Rural Romance

He stands there for a long second, and the reality of what’s happening settles in. At the end of the day he can’t truly stop me. He could, however, lay a major guilt trip on me. I know this is what I need because something is calling me, and it has been for a while. I can’t fight the pull any longer.

“What’s your plan?” he asks, still hedging his emotions.

“I’ve been saving all my tips from the diner. I’ve got a nice nest egg until I can find a job.” It was easy to save up since my brothers took care of most everything at home. I need to grow up at some point, and I’m sure they want to live their own lives soon enough. Maybe even get married and start families of their own.

“Where are you going to stay? And don’t say a hotel.”

“Of course not. Juno and I went and looked at places.” At the mention of Juno’s name, my brother stands up a little taller.

“Is she going with you?” I shake my head no, and his brow furrows. “How is that possible? You two are connected at the hip.”

“She loves it here, but she knows I have to do this.”

Juno grew up in the city with her parents. They were both high-profile lawyers, and when they were killed in a plane crash, she ended up here with her grandmother.

“So where are you staying then?”

“I rented a room from a girl named Avery.” I hold up my hand before he can say anything. “Yes, I did the whole background check. Everything came back clean, but I need a roommate to stay in a safer part of town. I’ll never be able to afford it on my own. And maybe we’ll hit it off and I’ll have a friend there.”

“There is no talking you out of this, is there?”

“No, but who knows, I might hate it and be back next month. Either way I have to do this. I’ve got to get it out of my system. I don’t want to stay working at the diner forever.”

“What about college?” he tries again, and I scrunch my nose.

“I suck at school and you know it.” I graduated from high school and my grades were pretty good, but I hated it. I had to fight hard to keep them up, and I knew college would be way harder. I don’t think college is for everyone, and I’m not going to blow thousands of dollars to come to that conclusion.

“I told you that you could work dispatch.” He can’t help himself.

“No way. I don’t want people's lives in my hands or trying to talk them through something scary until police get there. I’d be panicking right along with them.”

“I need all the information and I’m coming out there soon.” He walks over toward me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “I know I’m overbearing, but you’re my little sister, and I promised Dad I’d take care of you.”

“I know.” I fight back the tears, not wanting to cry as he kisses the top of my head. “Luca is going to lose his mind when he gets back home tomorrow.” I can feel him shaking his head. “I know, and that’s why I’m leaving today.”

“Let me help you get the rest of your stuff.”

With his help it isn't long until I get everything packed up. He gives me one last long hug and tells me to call him when I get there. As soon as he takes off for work, Juno is pulling in.

“Are you still going?” She hops down from her Jeep.

“Yep.”

A bright smile lights up her face. She’s always reminded me of a little pixie. I know she’s sad I’m leaving, but she’s going to hide it for my sake. “I’m going to miss you at the diner.”

“Me too.” It isn't that I hate the diner. It was always fun when we had shifts together, but I just need a change. More than anything, I need to be out from under my brothers.

“I’m going to come see you soon,” she promises, and then we hug for a long moment and just hold each other tight.

“You better. It’s only a couple of hours away.” I let her go, and it’s harder than I thought it was going to be.

“I sent you an audiobook for the road. It’s a good one.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me before turning and getting back into her Jeep. I stand there looking up at the only home I’ve ever known, wondering if I’m making a mistake.

But I suppose there’s only one way to find out. For all I know, my forever might be waiting for me.

Chapter Two

Bastian

“This is sexist bullshit.” My sister Selma comes into my office and tries to slam the door behind her, but it’s one of those quiet close doors and she huffs at it in frustration as she stands there waiting for it to shut.