Page 1 of Haystack

PROLOGUE: OLIVIA

My breath catches in my chest as I take my first few steps toward the doors of Travis’ Tavern. I’m not exactly expecting a welcome party after the way I left, although a part of me wishes it could be that simple. But a banner and open arms aren’t going to happen seeing as no one knows I’m home except my brother Jameson. Even if they did, pitchforks might be more likely.

But when I push open the tavern’s creaky wooden doors, I slip inside unnoticed. It’s like time itself stands still in this town. The smell of aged wood mixed with alcohol nearly bowls me over. The sound of the fiddle is so loud I can hardly hear myself think. But as they say, if you’re gonna play in Texas…

As much as I love history, my own makes me a little uneasy. A wave of nostalgia rushes over me. Nothing has changed here. I should’ve guessed as much because nothing ever changes in Findlay. Still, a part of me is happy to be home, or at least I will be once this conversation is over.

There’s just one, tiny task I need to check off my list tonight. Okay, so maybe it isn’t tiny, but I wouldn’t be here if I had any other options. I’ve got to convince Jameson to pay for my life for a few months while I figure things out. Of course, I don’t have a concrete plan or an end date, but this isn’t my finest moment. That’s the way things typically go when you run away from your marriage and career.

It’s ironic. I used my ex-husband Darren to run away from my family and now I’m using my family to run away from him. My stomach sours. I guess that’s the kind of person I’ve become.

When I glance at the clock on the wall over the pool tables, I stretch my neck from side to side. It’s time to get my game face on. Naturally, that starts at the bar. I find a stool and take a seat before tapping a polished nail across the smooth surface. The bartender turns and with one look I know my anonymity is out the window.

“Well hot damn, look who it is.” Travis folds his massive arms across his chest. “I think I’ve died and—”

“Hey, Travis.” My ex-boyfriend's brother owns this place, but I didn’t count on him still tending the bar himself.

Travis’ lip curls and he pours me a whiskey on the rocks without needing to ask. “Olivia Findlay, I never thought I’d see you back here. Does my brother know that you’re—”

“No.” I snap, then change my tone. “No, I’m meeting Jameson here I might be staying out at the farm for a while. I don’t have the details sorted. But I’d like to keep it quiet that I’m home. You know, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“Ha, in this town. Good luck.” Travis chuckles as he turns away from me.

I look at my phone. No message from Jameson. But rushing him into an arrival probably isn’t the best idea right now. After I ignored the invitation to his wedding I don’t have much of a leg to stand on. Whoever he married must be one hell of a strong woman.

Travis helps another customer and I look around, imagining everything these walls have seen over the years. My first kiss. My first time with my first love and the day I broke his heart. I blow out a deep breath. I’m not special, the same could probably be said for most of the folks in here. Findlay’s future is decided in these walls and Travis is always there behind the bar watching every minute.

“So you came back to put things right,” Travis says.

Put things right.Like it’s that easy. Like running away from your life and your relationship, and your entire family when they need you the most can beput right.

When my brother Jake passed, I was there. Jameson was too. We saw the whole thing firsthand. The fire in the barn and the bolt of electricity. It still haunts me. Jameson and I got out in time, but Jake didn’t make it. Neither one of us could forgive ourselves. Afterward, Jameson dug his heels in, determined to make the best of our broken family. But not me. I ran like a coward and never looked back.

“Something like that.” I take a sip.

“Well, I’d say you’re right on time. You know Robinson Ranch bought up Eggnog Ranch last week, made it theirs again. Word around here is they’re coming for y’all next.”

I wave him away. “Findlay Farms isn’t for sale. My family wouldn’t let that happen. I haven’t been around lately, but even I know that.”

Travis grabs my forearm. “They might not have a choice. All three farms signed a deal with the county a few years back. They have to generate enough revenue to justify the cost of the land. If not, others can buy it out and farm it themselves. Things have been… interesting since you’ve been gone.”

My stomach clenches. That is awful.I can’t imagine what it would do to my family if we lost the farm to the Robinsons of all people. I wonder if they know. Who am I kidding? Of course, they know.My head whirls.How can I ask my family to support me now?I’ve made a point not to know what the finances are like, but the fact that Travis thinks I’m right on time makes me sick.

“What um, what do you think—” I start but Travis cuts me off, gesturing to the door.

“Times up babe looks like they’re here.”

“They?” I turn to see both of my brothers along with my sister heading toward me.

So much for not telling anyone I’m home. It looks like this conversation is going to be a Findlay Family affair. I swallow back a pang of guilt. They are an impressive group in their Western gear. Jameson, my eldest brother takes the lead in a full-brimmed hat, my younger siblings Dakota and Archie flank him on either side in their boots.

“Long time no see. How you been sis?” Archie drapes an arm over my shoulders.

My mouth quivers and I don’t know why I feel like bursting into tears. “I’m fine. I’m back here now for a while at least.”

“Wheres the wedding ring?” Archie raises an eyebrow in my direction.

I exhale. It sounds like Jameson didn’t tell them everything.Time to rip the bandaid off. “I don’t need one because I’m not married anymore.”

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