Page 83 of Finding You

“That’s great. And thanks for being willing to come out with Ashlynn and I that day we sort of ambushed you at the garage. You’re an amazing person…seriously.”

“No problem. I’ve had a great time with you guys. You made a really crazy time in my life a lot of fun.”

“Well…have a safe trip! And make sure you don’t drive too long and always stop when you get tired.”

MacKenzie smiled. “I will.”

Grabbing her in for a hug, Avery wished her a safe trip again and was gone.

Chloe followed next with a hug and well wishes, and then both Billie and Jade announced that they had to get back to work.

“Can we get you something for the road? A coffee? Another muffin? Or maybe a couple of them to get you through the next few days?” Jade asked.

“No, but thanks.”

After that, they both hugged her and wished her good luck.

Guess they’re not big on emotional goodbyes here, she thought to herself as she walked out the door.

She was met with bright sunshine–the perfect day. Blue skies, perfect temperatures…the kind of day that made you want to be outside enjoying it.

Another weary sigh escaped as she made her way down the block toward her car.

Along the way, she must have had about ten people stop to wish her luck and give her helpful hints about getting out of town! Everyone from Pastor Michaels to Margie Ferguson, the church organist, put their two cents in regarding the quickest way out of town. If she were a suspicious person, she’d say they couldn’t wait to get rid of her!

“Stop being crazy,” she murmured as she climbed into her car. It was after eleven and she hoped Devin would be back at the garage by now and free to grab some lunch or something.

Although she had eaten a muffin and a small piece of caramel crumb cake so she wasn’t the least bit hungry, but she’d be willing to go and sit with the café with him just to have a little more time.

She drove down the block and around the corner and parked in front of the garage. She didn’t spot Devin’s truck anywhere, but knew it could be parked in the back. Grabbing her purse, she practically jogged inside and came to a halt when she saw Will standing behind the desk.

In her spot.

It was unreasonable to be annoyed with him–after all, someone had to work the desk–but she felt like she had already been replaced. When she was standing in front of Will, she wanted to smack the smile off of his face.

“Hey, MacKenzie!” he said smoothly. “Didn’t think we’d be seeing you again. I figured you’d be on the road by now.”

“Yeah, I thought so too, but I went and had breakfast with the girls.” Pausing, she looked around. “Where’s Devin?”

“Oh, we got a call about a car needing to be towed, so he went to do it.”

Her eyes went wide. “No!”

He nodded. “Yup.” Nodding, he winked at the girl who just walked in and was standing behind MacKenzie. “He said he was going to text you.”

“Text?” she repeated stupidly and then went to fish her phone out of her purse. Sure enough, she’d missed it. “Dammit.”

“I hate to be rude,” Will said, grinning. “But Missy has an appointment for me to look at her. I mean, her truck. Missy has an appointment for me to look at her truck!”

“What?” she asked distractedly. “Sorry.”

Will leaned across the counter and quickly kissed MacKenzie on the cheek. “Have a safe trip, Mac. And thanks for getting the front office so organized. Hopefully whoever Devin hires will keep it up.”

She wasn’t going to cry, dammit. “Thanks, Will,” she said and leaned in to hug him. “For everything.”

When she pulled back, she couldn’t help but wipe away a few tears. This was it. She was leaving and she wasn’t going to get to say goodbye to Devin one last time.

“Go,” Will said. “You’ll want to hit the eighty-one before any rush-hour traffic starts up. You’re going the back way, right?”

---