Page 30 of Rain or Shine

Down the street, someone curses, and I glance to see East jumping around like something landed on his foot.

Dad follows my gaze, arms crossed beside me. “Quite the splash those four are making. And they’ve been spending plenty of time at Ransack.”

“They’re bikers, and Ransack is the only real bar in town. Where else would they hang out?”

“I think it’s good.”

My eyebrows pinch. “Good how? Everyone else is counting down the days until they finally give up on this place and leave.”

He waves a hand, shooing away that suggestion. “Nah, it’s better if they stick around. We could use a little shake-up in Lanceleaf. Those guys are bringing balance back to this place. People have gotten a little too comfortable with how easily they’ve risen to the top.”

I don’t disagree, but I’m surprised to hear it from my dad. He’s friends with most of the ranchers who make up the city council. I figured he’d be on their side about Shane and his friends.

“Speaking of heavy hitters.” Dad’s lips purse. “I heard Zander dropped by the bar to see you last week.”

“Let me guess, Will told you? There are no secrets in this family.” I rub the back of my neck, angrier the longer I’ve thought about Zander’s visit.

I don’t appreciate his threats. More so, I don’t appreciate how he touched me. If he thinks I owe him something just because we’ve known each other since we were kids and he’s helped me out on occasion, then he’s dead wrong.

“Will’s not one to spread rumors. You know that. Your brother is just looking out for you,” Dad says.

“There’s a fine line between being protective and being overbearing.” I roll my eyes. “But don’t worry, I dealt with Zander.”

“Hope you told him where he could stick it. You really dodged a bullet with that one.”

I pause. “You’re not angry I called off the wedding?”

It’s been over a month since I walked out on my wedding, but Dad and I haven’t broached the subject. I’ve been too scared to bring it up. Between the rumors and side-eyes all over town, the last thing I want is my father’s disappointment piled on top. But searching his gaze now, I find nothing but understanding.

“Angry?” He laughs like the suggestion is the most ridiculous thing in the world. “Why would I be angry? You’re a grown woman capable of making your own decisions. If you don’t want to be with Zander, then don’t be. Are you happy?”

Am I?

I’m sure on the outside I seem happy, always smiling and burying this constant fear that I’m going to fail my family again. But am I happy somewhere beneath?

“I’m working on it,” I decide. “I will be.”

“Then that’s all that matters.” Dad leans in, kissing the top of my head. “I’m going to help Elsie prep for tonight. Let me know if you want me to call one of your brothers to help with this mess.”

“I’ve got it handled.” I roll my eyes as Dad heads into the bar, and I yell after him, “Don’t call them.”

He chuckles, leaving me to it.

I’m about to get back to scrubbing when Ruby whistles. “Incoming.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I spot Shane headed this way. His hair is a mess like he’s been running his fingers through it all afternoon. The sun is blistering, but as usual, he’s wearing that leather vest—or cut—I think I’ve heard them call it, and the tightest black T-shirt underneath.

For a second, I think he’s going to turn and go to the diner across the street. He eats there at least a few times a week. But he heads straight for me, frowning when he spots the graffiti.

This is what I get for standing outside on Main Street.

Shop owners linger; people pass through. Rumors spread like wildfire, and you can’t avoid anything or anyone.

“What happened?” Shane stops a few feet away, frowning at the neon art on the window.

The stubble on his jaw is a little thicker today, adding an edge to his already strong features. When he drags his fingers through his hair, his tattoos on his forearm flex. The fangs on the back of his hand are a contradiction to the two sparrows on the back of the other.

“Hello to you too, Shane.” I smile big.