Page 137 of Mine

“Good night.”

I waved at Beth and then got into the front seat, starting up my car. I glanced over at Pepper and beamed.

“I love them,” she sighed happily. “They’re so sweet. Dinner was amazing. Thank you.”

“Thank you for coming with me,” I said. “Ready to sleep?”

“Mmm, maybe.” There was a hint of mischief in her voice. “You mentioned you have a surprise for me tomorrow.”

“I do,” I said.

I’d been planning a scene over the last few days. And since we’d be at my house, we would be using the garage. I’d set everything up already.

“What’s the surprise?”

“Surprises are surprises,” I said as I pulled out of the driveway and onto the road. “We’ll get some good rest tonight. And you’ll find out tomorrow.”

The drive back to my house went by fast. Pepper dozed off, which wasn’t a surprise. The longer I knew her, the more I wondered how she didn’t nap all the time. Her brain was always going.

Not that mine was much different.

The neighborhood was quiet for a Friday night. It was nicer now than it was a few years ago. I parked in the drive and got out quietly, going around to the passenger side. I opened the door and leaned in, unbuckling her.

Pepper’s eyes slowly opened and she gave me an easy smile in the dark. “Hey,” she whispered.

“Hey.”

I kissed her softly. Her arms wound around my neck, and I scooped her against me, lifting her and kicking the door shut behind me. She giggled as I carried her up the sidewalk and to the front door, letting us inside.

Bringing her here felt like taking her into my past. But in all the darkness, she was a beacon, and instead of worrying—I felt comforted by her presence.

“It's not as nice as your place,” I said, setting her down.

She wobbled for a second, but then regained her balance, looking around the living room.

“This is where you grew up?”

“Yeah,” I said.

Pepper took a few steps away as she took it all in. I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin, like she was seeing a part of me that I kept private.

“I want to sell it soon,” I said. “It reminds me too much of him. The only reason I've been here is because it has a garage and that's good for band practice, plus it is paid for. I've just had to pay utilities and taxes.”

She nodded. “I know someone who could help you get it on the market, if you want.”

I thought about it. I’d been dragging my feet about it all. But maybe it was time to move on.

In my life, there were a few moments of big change. In the past, I could distinctly pick out those instances as they were happening, and I could feel it now. Like I was standing on the edge of a cliff with invisible wings, not entirely sure of myself or if I’d make it.

Maybe Pepper was my wings.

“I’m curious to see what surprise you have for me…”

“Well, thereareperks of having a garage.”

“I can buy a house with a garage.”

I raised a brow, she looked up at me with a smile.

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