Page 32 of It Happened Back Then
“No, Maggie. The point of him going to Seattle was to get out of this small town. There's nothing here for him.”
I’m stopped in my tracks. Where is this coming from? “Nothing here for me? My entire life is here. I have an amazing job. You and mom are here. My friends. What are you talking about?”
He shakes his head again and focuses on the television, dismissing me. I look at Mom and she’s giving him the same look I am.
“Not happy I’m home, dad?”
He grunts. “I didn’t say that.”
“Go have a good time honey. Dad is just cranky.”
“I’m not cranky,” he grumbles.
She gives me a look with a raised brow and pursed lips and I laugh at her. “Mm, Cranky.”
Just then I see lights turn into the driveway and a horn beeps. “There’s Lief, catch you guys later. Love you.”
“Love you, honey.”
I walk out the door and down the steps. It's warm tonight for spring in Montana but this is also why I love it here. The seasons. Seattle had rain all the damn time. I need sun, I need warmth, I need rain, and I need snow. The change makes me feel alive and always leaves possibilities for the day.
“Hey man, how ya doing?” I ask as I climb into Leif’s truck. I grab my seatbelt and lock it in as he pulls out.
“Not bad. Glad to be going out tonight. It’s been another long week.”
“How's the shop going? Blossom said you and Jack are going away next week for inventory?”
He nods. “We’re going a county over to check out the warehouses. It's prom season so we need to find tuxedos and suits. I’ll let January handle the dresses.” He laughs.
“Good choice.”
We drive down Main Road to the Swoops Nest Bar and park around back. Walking in through the back entrance, the place is busy.
“There are two seats at the end of the bar, want to grab them?”
“Sounds good.”
We quickly make our way over before they disappear and Cole spots us and comes right over. Cole has been a cool addition to our little group. When he and Drake moved here from Florida, they fell right into a perfect fit with our crazy bunch.
“Hey guys, what’s going on?”
“Not much. Just needed a night away. I’m telling you, having all sisters makes me weary.”
Cole and I both laugh, and then I respond, “Afterspending holidays with you all, I’m glad I’m an only child.” Cole bumps my fist.
“I’m with you. Now, what are we drinking?”
“Beer and a shot.”
“Same.”
Cole knocks on the bar, and a moment later is back with our drinks. Friendship with Lief is easy. Even as kids, even though he was older than me, he never treated me like I was less. Mr. Nilsson was a wonderful role model and really taught his kids well. I think back to my dad and how he acted tonight. It was strange and I don't know why he was saying things.
“So, are you ready to gain a brother?”
Lief turns to me and says, “It's actually why I’m out tonight.”
I recoil the slightest as he stares intensely at me. “Something wrong?”
