Page 1 of Home in Nevada

Chapter 1

The one where Jeff totally denies everything.

Ispeeddownthefreeway, gripping the wheel tighter than usual. The sun blares overhead, and the same dull scenery stretches on for hours—just endless stretches of dry land and the occasional cactus poking up like a bad joke. I can’t stand this drive through the desert; it’s so boring and feels like it’s dragging on forever. Each mile is a reminder of how isolated I am out here, and I can feel my anxiousness growing as I scan through thoughts over what’s waiting for me at the end of this long, dusty road.

I’m nervous as hell. My heart races, and my palms feel clammy against the steering wheel. Every mile I cover brings back memories I try to bury—flashes of laughter and late-night talks that now feel like a lifetime ago.

I haven’t seen him in years, but the thought of running into him sends a jolt of adrenaline through me.

What would I even say? Does he remember those moments like I do, or have they faded into his past, just like I have? As the familiar landmarks zip by, I can’t shake the feeling that fate is gearing up for a reunion I’m not sure I’m ready for.

"Soanyway, it ends up being nothing," Lucy says, leaning back in the passenger seat, a hint of relief in her voice. "I blew the whole thing out of proportion. Fuck! Can you believe I said that, though?To her face!" She bursts into laughter, but I just keep my eyes on the road, feeling a million miles away.

She glances over at me, still smiling, her eyes searching my face for a reaction. "Hey, Jeff... What's up with you?"

I shake my head, trying to snap out of my daze. My focus is glued to the highway, but my mind is wandering through the past. "What?"

It comes out more like a statement than a question, and I can see the amusement in her eyes.

"Jeff,what?" she chuckles, affectionately grabbing my arm and pulling it close to her chest.

Don’t get the wrong idea—Lucy isn’t into guys. At all.

In fact Lucy is originally Emily’s best friend, one of my ex-girlfriends from freshman year. Their thing was kind of a weird rebound situation that unfolded right after Emily cheated on me. Emily and Lucy dated for a few months, and I swear I almost plotted Lucy’s demise back then, but something shifted when we started hanging out more after Emily and Lucy split. That’s when I realized Lucy is actually pretty awesome. We click in a way I never expected.

It turns out she’s also my best wingman. Women seem to warm up to me more when Lucy’s around—something about having a girl’s approval makes a difference, I guess.

I consider her my best friend now, which is why we’re both crammed into my car, driving six hours back into the shithole that is Nevada to spend Thanksgiving with my parents for the first time since I moved away.

I grew up in a small town east of Reno. I moved to California right after I graduated high school, about four years ago. I graduated college this year, and now I’m about to start my firstrealjob.

I haven’t been back to Nevada in four years, and the thought of it makes my stomach churn.

My parents really guilt-tripped me into making this drive.

Lucy is here for moral support. Her family kind of disowned her, and I can’t stand the thought of her being alone on Thanksgiving. My current girlfriend, Tiffany, isn’t mad about it, surprisingly. In fact, she’s totally supportive of Lucy. It makes me appreciate her even more.

As the endless desert rolls by, I glance over at Lucy, who’s fiddling with the radio, and I can’t help but feel grateful she’s here with me. She keeps things light, even as the weight of the drive settles in.

"Yo, you're really quiet today," Lucy prods again, glancing at me with that familiar look she gets when she senses something’s off.

Shit. I know I have to say something, but the words get stuck in my throat. Finally, I take a deep breath and blurt out, "There's something I have to tell you because you're definitely gonna notice."

Her hazel eyes widen, practically lighting up like Christmas lights, and I can’t help but feel a mix of relief and dread. "What?" she asks, her excitement irking me. I can see her eagerness to dive into whatever chaos I’m about to unleash, and it makes my heart race with nervousness.

"Okay, so..." I glance over at her quickly, my grip tightening around the steering wheel. "Shit, dude... How the hell do I put this?" I thump my palm against the wheel in frustration.

Lucy looks over at me, her mouth agape in shock, but I catch the corners of her lips trying to curl up. It’s a battle between curiosity and restraint, and I can’t help but feel a little guilty for keeping her in suspense. She’s still waiting, her eyes scanning me, searching for answers.

"Um—" I sigh, trying to regain my composure. "You’re gonna see, but this is kind of a shitty town..."

"Okay..." She rolls her hand, urging me to go on, but I can tell she’s just as anxious to hear what I have to say.

"It’s a small town. My point is, there aren’t a lot of people—"

"What's the problem, Jeff? Is this about me being a lesbian in Hicksville?" she interrupts, cutting straight to the chase.

"No, no, no...Will you just listen?I'm trying to tell you something," I rush to say, my eyes glued to the road ahead. I wave my hand dismissively in her direction, but she smacks it away, still grinning.

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