Page 2 of In the Dark of the Past

“That’ll do, pig.”

A half-smile tugged at my lips. Finn used to hate it when I said that all the time.

And just like that, my mood shifted.

Finn fucking Callahan.

Thankfully, a knock sounded on the door before that asshole could ruin my whole day.

“Knock, knock.”

I looked up to see a tall, curvy redhead in perfectly fitted dark jeans and an off-the-shoulder peasant blouse grinning at me like a fool.

“Oh my God. Libby!” I didn’t even try to stop myself. I just crossed the room in three strides and wrapped her in a huge hug.

She laughed, the sound warm and familiar. “Now that’s a greeting.” She pulled back but kept her hands on my arms, holding me at full-inspection distance. “You look good, sweetie. I’m so happy to see you. And even happier you’re back in town.”

Libby had been my best friend in high school. We were practically fused at the hip. We’d shared every secret, every heartbreak, even a dorm room our freshman year of college. She was my voice of reason, my sounding board, my pull-no-punches ride-or-die.

And Finn took that from me, too.

I gave myself a mental shake. He didn’t get to take the joy of this reunion from me.

Libby was a spot of sunshine on a cloudy day, and knowing she was here made my unsure future feel just a little less unsteady.

“I look good? Have you seen yourself lately? Hubba-hubba, hot stuff.”

She fluffed her gorgeous red hair, popped a hip, and planted a hand on it, striking a pose. “Hit my goal weight about eight months ago and haven’t gained a pound. Best shape of my life, and I feel amazing.”

“Well, you look it, too. I’d do you.” I winked.

“Girl... I just might take you up on that. It’s been a loooong time.” She laughed.

“You and me both, sister,” I commiserated.

I turned back to the room and gestured around. “So, what do you think?”

“It looks amazing.” She ran a hand along the back of the loveseat before flopping onto one of the chairs and giving it a test bounce. “Great furniture, too. Monique nailed it.”

“She really did. I felt so bad sending her a million reference pics and expecting her to match my vision without me even being present, but she and Brendon crushed it. I swear, he’s got an eagle eye for finding just the right stuff at the right price. I need to send them a thank-you gift.”

“We just got some really cute candle and journal sets at the library. They’re up front for sale. You should stop by. I bet Monique would love one. And that place over on Random has some super cool jerky bouquets. Brendon loves a good cured meat. I mean, who doesn’t?”

We laughed, and she turned her gaze to the door at the back of the room.

“How’s the office?”

“I haven’t actually looked yet. Want to explore with me?”

“Hell yes, I do.”

She skipped over, linked her arm with mine, and dragged me through the door. I stopped short just across the threshold.

Libby turned to me instantly. “You okay, sweetie?”

My hand had ended up covering my mouth, and the tears in my eyes blurred everything. “Oh. It’s perfect,” I breathed.

“It really is the shit,” she said, walking straight to the cream-colored chaise and collapsing onto it like a queen. “Oh, yeah. I might have to sign up for weekly sessions just to chill on this thing.”