Page 128 of Small Town Swoo
“He’s improving. He had bypass surgery Wednesday and he’s on the mend. He’s going to be fine.”
“What a relief. I’msoglad to hear it.”
“Thanks. Listen, I’m calling because I finally had a chance to talk with my parents about the truck, and I’m interested in buying it.”
“Oh.” She paused. “Oh, shoot.”
My heart stuttered. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s sold. Someone just bought it yesterday.”
“Oh.” My spirits deflated. “That’s—that’s too bad.”
“I’m so sorry, Ari. I didn’t realize it would happen so quickly. I feel awful.”
“No, no—it’s fine. It’s totally not your fault. I dragged my feet.”
“Maybe you can find another one for sale.”
“I’m sure I can.” I tried to sound optimistic. “Now that I have an idea of what I want, I know what to look for.”
“Reach out if you need anything, please.”
“I will. Thank you.”
“Good to hear from you. Take care.”
After we hung up, I tossed my phone onto the passenger seat and gripped the wheel with both hands. It was fine. It was just one truck. It didn’t mean this wasn’t meant to be. I could find another one.
And maybe it would even be better to find one that didn’t remind me so much of Dash, ofthe time we went to see it, of the conversations we had, of the nights we spent, of the way he always kept me warm.
Those memories were vivid enough.
Swallowing back the tears, I turned on my car and drove home.
TWENTY-SIX
dash
It tookme less than twenty-four hours to get everything in place. On my way to the airport, I called Xander.
“Hello?”
“Hey.” I could hear the noise of the pub in the background.
“You’re alive. We’ve been wondering.”
“Sorry. I’m alive.” I smiled. “It’s just been a crazy week.”
“How did the audition go?”
“Shitty.”
“So you didn’t get the part?”
“Not even close.”
“Sorry, dude.”
