Page 45 of Promise Me Never

“Paul’s thinking about bringing some hogs back from Montana.” I change the subject artlessly.

“To raise for pork or as pets?”

“I think Jo wants some as pets.”

He shakes his head and laughs. “Because the sheep and goats aren’t enough. What’s next, llamas?”

“Don’t give her ideas.”

“Where do the hogs go?”

“That bit of open field by the orchard.” I walk over to the door and point in the direction.

“I guess that means we’ll be running fence over there the next few days, huh?”

“Paul hasn’t confirmed yet but yeah. I think we might as well do it. At the very least we could use it to swap around the goats when they eat too much grass.”

“But you and I both know she'll bring home at least a couple pigs,” Sam says.

Her love of animals is how High Point ended up with so many random creatures over the years. For a while they had an emu. She’s fostered countless dogs and cats, most of which ended up being foster fails. So, in the end, what’s a few more animals to feed?

Seventeen

ELI

* * *

After burning my breakfast because I was too busy watching Luke work this morning, I decided some space would be good. I have a bunch of apartment applications to fill out, so I’m setting myself up in the corner of the cutest little mountain coffee shop. Basin Beans is built like a little log cabin inside and out with a wraparound deck so you can sit outside and take in the mountains all around.

If I was just sitting with a book, I would be out there, but this is important paperwork. One of the baristas brings my latte and breakfast burrito over with a friendly smile. One bite in and I know I made the right decision. I could have gagged my eggs down, but this is so much better.

In between bites and sips, I slog through inputting the same bits of information over and over. Despite the tedious nature of the task, I’m excited to finally be living on my own. The thought of only seeing my parents on my terms sounds more and more appealing the older I get. Sometimes I even wonder if I’m a thought in their heads when I’m not right in front of them. I decide to emotionally torture myself and pick up my phone to text my mom.Just a quick hello and checking in, it’s been about a week since I’ve heard from either of them.

I set my phone aside, not knowing when she’ll respond. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, she could be out on a site right now. She likely has bad service if that’s the case.

The door to the coffee shop chimes just as I finish sending the last application, and I look up, happy to see Janey wave at me. She walks over to the counter and orders her drink. I close my laptop when she pulls the chair across from me and sits down.

“Hey, I didn’t realize you’d be here this morning.”

“Yeah, I burnt my breakfast this morning and decided to treat myself. Plus, I had some apartment applications to turn in.”

She makes an excited squeak. “Show me! I have a half hour until I need to be at the clinic.”

I pull everything up and let her go through the virtual tours while I talk about the locations they’re in. She looks at them wistfully and then sighs.

“Sometimes I wish I could just leave here and move to a big city.”

“Nurses are needed everywhere, aren’t they? What’s holding you back?”

A sad expression settles over her face. “Don’t ever tell Luke this, but I couldn’t leave him behind. First, he loses his wife, and then our mom dies. I don’t know if he could handle me leaving. Hell, I honestly don’t know if I could handle it myself.” She takes a drink of her coffee. “And Linda is here, she’s the closest thing to a mom we have now.”

“That makes sense. It was so nice of her to stay for you guys after you lost your mom.”

“She’s amazing.” Her eyes widen in the way they do before she gets an idea. “You should come with me this weekend to a family dinner.”

I search my mind for an excuse she'll accept. I don’t think Luke would like that. It would be too relationship-like. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.

“Please?” She puts her hands in the prayer position. “Plus, she was asking about you the other day. It’d be rude not to show up and let her know you’re doing well.”

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