Page 8 of Chasing Smoke

“Yeah, I’m just here to get a smoke alarm and some batteries for Collins. Hers malfunctioned.”

The three of them share a look.

“Surprised you’d even know about that,” Sam says.

I chuckle. “Believe me, no one was more surprised than me that she called me for help. Guess months and months of trying to wear her down finally worked.”

“How is she?” Jimmy’s voice holds that same sadness everyone’s does when they talk about Collins.

Of course she’s changed—everyone treats her like a grandmother’s china that already has frayed lines.

I shove my hands into the pockets of my jacket. “Hard to tell. She doesn’t say much.”

The three of them nod as though they expected that answer.

“Well, I’d better get going. You guys take care.” I start toward the building.

“Will we see you at poker on Saturday night?” Clyde asks.

I laugh and turn around, walking backward. “As much as I’d love to kick your ass per usual, I’m on shift early Sunday, so I’m going to have to pass.”

“Keep dreamin’, kid.” Clyde shakes his head.

I laugh harder and circle back around, opening the door of the hardware store.

Coming in here always feels like walking back in time. My uncle has owned Mercer Hardware since before he had to take in my siblings and me when I was nine. I spent a good part of my youth working here. All my siblings did, and not always by choice. Which is how I know exactly what aisle I need to go down.

I give Uncle Roy a wave at the counter, where he’s talking on his phone. Per usual, he’s wearing a band T-shirt, and today it’s a white BTS shirt. I’m not sure he’s listened to all the musicians he wears T-shirts for, though he swears he does, even though there’s no rhyme or reason to the genres.

By the time I grab what I need and make it back to the counter, Uncle Roy is off the phone. “How’s it going, kid?”

“It’s going. All set for Baylor’s party tomorrow?” I set the smoke alarm and batteries on the counter.

He blows out a breath and shakes his head. “Can’t believe she’s gonna be six.”

“It’s unreal how fast the time goes.” It feels like just yesterday that Elliott told me he was going to be a father.

“Wait until you’re my age. Trust me, by then it feels like the grains of sand are just pouring down to the bottom of the hourglass.” He tells me the total and puts the items into a paper bag.

“I’ll take your word for it.” I pay for it and pocket my wallet. “Elliott says that Emelia is really going overboard with the party. Still weird to see him coupled up. Good, but weird after so many years.”

My brother finally allowed a woman other than his daughter into his life, and I couldn’t be happier with his choice. Emelia fits in the Mercer family.

“You’re next.” He passes me the bag over the counter.

“C’mon, you know it’s gonna take a special kind of girl to keep up with me.”

“Maybe if you slowed down, you’d give one half a chance at catching you.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” I arch an eyebrow.

I have no doubt that I’ll settle down someday, but I’m not looking for it. Right now, I’m content to keep things casual.

He rolls his eyes. “What are you up to today? I’m assuming you’re off.”

“Gonna hit the trails with some of the guys. Looking forward to testing out my new sled.” I upgraded my snowmobile in the fall, and this afternoon will be my first time taking it out.

“Just be careful.”