Page 47 of Forever To Me

Dressed in her grease-stained mechanic’s coveralls, sleeves rolled up to reveal toned arms and smudged hands, she looks like she’s just rebuilt an engine with nothing but determination and a wrench. And yet, somehow, she still manages to shine bright and bring the sunshine wherever she goes.

She’s unapologetically herself, all confidence and moving around the shop with effortless ease. She doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t doubt herself. It’s refreshing to be around someone who… knows who they are.

I used to know who I was, and I used to have that kind of confidence.

But somewhere along the way, I lost it.

Or maybe—maybe it wasstolen.

Actually, there’s no maybe. It was. And that’s why I’m determined to get it back.

“So,” Poppy says, her voice casual as she tightens something under the hood, “are you thinking about sticking around here?”

I blink. “What?”

She doesn’t look up. “In Bridger Falls. You gave passing-through vibes when you first got here, but now…” She glances at me, smirking. “You got a job, you’re helping Maggie, you’re—what’s the word—assimilating?”

I scoff. “Assimilating?”

“Yup.” She tosses a wrench onto the workbench. “Next thing you know, you’ll be baking pies and talking about how the ‘city just doesn’t have the same charm’ like the rest of us townies. Also, Maggie mentioned it.”

I snort, laugh, and roll my eyes, but the teasing lands deep in my chest.

Because she’s right.

I was passing through. At least, that’s what I told myself. But somewhere between helping Maggie at The Dogwood, working at The Black Dog, and getting roped into small-town daily life, I started… staying.

And it doesn’t feel like a mistake.

I sip the coffee I picked up from Steamy Sips earlier, the caramel warmth grounding me. “I don’t know what I’m doing,” I admit.

Poppy raises a brow. “No one does.”

“Seriously, though. I never meant to stay here. But I like it.” I hesitate, then add, “This place is good for the soul.”

Her expression softens. She leans back against the workbench, arms crossed, considering me for a moment. “Yeah,” she says finally. “I get that.”

Something about the way she says it makes me think she really does.

I’ve had friends before.

At least, I thought I did.

The kind of friendship where everything is easy and fun—until it’s not. Until one day, you need them, and instead of showing up, they disappear.

I haven’t talked about it. Not to Maggie or even to think about it myself if I can help it.

But standing here in Murphy’s Auto Shop, watching Poppy casually fix something I should have taken care of months ago, I realize something.

She’s not being nice to get something in return. Sure, I’m paying her to fix my car, but outside of that? She’s been a friend.

She’s been a friend because she wants to be my friend.

And I appreciate that.

I exhale, pressing my palms against my thighs. “Okay, not to be dramatic, but you fixing my car might actually make me emotional.”

Poppy laughs. “If you cry, I’m kicking you out.”

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