Page 101 of Burning Skies
“If I didn’t like her so much, I’d be more annoyed by this, but I know it’s not her fault. And given all the shit that’s gone down between our families over the years, I’m not surprised by her father’s retribution.”
“I’m here until tomorrow, but as soon as I get home, I’ll call around to find us another vet.” I clear my throat. “I’m sorry, bro. I know this is my fault. I’ll do whatever I can to make this right.”
“This ain’t your fault. Vernon McAllister is a grade-A asshole. I’ve always known this, so don’t beat yourself up. You and Honey have a good thing. If you can weather this storm, you two might have a great future together.”
His words give me pause. I’m a pretty steady person. I can handle a lot of bullshit. The question is how much Honey is willing to put up with. “Vernon withdrew the funding for the Harvester Club at the high school.” I explain how Honey was hoping to expand it.
“That’s what I don’t get. He hates us, fine. But getting back at his own flesh and blood? I’ll never understand that.”
Someone shouts my name from the other room. “I need to go. Text me if anything else happens.”
“Look, if this is as bad as it gets, I can live with it. There are other auction houses just like there are other vets and tractor supply stores. I’m just worried that Vernon has something else up his sleeve.”
I’m starting to wonder about that myself.
38
HONEY
Rain blows sideways,battering our windows. “I didn’t bring my umbrella today,” I tell my co-worker Laura as I squint at the shadows in the parking lot. I still have a throb behind my eyes.
“Murphy’s Law. I only have it when I don’t need one. Hopefully this will pass by the end of the day.”
“Fingers crossed.” I grab my planner and head to my lunch duty in the cafeteria. I’m about to go in when someone calls my name. “Hey, Paige.”
She grabs my hand and whispers, “I’ve been meaning to track you down this week, but by the time I get here for cheer, I’m usually running late. How are you?”
The concern in her eyes almost makes me cry. I take a steadying breath. “I’m hanging in there. It’s been a tough week.”
“I bet. Plus, Beau’s been at the station. I’m sure he’s frustrated he can’t stop by to see you.”
“I wish I could see him too, but I understand. He’s juggling a lot.” It’s one of the reasons I admire him so much.
“Have you talked to your family?”
“My father and Trig won’t return my calls or messages. Cash is the only one who hasn’t cancelled me.”
“Aww.” She hugs me with one arm. “I guess this is a bad week for everyone.”
I still. “What do you mean? Did something else happen?”
Her eyes widen, and she shakes her head. “I don’t… I don’t think I’m supposed to say anything.”
“Say anything… about?”
“I’m sorry. It’s not my place.”
I rub my temple. “Is it bad?”
She tilts her head one way, then the other. “A little, yeah.”
“What if you told someone and I accidentally overheard?”
“I don’t know, Honey. Beau will be pissed if I upset you more.”
Glancing around, I realize we’re standing in the middle of the hall where anyone could overhear. I tug her into an alcove by the sports award displays. “I won’t be upset. I promise. Tell me.”
“Ugh, I’m so annoyed with myself right now. I tracked you down to give you a gift, not burden you.”
