Page 127 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

Thank God Quinn grabs her other hand, forcing her to stand.

Billie looks back at us. “I’m just going to go make sure Quinn doesn’t get a cone as big as his head.”

Eli winks at Quinn. “What if it’s only as big as a hockey puck?”

Quinn’s eyes go round; he loves hockey and he loves Eli Davis. Though who doesn’t? Well, other than Stew.

They disappear inside the barn and Tally bumps my shoulder. “You okay?”

“I’m not the one who just got mauled by my cow,” I mumble.

She rolls her eyes. “You know what I mean.”

I do. But I really don’t want to talk about it.

With a sigh, I say, “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure, because when I was struggling with Walker you were there for me and I’m—”

“But that’s the thing. Monty and I aren’t having problems. Because we aren’t real. It was all fake. He messed up with the signing today, yeah, but it’s not like he owed me anything.”

Tally rolls her eyes. “You’ve checked your phone approximately two hundred times today and every single time you do, you look like someone has kicked your puppy.”

“I don’t have a puppy.”

“Fine. Like someone ripped your favorite book.”

“Blasphemy!” I screech before lowering my voice. “I guess I got swept up in the pretending.”

“I don’t think Monty was pretending, Pen,” Tally offers. “And I know you weren’t.”

“Doesn’t change the fact it’s over. We’re not like you and Walker.” I blow out a breath. “You guys are made for each other. You have a perfect relationship.”

“Just because we’re perfect for each other doesn’t mean everything is always perfect,” she says before her tone turns stern. “I’m pretty sure a wise sister once told me that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth it.”

I scoff. “Your sister sounds dumb.”

Tally leans her head on my shoulder. “No. She’s the smartest, best big sister that ever existed.”

I smile and rest my head on hers. “And she’s got the kindest, best little sister in the world.”

We sit there in silence, watching as the orange hues of the late afternoon sky melt into a deep burgundy bloom.

“For what it’s worth, Pen, I think Monty loves you, too.”

She might be the best little sister in the world, but when it comes to this, she’s wrong.

***

I’ve just stepped into the kitchen after washing my face and getting ready for bed when I hear a noise near the window. I don’t see anything, so I shake my head and grab a glass to fill up with water.

I’m exhausted. This has been one of the longest weekends of my life and I plan on tucking myself into bed, even if it’s only eight, and starting fresh tomorrow.

That is, until another noise has me stomping toward the window. Maybe one of the ghosts from the trees is snapping against the building. I undo the latch on the window and slip it open, poking my head out right as something flies by my face, nearly hitting me in the eye.

“Shit! Fuck, I’m sorry!” I hear a voice call from below. I pick up the small pebble near my feet and then glance out the window again, spotting Monty down on the street.

“You okay?” he calls.