Page 12 of Mountain Reclaiming

“You’d always have me and the kids, and there will be other jobs if it didn’t work out between the two of you. But I really think you’re worrying for nothing. That man is head over heels for you. What about remote work? There’s gotta be something you can do in your field remotely? Heck, you could even negotiate remote work with this offer.”

I sigh. “That’s highly doubtful. I’ve been to their offices. No one works remotely.”

“Well, you never know if you don’t ask. Just think about it. That’s all I’m going to say. Being your sister, I know you’re going to argue with whatever I say right now.”

“Maybe,” I reply to appease her.

“I’m off to work.” She hugs me before slinging her red tote over her shoulder and heading out.

“Auntie Ash, can we have pancakes for breakfast?” Heidi staggers into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes.

“Absolutely. With blueberries?”

That wakes her right up as her head bobs up and down rapidly. She pulls out the stool from beside the refrigerator and washes her hands so she can help me. I work with her on autopilot as I contemplate the decision that will shape my future. The whole time, I wish Cash had never said anything about us being temporary.

Chapter Ten

Cash

I wander aimlessly up and down the aisles in the grocery store. My fridge and cupboards are in desperate need of provisions, but I can’t for the life of me figure out what I need. I stop periodically, tossing items into my cart, not really paying attention.

My mind is consumed with thoughts of Ash—as it has been since she suddenly appeared back in my life. Only now, the joy and lust I’ve been filled with are replaced with longing and apprehension, because the woman who I no longer want to live without has been ghosting me the last few days. Every time I try to see her, she has other plans or is busy doing things for her sister.

“Wow, what are you planning on making, Cash? I’ll do you a favor and tell you Ash absolutely does not like sardines. Just FYI if you were thinking about cooking something for her with all that.”

I glance down at my cart with a frown to find I do indeed have sardines in there, along with peanut butter, kale, sugar, and lasagna noodles.

My hand goes to the back of my neck and squeezes. “Guess I wasn’t really paying attention. Haven’t really heard much from Ash lately.”

Paisley’s lips tip up, her eyes bright. “Yeah, she has been pretty busy hammering out all the details of her new job. I’m so excited for her. She’s finally going to have everything she deserves.”

My stomach drops to my toes with her announcement. My esophagus burns from the acidity of the bile rising in my throat. Now I know why Ash has been avoiding me.

“Oh, she hadn’t told me.”

“I’m sure she just wanted to make sure everything was in place before she did. Well, I gotta run. Kids to pick up and all. See you around.” She bounces down the aisle as if she didn’t just shatter my heart.

I’m not sure how long I stand there staring after her.

The trance is finally broken when an older woman with glasses says, “Excuse me.”

“Sorry,” I mutter, shoving my cart out of the way so she can reach for a box of pasta on the shelf behind me.

I wheel the cart to the front of the store next to the checkout, where I leave it with an apology to the clerk. “I’m sorry. I gotta go.”

My movements are stiff as if I’m made of wood and not flesh and bone, climbing into my truck. I sit there debating where to go before finally heading home. Once there I go directly inside, pull down a bottle of Jack from the cupboard above the fridge, and proceed to drink my dinner.

I’m pleasantly buzzed, staring blankly at the wall, imagining my life without Ash in it. The TV is on, but I have no idea what show is playing. The knock on the door has me stumbling to answer it, even though I’m not in the mood to see anyone.

My chest clenches when I pull open the door and find Ash looking more beautiful than ever in a light blue flowered sundress with a jean jacket over the top and no crutches. I struggle to draw a full breath at the sight of her but try to paste on a happy face.

“Ash, long time no see! Heard you got a new job! Congratulations! Bet you’re excited to be getting back to the big city!” I crow, holding the door frame for support.

Her lips turn down, and her brows pinch. “Why are you yelling? Are you drunk?”

“Pfff, no. Just so happy for you and your new job. Your new job in Ccchiiicago.”

Her eyes narrow. “Well, you’ve obviously been drinking, but why do you think my job is in Chicago?”