Page 102 of Last Call

Dave groaned. “Does it bug you?”

“What?”

“All thehistory?”

Riley shrugged. “No. We all have a past,” she said. “It’s part of us. I accept that. It doesn’t dictate our present or future unless we let it.”

Dave’s gaze wandered to the back door.

“Stop worrying,” Riley said.

“I hope Fallon knows I don’t expect her to bail me out.”

“Do you think she asked you to help with this new business because she feels sorry for you?”

“No. Well, not just because of that.”

“You should know better than that.”

“I guess. I mean, I think it hurt Billie’s feelings a little when I told her I wanted to work with Fallon. That means living in Jeffersonville,” Dave said.

Riley looked over to where Billie was chasing Owen. “I don’t think that’s true,” she said.

“You don’t?”

“No. I think Billie wants to help.”

“She does!”

Riley giggled.Sometimes, you have to throw caution to the wind. “I knowyoufeel that way. I told you. There’s a lot of history between everyone. You think I’m talking about your mom and Fallon.”

“Well?”

“Billie has a history with Fallon, too—a long one. Your mom has a history with Ida, and also with Pete and Dale.

“Not the same.”

“Thankfully, they haven’t all slept together,” Riley joked.

“That’s disturbing, Riley.”

Riley laughed. “Feelings run deep,” she told him. “I think it’s what made me fall in love with this town.”

“Huh?”

“I mean the closeness people share. I know not all the experiences have been happy. That’s true for everyone. But there is something unique about this town.”

“Besides all the gossip?”

“You get that anywhere,” Riley said. “Some people like to hear themselves talk, so they assume everyone else cares what they have to say.”

Dave laughed.

“That’s not what I’m talking about,” Riley continued. “People stick by each other here. Even when you might not think so, they have each other’s backs, Dave. That doesn’t stop hurt feelings, jealousy, or insecurity.”

“So, youdothink I hurt Billie’s feelings?”

“No. I think you and Billie mean a lot to each other. You fit. She loves you.”

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