Soaring with Fallon (Big Sky 4)

“No,” I say while nodding slowly. “It’s not common. Where have you been living?”

“San Diego,” she replies. “For about a year or so, I guess. I met a nice man there. But, it was time to move on. You know how that is.”

I know exactly how it is, and it suddenly hits me that I’m more like the woman who birthed me than I thought.

“What are you going to do while you’re in town?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Well, I was hoping to spend all my time with you.”

I sigh. “Lacey, I have a business to run. I can’t really take time off to be with you all day. But there’s a lot to do around here. I’m sure you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Where are you staying?”

She frowns. She expected to stay with me.

“I know of a vacation rental that just came open,” I say before she asks if she can stay here. It may be heartless of me, but I don’t want her to stay with me. “My friend owns it.”

“Oh, that would work,” Lacey says with a nod. “I’ll get her number from you.”

“Sure.” I break the seal on the water Noah gave me and take a long drink. “How did you find me out here?”

“It’s a small town, and like I said, you have an unusual name. I asked around and—”

“And it’s not a secret where I am,” I finish for her. “I haven’t changed my phone number.”

“I lost it,” she admits. “I changed phones a couple years ago and lost all the contacts in it.”

“Well, I’ll give it to you again.”

I feel so disconnected from her. She’s a complete stranger to me. I’m not mad. I’m a little annoyed that she didn’t call first, but I’m not angry. I don’t feel much when it comes to her, and I wonder if that should make me sad.

“You know, if you don’t want me here, I can just go.”

She stands in a huff, and I stand with her but put my hand on her arm, stopping her.

“I’m surprised, that’s all,” I say, softening the tone of my voice. “And I had a long day. Why don’t we make some dinner, and I’ll call Jenna to see if she’s rented out her rental?”

Lacey smiles, and it’s like looking into a mirror twenty-years from now. “That would be nice. I can help cook.”

“Okay.” I lead her inside, and she smiles as she checks out Noah’s house.

“You have a beautiful home,” she begins, and part of me wonders if she’s going to try to hit me up for money. She never has before, but I know she used to ask Grandma for money when she turned up.

I hope—desperately hope—that’s not what this is.

“It’s actually Noah’s house,” I reply as I set my stuff aside and lead her into the kitchen. “I moved in a couple weeks ago when the house I was renting flooded.”

“What does Noah do for a living?” I glance over at her, and she holds up her hands in surrender. “I’m honestly just trying to make conversation, that’s all.”

“He owns the Spread Your Wings wild bird sanctuary,” I reply. “He’s a zoologist.”

“Cool. I can’t say I’ve ever met a zoologist before.”

“Me either.” I survey the fridge. “Looks like chicken Caesar salads for dinner.”

“Perfect for summer,” Lacey says with a smile. “I’ll chop while you cook the chicken.”

I’m shocked that the next half hour goes as smoothly as it does. We don’t talk much, but it’s not awkward, either.

Just when I’m about to pull the chicken off the grill, Noah walks in.

“We’re having chicken Caesars for dinner,” I inform him before he pulls me in for a hug. Damn, it feels good. I needed this.

“Sounds great,” he says. “I’ll go wash up.”

“He’s so handsome,” Lacey says when Noah leaves the room. “You snagged a hottie, Fallon.”

“He’s more than a hottie,” I say with a smile. “But, yes, he’s easy on the eyes.”

We set the table and sit to eat.

“How long are you in town for, Lacey?” Noah asks when he returns.

“Well, Fallon called her friend Jenna while we were cooking, and it sounds like the rental is available for three nights, so I’ll be here until Friday.”

“Nice,” he says with a nod. “Summers are great in this area.”

“I’m sure I’ll find things to occupy my time,” she agrees and looks over at me. “Maybe I can even talk my daughter into having lunch with me.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged,” I mumble and take my plate to the sink. Lacey and Noah help me clean up, but it’s quick. Finally, Lacey loops her handbag over her shoulder and walks to the door.

“I told Jenna I’d meet her in about thirty minutes, so I’d better go.” She watches me with sad eyes and finally reaches out to hug me. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”