Page 52 of The Comeback Road

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She smiled, and the understanding between us began to thaw the remnants of our past misunderstandings. “So, tell me the plan for the Bar-kery. Where are you at?”

“We are still under construction, but we have the clinic built in the back, with dry wall at the bar and restaurant part. It’s a hot mess, but it’s my mess, ya know?”

Yeah, I knew exactly how that felt. As we approached the Bark-ery, I could see the construction site buzzing with activity, even though it was the day after Christmas. “Yeesh, ever heard of giving them a day off, Mags?” I questioned as I unbuckled my seat belt.

“You’ve been away too long, Lex. You know how small towns are. Everyone pitches in here,” she stated, walking over to the workers, saying hi, and telling them that Sloan was a few minutes behind her with coffee and donuts.

As the workers continued hauling materials, and the faint sounds of hammers and drills filled the air, I looked overeverything from the outside. The place was going to be amazing, and I was itching to be a part of it.

“You know, I think I could come up with the perfect software that helps manage the costs and pricing. Like something I’ve already put together for Jace and Dexter. We could analyze the best prices and margins to ensure everything is sustainable. That way, we can put as much money as possible into the veterinary side of it. I could even get something up and running for the clinic…Maybe a way to get donors who don’t live in town also.”

Magnolia turned toward me. “Are you serious?”

“Of course. I’m only sorry I couldn’t offer this sooner. This is going to be so much fun!” I clapped my hands together, my mind running with ideas and how to put it all together. “Speaking of solutions…and Jace…” Magnolia nudged me with her shoulder as we crossed a barrier and made our way inside.

That familiar, pesky fluttering in my stomach that had been constantly around those past few days reminded me of exactly how he made me feel. “I think I’m in love with him,” I confessed. “Pretty sure I was before, pretty sure I never stopped. And I’m pretty sure I knew the moment I met him that he was supposed to be mine.”

A small smile crept onto Magnolia’s face. “You know, we all make choices in the heat of the moment. Wrong choices. But at the end of the day, we all take the road that brings us back home, or back to where we were always meant to be. Maybe this is your chance to find your way back to him.”

“Like…a comeback tour?” I teased.

“No, like a comeback road,” She winked at me as we went further inside.

Magnolia spent the next twenty or so minutes showing me everything that had been done so far, and I just felt proud. Proud of my friend, and insanely thrilled with how happy she was. Magnolia radiated joy, and I knew it had taken her a while to getthere. Before I could get all weepy on her, I heard a familiar voice call out from behind me. “Lexie!” I turned, and there stood Luke, a hesitant smile on his face. “I was hoping I’d catch you. Want to grab a bite at the diner? I’d like to talk to you.”

“Sure,” I heard myself say, glancing back at Magnolia, who gave me an encouraging nod. I couldn’t stay mad at him forever, and it was probably time to clear the air.

“Let’s go,” Luke said. As we made our way to his car, I felt a mixture of contentment and uncertainty about what lay ahead.

Chapter Fifty-Three

Lexie

I pushed open the door to Momma and Papa Tucks’, the familiar jingle of the bell overhead stirred a warm, nostalgic feeling within me. The cozy diner was just as I remembered, walls adorned with quirky decor. The scent of fried food mingling with freshly brewed coffee made me moan. Luckily, the soft hum of conversation was enough to stifle the sound.

“Lexie! There’s my girl!” Momma exclaimed the second she caught sight of me. Her arms opened wide as she made her way through the tables to where I stood. My heart swelled three sizes. It felt so good, being back. “I’ve been wondering where your sassy self has been hiding! We need that spark around here!”

I grinned, my cheeks flushed with warmth from her words. “Missed you, too, Momma,” I said as I leaned into her embrace. The feeling felt like home.

Momma pulled back, grabbing a mug from the shelf close by and going over to fill it up with coffee. “I have something for you, sweetheart.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief, and I didn’t miss the way she hadn’t addressed Luke yet. “I thought thiswas fitting.” She handed me the mug in her hand, which readWarriorin bold, bright letters.

I couldn’t help but chuckle, raising the mug to eye level. “Warrior, huh?” The warmth of the ceramic seeped into my palms.

“I know one when I see one.” She squeezed my shoulder before finally addressing Luke. “And for you, Sir.” She waltzed over to Luke, who perched himself at the counter, trying not to smile at our interaction. She handed him a mug full of coffee that saidBrat.

I pressed my lips together in a thin line to try to hold my laughter in. “My god, that’s perfect.” I was met with Luke’s steely gaze of annoyance, only further adding to the accuracy of the mug.

“Brat. Really?” he called out after Momma, a playful scowl on his face.

“Just calling it as I see it, Luke. You’ve been a bit of an ass lately,” she huffed out at him. I, for one, waslovingthe exchange.

“And how would you know that, woman?” He grunted, but took a sip from the mug that Momma deemed he have.

“People talk, Luke. It’s a small town. Why don’t you knock it off a bit, hm?” She turned and continued making her way back to the kitchen, where Papa was cooking. “I’ll get you the special,” she hollered, not giving either one of us a chance to argue.

As we took our mugs to a booth off to the side, I took a moment to admire the mug in my hands.Warrioralmost felt like a badge of honor. A reminder that I was strong, capable, and ready to face whatever life decided to throw my way. I looked over at Luke, who was staring holes into his mug, although the corners of his mouth were twitching in reluctant amusement.

“You know,” I said, leaning in closer to him, “Momma really knows how to plant the truth right where it hurts.”