Page 1 of Chasing Home

PROLOGUE

JOHNNY

I’m late. It’s not much of a surprise, but with Bryce amongst the friends waiting for me at Peakside, I know I’ll hear about my tardiness regardless. My friend’s got an obsession with punctuality that borders on straight up crazy.

“Our impending doom is completely your fault,” I say, glancing across the truck at Darren.

The volunteer firefighter ignores me, his mind somewhere else tonight. Most likely on the messy status of his relationship with his daughter’s mother. It’s tricky territory.

“How are you doing?” I ask, softening my tone.

“I’m fine.”

It’s the most obvious lie I’ve ever heard. Who’s fine after watching their ex-wife drive off with the daughter they share custody of and a new man he’s hardly met? He needs a drink the most out of everyone we’re meeting at the bar.

“Well, I’m here if you want to talk.”

He tips his chin jerkily. “Thank you. Sorry you saw all that.”

“It’s not a big deal. I’m glad you weren’t alone.”

“I’m a grown man. I can handle my own shit,” he grunts.

His anger is a front for a deep feeling of hurt, so I don’t take offense to it. Fuck me, I’d be pissed with everyone and everything if I were in his shoes.

“I can drop you off somewhere else if you don’t want to go to Peakside,” I offer.

“If I don’t go, Poppy will know something’s up. It’s fine.”

“I’m sure your sister is well and truly distracted right now. And if not, I can make sure she doesn’t worry tonight. Tomorrow, I make no promises.”

Darren shifts his body to look at me now. His blank expression makes my chest pang, but I keep my concern to myself.

“Leave it. This isn’t the first time I’ve been in this position, and it won’t be the fucking last either if I know Sasha.”

“It still ain’t right, Darren. We’re all here for you. Anytime.”

“I know. I appreciate it. Now, don’t mention my sister being distracted again, you fucking dick. I hear enough about her and Garrison from our mother. Don’t need it from you too.”

I bark a laugh, offering a completely half-ass sympathetic smile. “You poor thing.”

“Fuck off.”

“Alright, alright. No more talking about your sister and my best friend. I’m sure they’re sitting at the table lookin’ pretty right now and nothing more,” I say, thickening the drawl in my voice.

His hand flies toward me at lightning speed, and I jerk the wheel to avoid being smacked upside the head. Thank fuck the road is empty and no deer decided to prance into my front bumper or through my windshield.

Darren acts tough, but he likes his sister’s boyfriend enough. Myself, on the other hand, I love the guy. Garrison Beckett isn’t my usual type’a friend, but he’s good people. You just have to push past his walls of steel to get to that ooey-gooey inside.

The rest of the drive to Peakside is spent in a comfortable silence, Darren not up for more talking about his ex or sister or much of anything. I don’t mind the silence, although I much prefer filling it. Talking is my thing, as outgoing as I am. The quiet bores me.

The moment I pull up outside the bar, Darren’s up and out of the truck before I’ve shifted it into park. He leaves me with a quick wave as he weaves around the few vehicles in the parking lot and ducks inside the building. His first stop will be at the bar. A tall glass of whiskey will be in his hand the moment I step inside.

Poor guy. He’s been through the goddamn wringer this past year.

I pull my truck keys from the ignition and step into the night. Once my boots hit the pavement, I reach up to bend the brim of my baseball cap and then readjust the buckle on my belt before chasing after Darren.

It’s been a scorching summer, and tonight, that June heat lingers, slipping its sweat-slicked fingers along the back of my neck. My farmer’s tan is atrocious. To the point I’ve been considering stripping my clothes off during the day just to try and tan my bright white ass and chest.

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