Page 3 of Vaughn

"They putting you on call?" Boone asks. "I saw the weather report. Looks like it could get back to the north, and even here."

"Looks like it." I sigh heavily. I'm tired, but more than anything I'm tired of pretending that everything is exactly how I want it, when it's not. "Until I get that certificate, I'll be working as many hours as I can."

"I don't envy you, but I'm thankful for you."

"You'll be even more thankful for me when I hire you to build my dream home." I wink, taking another drink of my beer. It's what I've been saving for, and why I decided to get my associates instead of a four-year degree. When I saw the opportunity to get paid by going to work, I did it. My goal is to retire early and live out the remaining years of my life in a much better way than my parents have.

"You sign the contract? I'll make it happen, Vaughn. Make no mistake about it."

I focus on the fire, and think about what I want my life to be like. Before I knew Val, I didn't have a woman beside me in any of those daydreams. I do now, and one day, I just know they're all gonna come true.

CHAPTER THREE

Val

I'm thankful for the days that have turned longer, even if it means they're hot and steamy. Not being able to drive wasn't an issue when I lived with my family, there was always someone to take me places. I try not to focus on the fact that they were another gender, and they were allowed to get a license because they had a penis between their legs. Brothers and cousins younger than me, my father, my grandfather, and uncles. They held it over my head and used it to control me.

All of that is the reason I'm thankful for longer days. They allow me to walk to the grocery store after work, and I don't have to hurry back before dark. We closed Get Baked an hour ago; I came upstairs, took a shower, changed my clothes, and now I'm checking to make sure I have everything I need. Sunglasses, my cell phone, my earbuds so that I can listen to a podcast while walking there and back, my list, the envelope with my grocery budget in it, and a fold-able cart I'll use to transport everything once I'm done. Putting my hair in a ponytail, I slip my feet into shoes, grab my stuff, and head out from my second-floor apartment.

It may not be much to anyone else, but this life I have? To me it's freedom.

I'm deeply into one of my favorite female music stars telling me about howif your significant other wanted to be there, they would, when a honk causes me to turn my head to the side. It's Vaughn, in his big truck, waving at me. I quickly turn my podcast down, and tilt my head at him, giving him my full attention. "Where ya headed?"

"To the grocery store." I point at my cart. "I have a few things I need to get."

He nods. "That's where I'm headed too. Would you like a ride?"

Remembering that this man isn't offering something because he respects something in return is hard. I go back and forth on whether I want to accept the kindness he's offering, or if I want to be independent like I have been since I moved into my small apartment. Listing the pros and cons in my mind, I'm just not sure what the right answer is, and I guess I take too long.

"You don't have to if you don't want to, Val. This is completely your decision. I understand if you don't feel comfortable."

His concern tightens both my throat and my chest. Out of everyone I've met since I came to live over Get Baked, Vaughn is the one who's equally the most closed off, and the one who doesn't pressure me into making decisions when I'm struggling. Because of this, I nod decisively. "No, I'll go with you. Thank you for the offer."

He puts the flashers on, and hops out, walking over to my side. "Let me put this in the back for you." It's the little cart I take with me, the one that ensures I can get the groceries home without asking for help. Letting go of it is both symbolic and necessary.

"Thank you." I say again as he lifts it over the edge of the bed of the truck, and secures it.

"No problem. It's fuckin' hot, and if we're both headed in the same direction, there's no reason we can't ride together. Besides, I kinda hate grocery shopping on my own." He gives me a tilted smile.

I love it. "I like it. For a lot of years it was a source of anxiety, but now it's become a comfort."

His dark eyes squint, as if he can't see clearly. "You're gonna have to explain that one to me. I'm not sure I understand."

I step up onto the running board, having a seat against the warm leather, while he shuts the passenger side door. Waiting for him to jog around the side, I think about how much I want to tell him. I also think about how hard it'll be for him to understand the life I came from. No one I've ever tried to explain it to has understood. It's to the point where I don't try anymore, but now that I've separated from my family, there are a lot of others who don't understand it at all. I've wanted to explain it, but I don't know how. "I don't even know where to begin." My voice cracks and I shrug to hold the emotions in.

"Why don't you start with why you came to Broken Falls? The rumor is you're on the run?" He grins, his eyes glowing. He's teasing, and I'm thankful that I can recognize that.

"Doeson the runmean I've committed a crime?" I'm truthfully asking, because I don't know.

He looks over, eyebrows furrowed together. "Yeah. Do you really not know that?"

I shake my head, looking out the window. "There are a lot of secular things I'm unaware of."

His thumbs drum a beat on the steering wheel. "Can I ask you a question, Val?"

"You just did." It's easier for me to deflect. That makes him laugh.

"Look at you, you've got jokes. Truthfully, why are you here in Broken Falls?"

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