Page 49 of Finally Home

“Sorry, just lost in my head.”

“With thoughts about my brother,” she teases, wagging her brows. “Actually, you know what?” Her smile drops from her face as she holds her free hand up in the air. “I don’t wanna know. I know I interrupted this morning—he all but said it.”

My cheeks flush at the memory of Ollie lifting me up on the counter, his hands sliding up my thighs until they reached my shorts and slipped underneath. The heat in his eyes as he found the wetness gathering between my thighs and dragginghis thumb through it before bringing it to his lips, humming in approval.

“Oh my God, Hollie, stop it. You’re doing it again.” She grimaces with a laugh. “I’d say I’m sorry for interrupting, but, well, I’m not.” She smiles proudly. “You can have Ollie time anytime. I only have limited time with you. I go back to college in a few days.”

If only she knew how wrong that statement was.

“I’m changing the subject before I end up throwing up this delicious beverage. What’s the name of the color you picked?”

I don’t even need to look down to see the title.

“Criminal on the Run.” After all, my boyfriend is a notorious criminal in this town and still living on the lam. The dark purple shade is definitely a stark contrast to the bright pink color I had previously, but there was something about it that called to me. When I read the bottom of the bottle, I knew it was fate.

“Ooh, sounds scandalous. I love it. Mine is Paradise Happy Hour.” She holds up a bright mint color. “Don’t laugh, but I’m totally a weirdo with nail color names.”

I lean my elbow on the armrest and drop my chin to my fist. “Okay, color me curious. What is your thing about them?”

Pay giggles at my joke, and I have to say I’m impressed that I even thought of it that quickly.

“I pick them based solely on the name, not just the color. I mean, it’s pretty lame if someone goes to compliment them or asks what the color is, and you just say green or pink. It’s exciting when I say Paradise Happy Hour or Saucy Vixen.” She uses her hands in the air when saying the names as if they were names on Broadway. “Saucy Vixen was the color I picked the last time I came here with Mom.”

“I love it.”

“Cheers.” Payton holds her cup up, and I grab mine to do the same. “To girls’ day. Chicks before dicks!”

I laugh and tap my cup against hers, being sure to soak up every moment of this happiness, unsure how long it will last.

About an hour later, both of us are refreshed and relaxed, leaving the nail salon. Payton had wanted to steal the little flimsy flip-flops they put on us while we got our manicures, but I couldn’t handle being associated with two criminals.

“So, what do you want to do next?” Payton asks, linking her arm with mine as we stroll down the sidewalk.

It’s a gorgeous day, and to be honest, I would be totally happy with just walking the streets of Elmhurst. But then an idea hits me.

“I’ve got a kind of crazy idea that I would love your help with. You in?”

“Absolutely. What are you thinking?”

“Okay, well, first, we need to circle back to the house and grab my camera bag.”

“Ooh, I’m like this already. Do you need a model? Because I could totally do that.” She dramatically makes a few poses as if pretending to be at an over-the-top photo shoot. She’s so caught up in her poses that she nearly trips over her own feet.

I join in her laughter.

“I want to capture this town but from the eye of someone who grew up here. Will you give me the insider tour? Maybe show me some spots that only locals know about?” I just love this town. It reminds me of the picturesque towns in Hallmark movies. It’s probably full of hidden gems, so to speak.

“Oh my God, I love this idea. I’ll take you by the fairgrounds where they host the farmer’s market. You should totally be a vendor there with your photos.” My voice catches in my throat, and all I can do is nod. “I’ll take you by the high school, down by the water.” Excitement is radiating off her. However, she’s talking a freaking mile a minute that I can’t even keep up withall the ideas she’s spewing. It seems like we will have a full day ahead of us, and I can’t wait.

“I’m so excited, Holl. Thank you for including me in this.”

“Absolutely. I’m excited, too.”

“Actually, I think we should make one more pit stop.” She all but drags my arm out of my socket as she spins us to the right, heading toward the row of boutique shops.

“Where are we going?”

“My favorite store, Dress My Cupcake, is this way. This project totally calls for new outfits, duh.” This version of Payton is definitely the same version I met before everything went down with Joel that led to his departure, and I’m even more excited that I get to help her get out of her head and be true to herself.

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