Page 185 of Howlin’ For You

Because of Nick. Because of how reverently he touched me.

“I’ve talked with your father.” She glares at him until he snaps up and nods at me. “And he’s ready to fund the rest of medical school. It’s time for you to buckle down and plan for a real future. No more of this scampering about.”

“I have a real future,” I reply, standing from the table. “And it’s in Lunamois. I love that town, and I’ve received a full-time job offer to work for the mayor’s office. I’m going to take it.”

“I’ve never even heard of this town before!” She says, hands slapping onto her legs. “You’re going to hole up in the middle of nowhere for a job you could get anywhere?”

“It’s a beautiful place full of genuine people, and I wouldn’t want this job anywhere else.” The honesty with which I can say those words spurs me forward toward the door. “And it’s where I’m going. Permanently.”

I can hear my mother squawking at my father, but I don’t care.

I want to go home.

I’ll pick up the rest of my things from my apartment, break my lease, and then I’m done.

I’m going home to Lunamois.

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

ISABELLA

My car slows in front of Georgie’s house about five hours later. It took me a little longer to break my lease than I thought, and I hit a little evening traffic, but I’m here.

And I need to talk to Georgie. Apologize for taking my anger out on her. She’s the first true friend I’ve ever had, and I can’t let this get between us. I won’t.

She gave me her address once, but I haven’t been to her house before.

It’s a small two-story with a view of the water. It’s situated in its own secluded area, away from the residential streets, and is painted a soft yellow.

I step out of my car, hands flexing on the baking dish I got for her. It’s something I picked up from one of my temp jobs, but never had a use for. I want her to have it.

I always loved it, but I’m not a baker.

I make my way to the front door, walking up the ramp. I wonder if Nick made this for Georgie’s father. Is he so sick that he can barely walk anymore?

Why haven’t I asked more questions?

I knock twice, stepping back a little bit, nerves skittering along my skin. What if she’s upset with me? What if I went too far?

An older woman answers the door with a kind smile. “How can I help you, dear?”

“I’m looking for Georgie,” I say, voice wavering.

“I got it, Dolores!” Georgie’s voice escapes from inside. She steps into view, trading places with the woman who disappears back into the home.

“Hi,” I say softly, rooted to my spot on her front porch.

She quirks a side grin. “Hey.”

“I’m…” I take a deep breath. “I’m so sorry, Georgie. I should never have taken all my complicated feelings toward Nick out on you. His not telling me must have put you in such an awful place, and I couldn’t expect you to break his trust.”

She rolls her eyes before drawing me into a hug, smooshing the harsh edges of the baking dish into my belly. “You don’t need to apologize to me, idiot. I should’ve done a better job of pushing him and refusing to be put in the middle. I just…he’s had so much taken from him. I get why he was so scared to fully be vulnerable with you.”

I press my face into her shoulder before we pull back. “I have some actual questions. Do you have a minute?”

She nods. “Why don’t you come say hi to Dad, and then we can sit outside? And do whatever it is you’re going to do with that gorgeous baking dish.”

I thrust it into her arms, following her into the house. “It’s for you! It’s an ‘I’m sorry for being all up in my feelings’ present.”