Page 11 of Fool Me

“I have several. It depends on the mood. The one we were on today, Caribou Basin, is a good one when I want to get away. But I like the hike up to Cascade Falls. It’s a hard hike, and you can’t think about much else while you climb it.”

“I’ll have to remember those,” he says.

I take a bite of the pizza and a moan slips out. I try to cover it with my hand but Atlas’s eyes flash to me.

“It’s good pizza.”

“You’re just being nice.” And he is. The conversation, letting me stay, the scrubs and food, it’s well above and beyond what’s required. Hell, I couldn’t have even been mad if he’d set me packing after letting me see Echo—it’s well within his rights. Yet, this guy, who doesn’t know me at all, is putting in the effort of someone who’s known me long enough to care.

I finish my last bite of pizza as I study the treatment room. Everything is as it was when Dr. McMullins owned the practice. I know the transition was quick, but he hasn’t changed a thing about the space. My eyes come back to the new vet, wondering what his deal is, when a yawn slips out.

It’s the big, stretching kind that makes my eyes water. Dr. Atlas notices, pushing off the counter he’s still leaning against and taking my garbage from me. “I’ll let you get some sleep. I’ll try to be quiet when I come in and out to check on him, but if you need anything, I’ll be in my office.”

“Thanks, Atlas. I know you didn’t have to let me stay, but appreciate it.”

“Something tells me you wouldn’t have gone quietly.” There’s teasing in his tone as he crouches down next to Echo’s crate and opens the door. When he’s done, he stands up, nodding toward his office door. “I’m right there if you or him need anything,” he reminds me.

I nod and get as comfortable as I can on the cot. Even though the fabric is stiff and hard, I already know I’ll sleep more here than I would have at home.

“Night, Doc.”

“Night, Harlowe.”

CHAPTER

FIVE

HARLOWE

I’m standing in line at Powderline Donuts, waiting to order coffee and two honey butter donuts, just like I do every Tuesday before picking up my dad for therapy. Normally, Echo comes with, but he’s still home resting after his overnight vet stay last week.

In the early days after the accident, these trips to my dad’s were a necessity. He had to relearn everything, and we spent hours working with therapists, first in the hospital, and then in the gym. Now, it’s just something my dad and I do together, like working on my SUV, Phantom, or listening to classic rock while we make dinner at his place. It’s our time.

And every week, I look forward to our donut and gym date. Today is no different. The sun is shining, but the summer air isn’t oppressive yet and the sky is as blue as can be. It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day, which is perfect because after physical therapy, my dad and I have plans to work with one of the new dogs he’s training for the county.

It feels like nothing can go wrong.

And not even the familiar voice of my ex’s mom is enough to ruin my morning. She’s lovely, but she has a blind spot a mile wide for her youngest son. Phoebe leans against the corner ofPowderline Donuts with her back to me and says the one thing that’s sure to ruin even the best day—my ex’s name.

In a town as small as Timberline Peak, it’s hard to avoid the things you’re running from, especially when they grew up here. But Canyon doesn’t live here anymore, so avoiding memories of him should be easier than it’s proving to be today.

“Can you believe my baby is coming back to town? Good things are happening all around. With Travis retiring soon, maybe Canyon can get the job and settle down here again. I can feel it in my bones, Marilyn.” The excitement in her voice is palpable.

Phoebe Kane places a hand on Marilyn’s shoulder while I listen from my spot in line, frozen in place, refusing to look because that makes this all too real. My mind runs in circles, trying to figure out why Canyon would come back. And why would he go after the job he knows I’ve always wanted when he was eager to run from accountability after the avalanche?

I know the answer: because Canyon is selfish and irresponsible, disguised as a good time. It’s simple entitlement combined with endless audacity. He was never interested in the Incident Commander job before he left.

This can’t be happening.

“Morning, Harlowe.” I blink, trying to make sense of what I just heard as I step up to the counter. My ex’s mom disappears back around the corner, never seeing me or the destruction from the bomb she just dropped on my life.

“Two honey butter crawlers, one black coffee, and an iced honey-lavender latte,” I rattle off blankly.

“It must be a gym day,” Marcy, the owner of Powderline Donuts, says, ringing up my order. Fine lines, that only add to her beauty, crinkle around her eyes as she smiles warmly at me. Her sleek gray-blonde hair is pulled back in a long braid as effortlessly cool and casual as she always is.

“Every Tuesday.” My shaky voice betrays me.

Marcy’s smile fades. “Don’t listen to her. Canyon’s not getting that job, you are.”

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