Page 13 of The Darkest Parts of Me

“Nice to meet you, Tova.” They exchange friendly smiles.

“I see you’ve already met my daughter.”

My cheeks burn.

“Yes. Just a few moments ago,” he replies, eyeing me.

“Did you need help, Mom?” I say, cutting in before she can respond, because I get the feeling my mother is about to embarrass me further. “I can come back with you to the cabin if you need me.”

My mom’s head sways. “Oh, no, I’m good. I did, however, discover that the sink in the kitchen is leaking, so I need to stop by the hardware store.”

“I can take a look if you need me to,” Renn says cooly.

“Oh, no. We can figure it out. No need—” I start to say, but Mina interrupts.

“We can vouch for Renn. He’s a good one to have around.”

“No. I can fix it,” I say, and Tasha looks at me skeptically.

“Have you fixed a leaky sink before?”

“Well, no, but . . .”

“Don’t you remember how small towns work, Mave? We help each other. You know we’re a close-knit community.”

The way she says “community” makes me roll my eyes. Tasha is still laying it on thick for catching me spying on Renn. He hasn’t moved during this exchange, but he seems to be enjoying the conversation unfolding in front of him, and gives me a look that suggests he’s used to Mina and Tasha’s theatrics.

“Don’t let them guilt you into helping,” I tell him, glaring at Tasha and Mina.

He chuckles lightly, a deep vibrato I can practically feel vibrating through my body. “Tasha’s right. That’s what we do.”

I shake my head at him but can’t help but smile. Not only is he good-looking, he’s charming and helpful, too.

Tasha wraps an arm around my shoulder. “Welcome back to Solitude Ridge, Mave.”

Everyone laughs, except for me because I’m too busy staring Tasha down. I guess if I’m going to be living the small town life permanently, I need to accept everything that comes along with it. I forgot how different this place really is sometimes. The genuine care of checking in on your neighbors and supporting each other is not common elsewhere these days.

“I was planning on taking the books to Greenhaven, but I could come by afterwards. It’s about a two hour trip there and back,” Renn says, looking at my mom.

“Oh, of course. No rush! Thank you for the offer.” Her eyes crinkle from her grin. “Well then, I guess I’ll be seeing you two later,” my mom adds with a quick look between Renn and me—a look I do not like. Then, she’s heading out the door.

“Bye, Mom!” I call quickly before the door closes.

Mina sighs and claps her hands. “So, Renn, the boxes are over here.”

“Lead the way.” He moves to follow her, and just when I think he will leave without saying anything else, he stops and turns to me. “It was nice to meet you and your mom, Maven, truly.” His green eyes peer down at me, the color so cool, yet they hold so much warmth. “See you later?” I’m stunned by the genuineness in his voice.

“You too, and yeah, I guess I’ll see you later,” I say nervously. He gives a curt nod, then follows Mina. I wait until they’re out of sight then turn to Tasha, hitting her arm.

She mouths, Ow at me.

“Care to explain why you left that out of your updates last night?” I bite, tossing my thumb in the direction of where Renn disappeared.

Tasha’s grin is full of mischief. “That whole exchange was worth leaving it out, but since I’m feeling bad now . . .” I glare at her again, playfully this time. “Where would you like me to start?”

“How about from the beginning!”

She giggles. “Hmm, okay. Well, as you saw, he is insanely handsome.”

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