Page 10 of Doc's Decision

For a few hours, I can forget about the ghosts of my past and the uncertain future that lies ahead.

Right now, at this moment, life is good.

And I’ll hold onto that feeling for as long as I can.

Harlow’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts, “I still can’t believe Mama helped us get out of that shithole town. If it wasn’t for her . . .” She shakes her head, emotion flickering across her face.

“We’d probably be stuck there, popping out babies and waiting tables at the diner,” I finish her sentence, the memories rushing back.

Harlow’s mom was a fucking saint, always looking out for us, even when her own life was falling apart.

“Remember when she gave us that envelope full of cash? Told us to run and never look back?” Harlow’s eyes mist over. “I thought she was crazy at first. But she knew . . . she knew we needed to get out before it was too late.”

I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat. “I’ll never forget that night. Sneaking out while everyone was passed out drunk, hopping on that Greyhound bus with nothing but a backpack and a prayer.”

“And then we ended up here.” Harlow gestures around at the glittering lights of the Vegas strip in the distance. “Two small-town girls trying to make it in the big city.”

“We did more than try. We fucking made it.” I raise my glass in a toast, “To Harlow’s mom. And to us, for having the balls to chase our dreams.”

“Hey, we had some good times in that shitty studio apartment,” Harlow protests with a grin. “Remember when the AC broke in the middle of July, and we slept on the floor in our underwear for a week straight?”

“Oh God, don’t remind me,” I groan. “I thought I was gonna melt into a puddle of sweat.”

Zoe snorts. “Sounds like my kind of party.”

“Yeah, well, it wasn’t all bad,” I concede, thinking back on those early days. “We had each other’s backs, no matter what. Even when Harlow decided to abandon me and move to Austin.”

I shoot her a teasing glare, and she rolls her eyes. “I didn’t abandon you. I got a job offer I couldn’t refuse.”

“Mhmm, sure. You keep telling yourself that.” I smirk, but there’s no real heat behind it. I’m proud as hell of everything Harlow has accomplished. “Speaking of Austin, this place is giving me major Texas vibes.”

I glance around the restaurant, taking in the rustic wooden beams, the cowhide barstools, and the tangy scent of barbecue in the air.

A neon sign on the wall proudly proclaims, “Don’t Mess With Texas”.

“Right?” Harlow beams. “When you said we were going to a barbecue joint, I knew I’d either love it or hate it.”

“I figured it was time to put some meat on those bones of yours.” I poke at her ribs playfully. “Can’t have you wasting away out there.”

“Please, like that would ever happen,” Harlow scoffs. “I’m a strong-ass woman through and through. We’re made of tougher stuff than that.”

It feels so damn good to have my girls together again, even if it’s only for a little while.

The server arrives then with a heaping tray of food—ribs, brisket, jalapeño cornbread, baked beans, the works.

My mouth starts watering at the sight of it.

“Looks like we’re gonna need a wheelbarrow to cart me outta here.” I whistle lowly as he sets the spread in front of us. “Haven’t had grub this good in ages.”

“That’s ‘cause you never learned to cook worth a damn,” Zoe ribs me as she grabs a saucy rib. “It’s a miracle you haven’t starved by now.”

“Hey, I’ve got skills where it counts.” I flash her a wicked grin before digging into the brisket with gusto.

The smoky meat practically melts on my tongue, the spices igniting my taste buds in the best way. “Besides, cooking is overrated. I’d rather let someone else do the hard work.”

“Of course you would.” Harlow shakes her head in amusement, reaching for the cornbread. “Some things never change.”

We settle into an easy silence then, too busy stuffing our faces to keep up the banter.

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