Page 49 of Huckleberry Hill
“It has a deli counter,” I said. “A few years ago, a giant corporate chain wanted to build a grocery store here. The town regulations for chains are intense and the company lawyers started to get nasty. The people in town went to the mayor and eventually they tucked tail and ran. After that, Huckleberry Hill passed a law—no corporate chains are allowed to build here. Locally owned businesses only. No fronts, no foreign corporations. If you own a business in this town, you have to live here and prove it.”
“I kind of like that. Keeps the small town small.”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
He ran a hand through his dark hair but otherwise didn’t reply.
“I’m sorry,” I blurted out. “For earlier.”
He frowned. “Sorry for what?”
I licked my suddenly dry lips. “When we were talking about the hot spring. And my mom.”
“No apology necessary.” He looked at me. “I didn’t know. About your mother. Connor never mentioned . . .”
“He doesn’t talk about her often,” I said quietly. “So it’s not a shock that you didn’t know. I still feel guilty for how I spoke to you.”
“You shouldn’t.”
“But I do.” I shot him a wry grin. “I’m a people pleaser. And I never want to make anyone feel . . .”
“Uncomfortable?”
I nodded.
“Maybe you should.”
“Should what?”
“Make people feel uncomfortable. Not care so much about what other people think.” He shrugged. “You can become a recovering people pleaser, you know.”
“I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
“For starters, you can try not apologizing for your feelings.”
“I’m not apologizing for my feelings,” I explained. “I’m apologizing because of how I talked to you.”
“Oh, okay.” He smiled. “I accept your apology.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that, bear snack.”
His jokey nickname sent warmth curling through me.
I took a sip of beer. “It’s peaceful out here, isn’t it?”
“It is,” he agreed. “Nice to be able to hear yourself think.”
“Hmm, yeah. I guess.”
“You don’t want to be able to hear yourself think?”
“When does too much thinking become overthinking?”
“When you ask that question.” He lifted his bottle and took a drink. “So, what are you thinking about?”
“My sister called. I asked to her go to my ex’s apartment and get my stuff. She returned the ring for me.”
