Page 9 of The Leaving Road

You’re a goddess,I mouthed at her while taking the cup.

“Magnolia?” Ted said again.

“Right, sorry. I guess the only real question I have is, if I try it out here and it doesn’t work for me, what happens then?”

“That’s a good question. Basically, exactly what I stated before. Your dad’s investment portfolio would go to charities and the house would go to the historical society. Does that mean you’re thinking about staying? After our talk yesterday, I was almost certain I’d be drawing up the paperwork to donate everything.”

“I’m still weighing all my options. I have a contract for my job, and I’m unsure of what would need to happen for me to break that.”

“Ah, yes, yes. Well, we never got to the part where, if you do decide to stay, the full amount of money your dad had in his checking account would be transferred to you almost immediately. That way you don’t have to worry about finding work right away. You could focus on settling in and getting some house repairs set up.”

“I’m not concerned about the money, Mr. Jensen. I’m just trying to make the best decision for me.”

“Please don’t make me ask you to call me Ted again. Your dad and I got close toward the end, and I feel terribly awkward when you call me that.”

I sighed. “Fine, Ted. I know it’s Tuesday, so I’ll have an answer for you by Friday.”

“Wonderful!” He sounded a bit chipper. “Talk soon.”

Lexie bumped my shoulder. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking the sunrise is nice, the beach is nice, and I feel more at ease than I have in a while.” I took a sip of my tea. “I’m thinking two years really isn’t that long of a time, and the only person I would miss would be here.”

“That’s true.”

“But I’m also thinking it’s a lot to ask of you.”

“Pish-posh. This is an adventure.”

“I’m thinking I’m going to stay.”

Lexie’s squeal could rival a pig and almost broke my eardrum.

“Go shower, stinky, and meet me downstairs in thirty minutes. We are going to the store to start turning this place around.” She pulled me up and slapped my ass while making a run for it to get first dibs on the hot water.

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Forty-five minutes later, we were showered and at the grocery store, packing the cart with everything we thought we could need.

“Lex, I think I might have to make my way to the front and grab another cart if we don’t slow down.”

“Might as well go get one.”

I turned away from her and started back to the front of the store, not paying much attention to my surroundings, only my destination.

“Well, I heard the rumors you were back in town…” a vaguely familiar voice said from beside me.

I swiveled, only to be met with chocolate- brown eyes.

“Jace?” I couldn’t believe it. Gone was the scrawny boy who was Sloan’s best friend, and in his place was a man.

“Holy shit, it is you.” He engulfed me in a hug.

What was it with this town and hugs?

“You grew up very nice, Magnolia,” he said right before he released me.

“You too, Jace.” I was a little shocked to see him. I wasn’t super close with anyone else in high school other than Sloan, but a few of his friends were around enough that we had friendly relationships.

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