Page 52 of Crossroads of Love

“At least your niece and sister-in-law are there. How’s that going?”

“My niece is thrilled to have me home. I don’t think Lena feels the same way.”

“She’ll come around. The women always do for you.” He laughs.

She’s not just any woman.

“How’s Collin?” I ask.

“He’s really good, man. Thanks for bringing me there with you. It’s really been life-changing for me.”

“He’s a good kid, just needs adults to show up for him.”

“He is a really good kid. We’re having a blast together.”

One of the farmhands walks into the kitchen where I’m sitting. He gestures that he needs to talk.

“Hey, Sean, I need to go. I’ll check in with you later.”

“Later.”

I hang up the phone and look back at Dayton.

“Everyone is gone for the day, and I need some help with the tractor. Think you can help out?”

“I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ll try.” I stand and follow him outside.

The two of us stand over the engine, trying to figure out why it’s not starting. It’s an older model, but Dad has always takenpristine care of everything he owns. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten my hands dirty or even looked at an engine, but it felt good to put my brain to use in other ways.

“Didn’t figure you’d be much more help than holding the flashlight,” Dayton jokes.

“I didn’t either.” I laugh.

“I’ll keep it in mind for the next time. We got her running for good, I hope.”

Dayton waves and heads back into the barn, and I go back to the house. I grab a beer out of the refrigerator and walk back out to the front porch. The sun is beginning to set as I plop onto one of the old rocking chairs.

Damn, I forgot how beautiful it was out here.

I can’t remember the last time I actually saw a sunset or even looked at the sky in the city. I look down at my phone when Lena sends me a text.

Lena: Will you be around tomorrow?

Me: Missing me?

Lena: Hardly. Hoping to get an update on the stuff we talked about with Mike.

Me: I told you I would take care of it.

Lena: Me not asking is why I’m in this mess in the first place. I still want to know.

I set the phone down and look back out at the farm before me. I don’t have the heart to tell Lena the truth about what I’ve found so far.

Spending time with Lena again is a strange mix of nostalgia and frustration, like trying to reassemble a puzzle with piecesthat almost fit but don’t quite click. I thought all of this would be a simple matter of keeping things practical and distant.

It’s impossible for us to keep our distance. It’s like there’s an invisible thread that always pulls us together.

She’s all I think about.

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