Page 2 of Something Like Sunflowers

It’s kissing a boy in a truck, and the only lights aren’t made of chandeliers or cameras flashing in your face, but the lights from stars.

Stars so bright they burned out centuries ago, but never stopped showing their fire.

I huff a breath that blows my bangs away from my forehead.

Maybe I’m homesick.

But that isn’t completely true, either. As much as I miss those things, I don’t miss home. Things are always off with Mom. We split ways so long ago it never seems genuine when we try to reconnect. We weren’t exactly on great terms before I left.

And it’s not like I can talk about Dad.

It’s always nice to see Shana, but everyone else…they made it clear there’s no place for me in their circle years ago. Shana can say it’s not like that all she wants, but it is. And it has been since I left home.

That’s not my friend group anymore. That’s not my home.

Even if I do miss it.

Honestly, I don’t belong anywhere right now.

But that is exactly why Classy Country is the perfect next step for me. They aren’t just a business; they’re a family. A sisterhood. They go on retreats and team building vacations, and I mean huge gatherings of women empowering women to achieve their goals. The outreach influencer will oversee everything from social media promotions to community fundraisers. It feels like I’ve finally found something that combines my business and communications degree with my grass roots and the things I value. I’ll meet like-minded individuals who want to succeed in their careers and form friendships.

And when I remember those things, my insecurities about quitting the station fade away.

This position is mine. And let’s hope I’m right, because I’ve got a sudden taste for some Condora Suede Stilettos right about now.

Chapter 2

Hunter

Twenty Minutes Earlier

Yeah, sure as shit, that was Devyn.

Did she recognize me?

I can’t seem to shake the feeling that she didn’t. I shouldn’t give two shits what the Farmhouse Barbie Doll thinks about me, anyway. And I don’t.

She made her choice long ago. As did I.

My chest burns, memories ripping from within my heart with just one look at her eyes. There was a time in my life when I had different ideas about my best friend’s little sister.

There was a time when we were different. But everything can change in one single breath.

I thought she’d be better off in the city. With fame and stability. Away from people like me.

But the way she is now? She’s either faking it for her image, or she’s gone completely. Because the Devyn I see on the television each night, the one in the Internet photos I swear I won’t search…she isn’t the girl I knew. And that’s the same one I just saw on the street, glued to her phone, taking selfies, fixing her hair in her camera. Wearing that dress.

Why the hell she thinks she’s allowed to walk the streets of the city wearing a hot pink loincloth is beyond me, but there’s a strict brother’s best friend code that I’m going to have to abide by, or so I tell myself as I snap a quick picture of her and send it to Dusty.

HUNTER: What the fuck is Dev wearing?

DUSTY: Where are you?

HUNTER: On a corner. In the city.

DUSTY: What is she doing wearing THAT?

HUNTER: Dunno, but I wouldn’t want MY sister wearing things like that in front of guys like me.

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