Page 184 of Mountain Daddy

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“Nope.” He pops theP.

I groan again, but I’m extra grateful to my past self for packing the change of clothes.

“Fine,” I grumble. “But you’re paying.”

Dad laughs and tells me to hurry up, then ends the call.

Heaving out a breath, I lift the hand not holding the wheel and cross my fingers.

If I have to go, I hope it’s packed.

More people for me to hide behind.

Chapter 111

Luther

I honk the horn.

Jessie steps into view through her living room window and holds up two fingers.

I probably should’ve gotten out of the truck and gone to her door, but I’m not in the mood.

I’m not in the mood for any of this.

If I weren’t the top sponsor for tonight’s fundraiser, I wouldn’t go.

Really, if Jessie weren’t forcing me to be her designated driver, I wouldn’t go at all.

But here we are.

I drop my head back against the headrest and stare blankly.

I don’t mind staying sober. I haven’t had any alcohol since that night Jessie and I took shots at the bar. I just don’t want to go, period.

I don’t want to make small talk.

I don’t want to smile and laugh and act like everything is fine.

Everything is not fine.

Everything’s not fine, but I’m going to have to pretend like it is because Kendra will be there.

Kendra.

I wish I knew how she was doing. Likereally doing. But there’s no one for me to ask.

Joe told me about Buddy. And I focus my eyes on the rearview mirror, thinking about the deer antler I have in the bed of my truck.

Joe mentioned that Kendra was really upset over the fox being injured and that she was adamant about taking care of it.

But Kendra has a huge heart.

She’s a lover and a giver.

And so I don’t know if the stuff with the fox is just about the fox or if it has anything to do with me.

Jessie’s front door opens, and she steps out.

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