Soaring with Fallon (Big Sky 4)

“Just before I left Chicago,” I reply. “So, almost six years. We talk regularly, but it’s not the same as seeing each other in person.”

“That’s a long time,” he murmurs, watching me.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I say.

“Like what?”

“Like I’m a lost puppy. I have friends. I’m not lonely. Between Claire and Penny, I’ve had plenty of companionship, and let’s be honest, since I moved here, I have more friends than I know what to do with.”

“And I’m glad,” he says, reaching out to drag his thumb over my cheek. “Because I know you’re okay with keeping people at a distance, but you can’t be an island, Fal. You need people, too.”

“I have people,” I assure him. “You’re right here. The rest is a bonus.”

“You’re sweet,” he says softly. “Do you want me to go to the airport with you?”

“No, you don’t have to. I know you’re busy, and you can meet her later in the day when we get home.”

“Okay.” He stands, ready to start his day.

“Have a good day, dear.”

He grins and lays a sloppy kiss on me. “You, too.”

* * * *

“You’re here!” I grin as Claire pulls me in for a big hug, rocking us back and forth. “It’s so good to see you.”

“It’s been forever,” she agrees. “What are we doing today?”

“I have a class in thirty minutes,” I reply as we walk toward the one and only baggage carousel in the airport. “So we’ll do that, and then I’ll show you around town a bit.”

“Cool.” She smiles. “I even went to a yoga class a couple times this week, just to practice.”

“Good for you.”

“That’s me.” She points to the leopard-print roller bag making its way to us, pulls it off the belt, and we walk out to the Jeep. “Will my stuff get stolen? Should we put the top on?”

“No,” I say with a smile, fastening my seatbelt. “It should be just fine.”

“I can’t believe how small that airport is.”

“I think they have plans to expand it,” I say as I pay the parking attendant and pull onto the highway. “We’re only ten minutes from town.”

“The mountains are crazy,” she says, looking around at the scenery. “The view from the plane was ridiculous.”

I smile, excited and proud to show my oldest friend my home. It doesn’t take long to get to downtown Cunningham Falls where my studio is.

“Where’s the rest of the town?”

“This is pretty much it.” I laugh as she looks up and down our tiny Main Street. “I left Chicago because I didn’t enjoy the city, remember? It’s safe here. Quiet. Fresh air.”

“Lots of fresh air,” she murmurs. “Is it safe to not breathe in smog?”

“You’re silly.”

I lead her up to the studio and pass a spare mat to her after she changes into a pair of yoga shorts.

Clients filter in, taking their places. Most of them say hi to Claire, who glances at me in surprise.

We’re not used to strangers talking to us just for the heck of it. Watching her out of her element is entertaining, to say the least.

“Okay, everyone, are we ready?”

“I am if you are,” Claire says. “Just go easy on me.”

* * * *

“That was actually really relaxing after the flight out here,” Claire admits as we drive to the house. She’s calmer, with her face tilted up toward the sunshine. “I do love the weather.”

“It’s been a great summer,” I agree with a nod.

“What’s the population here?”

“Around seven thousand, I think.”

She stares at me, surprised. “That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“Wow, you are in the sticks.”

There’s something about her attitude that’s different from how I remember her. Her energy is different. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but it’s throwing me off.

“I like the sticks.”

She shrugs, her blond hair blowing in the wind. It’s too short to put up, barely brushing her shoulders.

“Do you ride horses and everything?”

“So, are you going to talk shit about where I live the whole time you’re here? Because if so, tell me now so I can prepare myself.”

“Oh, don’t be so touchy. I’m just giving you a hard time.”

“I love it here,” I say firmly.

“I’m glad. Really.” She pats my shoulder, and I can hear the sincerity in her voice. “It is beautiful. Just so different from what I’m used to.”

“That’s why I love it,” I say with a sigh and pull into the driveway at the house. “Come on in. We’ll get you settled, and Noah should be home soon.”

“This is nice,” she says as she yanks her bag out of the backseat and follows me inside. “Like, really nice. It’s like something I’d see on that show with Chip and Joanna Gaines.”

“Right? I agree.” I quickly show her the main house, then lead her to the guest suite. “This is your space. There’s a private bathroom through there.”