Page 68 of Broken Trust
He smiles. “I think I can handle the rest of the afternoon.”
An afternoon to relax does sound nice.
“What if something happens?” I ask.
“I’ll text you.”
“What if something major happens?”
“I’ll call you.”
“What if—”
“Jovie,” he interrupts. His expression reads he’s not to be argued with as he points toward the door. “Get out.”
I save my notes and stand. “You’re sure?”
“Positive.”
That gets me moving. I shut down my computer and gather my things.
Ten minutes later, I’m heading toward my cabin with plans for absolutely nothing but my back deck and sunshine.
The thought alone makes me happy.
After spending most of the week inside fluorescent-lit rooms, fresh air sounds like heaven.
As I’m walking down the cabin row, I hear someone call my name. “Jovie?”
I turn and instantly smile. “Harleigh.”
Harleigh Storm is crossing the gravel path toward me, carrying a tote bag and an iced tea. We haven’t seen much of each other since I arrived, both busy with our responsibilities, but we spent plenty of time together growing up.
Not best-friend close.
But close enough.
She, Cabe, and I went to school together. We shared classes and played all summer. We kinda lost contact after high school. But we’re the kind of friends where years can pass, and we still pick up right where we left off.
She pulls me into a quick hug.
“Look at you,” she says. “Surviving the rowdy rodeo hopefuls?”
“Barely.”
She laughs. “That bad?”
“Ask me how many charts I’ve completed this week.”
“I’m scared to know. I remember how fearless Axle and Royce were at those ages.”
Her eyes fall to my bag. “Where are you headed?” she asks.
I shrug. “Honestly? Nowhere. It’s been a slow morning, so Seth kicked me out early.”
“Nice.”
“Yeah. I was thinking about finding somewhere sunny and quiet to read.”
