Page 104 of Rescued
“Hunter and Theo are really nice,” I say, hoping he’s just worried about making a good first impression. “They really want to meet you.”
Salem makes a noise that sounds almost like a scoff. “I don’t care.”
“Salem,” Arlo admonishes, turning in his seat to glance at Salem.
“What?” he says. “I don’t. Cool that they wanna meet us, I guess, but why does it even matter?”
Arlo glances at me like he’s not sure what to do, before looking into the back seat again.
“Theo and Hunter are good people. You will be nice and respectful,” Arlo says, his voice calm and low, but firm.
“I’ll be nice,” Nora says.
“Of course you will. Perfect little Nora,” Salem says, voice dripping with sarcasm.
What in the hell is happening?
“Salem,” Arlo says again, more warning in his voice this time. “Quit it.”
The entire truck shifts as Salem slumps into his seat without another word. Arlo watches him for a second, and when I look inthe rearview mirror, Salem’s got his arms folded over his chest and his head turned, eyes trained out the window.
The rest of the drive is silent and tense, and when we finally pull into Hunter’s driveway, Arlo sighs in what sounds like relief.
They’re already on the porch, and when Theo sees us, he waves. He’s even newer to town than Arlo is, but he seems to be settling in with no issues. Austin and Luca have nothing but nice things to say about him, and anytime we’ve interacted, he’s been great.
I’ve known Hunter since he was knee-high to a grasshopper, and it’s been strange integrating him into our friend group. Which, I guess, it shouldn’t be. I became friends with Austin by working together at the fire station. It’s a different type of vibe than just meeting people on the streets or through mutual friends, but things with Hunter are surprisingly easy.
Until Theo came along, I was the oldest person in our little group by far. I’m still the oldest, but at least in his early thirties, he’s closer.
I almost laugh to myself when I think about how I was so worried about my age gap with Arlo, and it ended up not even mattering. I thought for sure I wasn’t allowed to love him. For many reasons, of course, but the fourteen years between us were at the top of the list. Arlo is more mature than I am most days. And it makes sense, given that he’s been taking care of himself and two kids his entire life.
I’d fight the devil himself if someone tried to take him from me now.
Theo and Hunter make their way over to the truck as we all start getting out. Nora is excited—of course she is—but Salem still has his arms crossed, looking every bit the sullen teenager, complete with his dark hair half covering his face.
But when Theo and Hunter introduce themselves, he nods and tells them his name. Even gives them a small smile.
Arlo’s shoulders slump in relief.
Theo kneels in front of Nora. “Do you wanna go see the baby goats I brought home the other day?”
Nora’s eyes go wide. “That’s a thing? You can just… bring goats home?”
“Don’t get any ideas,” Arlo says.
She rolls her eyes. “I can’t just put one in my pocket.”
“Can I go too?” Salem asks, looking anywhere but at Theo and Hunter.
One thing I can say for Hunter after working on a few calls with him is that he’s good with people. He just has something about him that feels safe.
That’s evident in the way he smiles at Salem. “Course. Arlo told us you’re interested in the horses. Wanna meet Molls and Lucky?”
Salem’s eyes light up, his arms falling from their folded position to his sides. “Really?”
“Yep. Molls loves meeting new people.”
“We’ll start with the horses, then?” Arlo asks.
