, but I’m learning that’s what it’s like being a parent. We’re all just winging it.

“Maybe you wouldn’t have to wing it if you had a damn heart!” Tears were streaming down her face, and she quickly wiped them away with her free hand.

Anyway, here’s my number and if you still want to come, please call me. I’m sure you have a lot of questions and I get that you’re looking to reconnect with me because I’m all you have left. And I’m sorry about that. Still, it would be best for us to clear the air so there are no disappointments or expectations. For both of us. Thanks for reaching out and I look forward to talking to you. Mom.

“Again, wow. Not even love, just mom. Awesome.” Tossing her phone aside, MacKenzie fought the urge to scream, but even if there weren’t a lot of people around, she was sure someone would hear her. So she took a few minutes to compose herself and vowed not to think about this again. They had a barbecue to go to with people who actually seemed to give a damn about her.

Feeling better, she reached for the key and went to start the car.

Only…it wouldn’t start.

She waited and tried again.

Nothing.

Cursing, she picked up the phone and called Devin.

“Hey! You all done shopping or are you out driving again?” he teased.

She sighed loudly. “Um…there’s a problem.”

“O-kay…What’s the matter? Were they out of dip?”

“No, I…I um…I went inside and did the shopping, and then I came out to the car and was ready to come back to the shop, but now it won’t start.” She tried again, just to be sure.

“Okay, okay, relax. Don’t keep trying to start it. You’ll either flood the engine or wear down the starter. So you’re still in the parking lot by the grocery store?”

She let out another long breath. “That’s what I just said! I grabbed the food and came back out to the car and… Dammit!” She slammed her hand on the steering wheel. “Can…” she started and then sighed. “Can you please come and get me? Again?”

He chuckled. “Sit tight. I’ll be there soon.”

She hung up the phone and couldn’t believe it. Here she was thinking about how to sabotage her own car and the damn thing had done it all on its own. She wanted to call it a traitor, but really, she was secretly thankful. With a sigh, she rested her head back and closed her eyes. The windows were rolled down and there was a light breeze and even if she had to sit and wait for hours for Devin to come, this wasn’t a bad place to be stuck.

Plus, it gave her a few extra minutes to calm down.

Was she going to call her mother? Right now, she couldn’t really say. It would be easy to say no, but…but she truly was the only family she had left. Didn’t that mean she needed to try to have some kind of relationship with her?

“Maybe I’ll text her my number and put the ball back in her court,” she said glumly. With everything going on with the car–and Devin–MacKenzie didn’t feel like she could handle making any more decisions about her life. She was already completely overwhelmed.

She wasn’t sure how long she had sat there before she heard the tow truck pulling up. Smiling, she climbed from the car and watched as Devin maneuvered and backed up to the front of her car. When he got out and walked toward her, she gave him a helpless shrug.

He stepped in close and gave her a quick kiss. “Hey there, pretty lady. Need a lift?”

Pretending to consider his question, she tapped a finger on her lips. “Well…I kind of do. But are you going my way?”

He chuckled. “And where might that be?”

“A sweet little place called Sweetbriar Ridge. Ever heard of it?”

“You’re in luck,” he said, sounding proud of himself. “I just happen to be the local mechanic there.”

“Whew!” She dramatically wiped the sweat from her brow. “It’s a good thing you came along then.”

And then Devin surprised her by picking her up and swinging her around before giving her another kiss–this one a little slower, a little deeper, and a whole lot hotter. “You know it.”

She stood back and watched him put the Mustang back up on the bed on the truck–a site that was becoming way too familiar–and shook her head. Maybe it was time to let the car go. Maybe…

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