Page 9 of The Long Way Found

“Luke, he ghosted you. Nothing for ages, and now he touches your neck once, and you’re like⁠—"

"Mara."

She studied him. "You're not angry?"

"No. I'm not." Luke looked toward the window, where Jack's taillights had vanished. "I was for a long time, but that was twenty-four years ago. We're different people now."

Aren’t we? he thought.

CHAPTER 4

JACK

Jack woke at six, showered, and dressed for the meeting with purpose.

Downstairs, he had time for coffee, breakfast, and the news headlines on his phone. The weather forecast called for possible snow flurries tonight, but this morning was clear. Most of yesterday's snow was already gone, and it was shaping up to be a beautiful day.

He drove through the short mountain pass, reviewing what he knew about the job opportunity. This morning's interview was essentially a formality, but you could never be sure. He wanted to assess them as much as they wanted to assess him, because, he thought, for what was surely the one millionth time in his life, the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

Twenty-four years ago, he'd left Luke behind without looking back. But in the past few years, especially since his divorce from Anna, Luke had been on his mind more and more. Now it was part of what was sending him back to Calder Ridge, even if he wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted.

He needed to see it through before he could move on to whatever came next. Maybe it would bring a tidier, happier ending to their story. Maybe forgiveness and perspective. Maybe, he realized after touching those impossibly soft curls on the porch last night, something more. Though he didn't dare name it.

He focused on the road.

By the time Jack returned to town, it was noon, and he was ready for lunch. He drove to Mara's café and texted Luke.

"Interview went well. Looking forward to telling you about it."

"That's awesome! Still on campus?"

Mara appeared with a menu, coffee pot, and ceramic mug.

"No, at Mara's café," Jack texted.

A text arrived: "Get out! I was heading there myself."

Jack smiled and typed: "We're waiting for you."

He looked up at Mara. "Morning. Last night was nice."

"Mom enjoyed it," Mara said, pouring his coffee. "And it seemed Luke did too, from the way he was beaming when he came back inside after you left."

Jack didn't take the bait.

"Good coffee," he said after another sip. "Luke's on his way. I'll wait to order, if that's okay."

Someone in the kitchen called her name. Mara started to go, then turned back.

"He's really got himself together now, Jack. And he's, like, my favorite person on earth."

"Mara—”

"You're a grown-ass man. So is he. We're not kids anymore. We can't get away with shit like we used to. Got me?"

"Yes, ma'am."

She disappeared behind the swinging doors.