Page 126 of The Only Thing That's Real

“So, you taking pictures or recording?”

“I wouldn’t do that, Knox.” The devilish smile on her face tells me otherwise.

Walking around the counter, I step behind her to find her camera set to video. “I’m sure it’s an honest mistake. Let me correct it for you.” Calmly grabbing the phone from her hand, I stop the recording and delete the video. “Here you go. All fixed.”

“Whatever,” she says, plopping into her chair.

Sliding onto the stool behind the register, I take in the view I had throughout school. Working at the store on the weekends was something all four of us did. We stocked shelves, manned the register, mixed paint, cleaned and, my favorite… stacked lumber. The smell of pine always reminds me of the store.

Of home.

Moving home means finding a way back to a simpler life. One where every step I take isn’t being watched and scrutinized.

“Let’s have a chat, shall we?”

She does her best to smother her excitement, but her pink cheeks give her away. “Sure. What do you want to chat about?”

“Why don’t we put our phones on the counter? Just in case yours accidentally starts recording again.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

She does as I’ve asked with an eye roll and a smartass expression that says,fine.She may be in her mid-twenties, but she still acts like a teenager.

“Listen, I’m moving back to Goose Hollow, and I want to feel comfortable. At ease in my family’s store. My dad andCallen have worked hard to make this business what it is. We don’t need this place tagged in posts, so the paparazzi converge on something that means so much to our family. What do you say, we stop with the pictures and videos?”

“It’s not like I’m the only person in town who does it. I mean, do you see anyone else walking around town looking like a rock star? You don’t exactly blend in.”

“Be that as it may, I’d like this place to continue to feel like home. I know there will be others, but Livvy, you’re practically family. If I can’t feel relaxed around my own family, in my own family store, then where the hell am I supposed to go?”

“Why do you even wanna come back here?” Her face contorts at the thought of me choosing to return to Goose Hollow.

“I’ve been around the world. I’ve done all the things. Over the last twenty years, cameras have been hiding around every corner. I’ve rarely had a moment of privacy when stepping out of my home. I’m not complaining. I’ve had a wonderful life, but I miss my family. I wasn’t here when my dad passed, and I don’t want to miss any more important moments. I know there will be others in town who may be a problem, but can I count on you to help me adjust back into the real world? A world where I can be myself and not worry every breath I take is being recorded?”

Her face softens as she nods her head. “I can do that.”

“Thank you. Now, Cal’s gonna be out for a while and I know you and Loten have things under control here, but if you need anything, Angus and I are just a phone call away. I’m sure Cal left Gus’s number but let me put mine in your phone in case he’s not around.”

She unlocks her phone before handing it to me. “You trust me with your number?”

Not really, but I’m desperate for you to prove me wrong.

“Should I not?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “Of course not. I mean, of course you should. I mean...”

“I’m gonna trust you. I know you won’t share it with anyone. Angus should be your first call since he knows more about the shop than I do, but if you can’t get ahold of him and there’s an emergency, reach out.”

“Thank you,” she says, pocketing her phone.

“Thanks for chatting with me,” I say as the door swings open, and the man himself walks in. “Speak of the devil.”

“Morning.” Angus waves before stopping short. “Shit, I haven’t seen you behind this counter in decades.” He shakes his head. “Weird.”

“See, even your own brother thinks it’s an anomaly to see you here,” Livvy says, defending her actions.

“Well, you both better get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere.” Coming out from behind the checkout counter, I pull my brother in for a hug.

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