Page 21 of Hollyhocks

I blow out a breath, leaning back in my seat as I stare at the front door of my new home. It’s a large wooden door that is arched at the top with an iron handle. It was the first thing I saw that made me fall in love with this house.

“I’m okay. It’s been a wild day. I was stuck in traffic for a while due to the accident.”

A long pause occurs from his end. “And you had just talked to Ms. Livingston too. Are you okay? She’s been a client of ours since the beginning. She was always supportive.”

I scoff internally and immediately feel guilty about it. She only wanted to flirt with me, but I suppose business is business, right?

“Yeah, I just find it odd that she would walk straight into oncoming traffic like that. She seemed fine when I talked to her, Rhett. Hell, she has been wanting to go out with me for ages. I don’t think she was seeing anyone like everyone is saying.”

“Well, I hate to say this, but we really didn’t know her that well, Fitz. She could have been seeing him, and in the moment of pain, she followed the path where she thought she’d find peace.”

I shake my head but keep my mouth shut. I know in my gut that Ms. Livingston didn’t know the man who died. According to the rumors spreading around town like wildfire, he was an out-of-town businessman just passing through.

How the hell would Ms. Livingston know him?

“I guess we will never know what happened.” The same feeling I had in the parking lot overcomes me again.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, goosebumps tickling the surface of my skin. I glance out the window, darting my gaze through the darkness, but see nothing.

“Listen, I’m going to go. I need to shower and get some sleep. I’m barely able to function,” I tell Rhett a small lie. I know I won’t be able to sleep for another few hours, but he probably knows that too. It always takes me ages to fall asleep.

“No problem. If you need anything, you know me and Mickey are here for you, right?”

“Damn, I didn’t even ask how she is doing. Is she alright?” I rub my temples, exhaling the all-too-familiar guilt slowly.

“Fitz, she is fine. Miserable. I don’t blame her one bit. I’d tell you if she weren’t. Thanks for asking. You’re a good friend. Get some rest.”

“Will do.” I open the driver’s side door, stepping out into the chill of the night. I’m about to hang up the phone when Rhett’s voice has me bringing my cell back to my ear. “What was that?”

“Sorry. Quick question and then I’ll let you go.”

“Shoot,” I tell him, flipping through the keys until I find the one that opens the front door.

“You’re really okay with the shop?”

I grin, shaking my head. “Always so worried. I have rescheduled all non-urgent appointments. I’m only taking the ones that need to be seen immediately. I won’t be okay if you don’t let me go to bed.”

He chuckles. “Alright. Have a good night.”

“Night, Rhett.” I hang up the phone and sag against the side of the truck. I’m bone fucking tired.

Grunting, I stretch to reach the door and close it. Tilting my head back, I stare up at the night sky, getting lost in the endless vast of stars. It’s a moonless night which has the canopy of darkness somehow seem bigger as it stretches across for all eternity.

My phone rings again and I groan, “Come on, people. Can’t a guy get a break?” My sister’s name flashes across the screen. Another roll of guilt hits my stomach.

Ever since I moved away, I haven’t been talking to her as much as I used to. It isn’t because I don’t miss her. My new life has just been busy.

It isn’t right. I need to be a better big brother.

“Hey, Sis,” I manage to answer, pouring every ounce of energy I have left for the day into those two simple words.

“Hey, Fitsgerald. About time I get to hear your voice. It’s been too long.”

I grimace when she calls me that. Fitz is only a nickname, shortened so I didn’t sound like a grandfather.

It’s a name passed down to every man in the family and It’s a tradition that I would happily break.

“Sorry. It’s been busy here opening up shop. I can’t talk for long. I just got home and I’m so tired. Can I call you tomorrow?”

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