Page 24 of Huckleberry Hill
“Yeah, they’re happy I’m here. But they miss you.”
She fell silent.
“They want to see you before Christmas.”
“Yeah.” She snorted. “So Dad can tie a rope to my ankle and keep me on the ranch until I die. No thanks.”
“I am to homebody as you are to nomad,” I quipped.
“I would fly out there,” she said. “My own issues aside—if you really needed me. Do you? Need me?”
I wanted her home with me because she was my best friend. But that would be selfish, knowing how hard it was for Salem to be at the Ridge.
“I think I’m doing okay,” I admitted.
She let out a sigh of relief. “Good. I mean, the offer stands. But you know the minute I come home, all the focus will be on me because I’m the drama. You deserve their undivided attention and to be doted on.”
“It’s true. I do deserve that,” I quipped.
“I don’t mean to do it, you know.”
“Do what?”
“Steal the thunder.”
“You never steal the thunder.”
“Liar.”
“Okay. How about I never care that you steal the thunder. And I really mean that.”
“That, I’ll believe.” She chuckled.
“I went into Sweet Teeth. Gracie says hi.”
“Ah, now I’m jonesing for the best honey-glazed donut in all the land. Tell her I said hi back.”
“I will.”
“The apartment isn’t the same without you here,” she murmured.
“I’ll be back.”
She snorted.
“What?” I demanded.
“I know you better than anyone. I know you better than I know myself.”
“That’s because your mind is like a dark attic full of cobwebs and moldy boxes that you refuse to open.”
“What a visual. Thanks. I guess the truth is I’d be very surprised if you ever came back.”
“I’ll be back,” I insisted.
“Why?”
“Why? What do you mean why?” I asked.
