Page 61 of Now and Then

Mrs. Bradley: You won’t be in the way. My sister fell and broke her leg. I’m headed to Buckeye tomorrow to help her out. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone. There will be plenty of space.

Me: I’m sorry to hear that. Thanks again, Mrs. B.

I stare at the screen for a second longer than I should. A smile spreads across my face.

I’m done giving Sutton room to run.

Steaks sizzle on the grill, the smell making my stomach grumble. I haven’t eaten since this morning, when I had a breakfast burrito warmed on a truck engine.

I spent most of the afternoon at the house, trying to make heads or tails of the work being done. The floors were indeed sanded down to perfection and ready for a new coat of stain, but every surface and corner was covered in sawdust.

Around three, I arrived at Sutton’s house, then promptly passed out in Luke’s old room for three hours. His room being directly across the hall from Sutton’s is merely a perk.

Suddenly, my phone pings with a text from her.

Sutton: Want to meet up for dinner?

Sutton: I haven’t eaten since a protein bar at nine.

Sutton: And my hangriness is kicking in.

Sutton: We could go to Grill House?

I swear, she never remembers to eat. At least now I can make sure she eats dinner. Granted, I haven’t told her about my new sleeping arrangements.

Me: I’m actually cooking dinner already.

Sutton: Oh, okay.

With only two words, I can picture her look of dejection.

Sutton: Well, have a good night.

Another smile spreads across my face. She has no idea.

I toss my phone on the patio table and readjust my hoodie, pulling my beanie down over my ears. It might be cold, but that’s never stopped me from grilling. I’m pretty sure Adam has a photo of me grilling burgers with a snowsuit on in two feet of snow.

I’m just finishing the steaks when Sutton’s muffled voice calls from the garage entry. “Hunter?”

I turn and spot her through the French doors. She walks into the kitchen and tosses her bag onto a chair at the island. Even in the cold, she looks like she’s walked off the pages of Vogue, sporting brown velvet pants, a cream sweater, and stilettos. Her hair is pulled back, but a few loose pieces curl around her ears.

I open the door and yell, “I’m out here.”

When she looks up and meets my gaze, my heart skips a beat at the smile she gives me.

“What are you doing here?” She toes her heels off and picks them up.

“I texted you. I told you I was already cooking dinner.”

“I think you left out a key piece of information.”

“Did I?”

Sutton rolls her eyes, but I can tell she is happy to see me.

“Your mom said I could stay here until the house is more habitable.” I let the door close, then remove the steaks from the grill. When I head inside, she’s pouring a glass of water.

“Like stay stay here?”