Page 56 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

“Have you been reading relationship advice columns or something? What sort of a question is that?”

He laughs. “Just think about it. You act like not knowing why changes the way you feel about her. Does it?”

I veer left and head toward the horse barn. “After I know the reason, that question won’t matter. And right now, I’m thinking about locating your horse.”

“Much appreciated. Be safe.” He ends the call.

After a survey of the pastures, I slide open the door. Parker’s truck isn’t here, but this place has been buttoned up. And Anderson’s horse is in its stall. I snap a quick picture and send it off in a text to him.

Then I slosh through the mud, get back in the truck, and drive over to the tool barn. Doors are still open, and one is swinging back and forth. Too much of that and it’ll come off its hinges. I return the tools, turn off the lights, and close all the doors.

Now finally, I can go home.

As I drive past the main house, Beau flags me down.

I roll down my window. “What’s up?”

“Keep your eyes open while you head back. The lightning is bad tonight. If you see anything on fire, let us know.”

“Will do.” I raise the window and bump down the wet road.

I hope with everything in me that I don’t see anything on fire. Storms are hard enough with all the memories they dredge up, but fire takes it to a whole other level.

The roads are empty because everyone with any sense is safe at home. And in a couple of minutes, I’ll also be home. Where Lettie is.

After making a left onto the road that leads to the venue, I notice an eerie orange glow. Something near the venue is on fire. I press down on the accelerator, and lean forward, scanning the area.

Even before turning into the venue, I call Beau. “Hey, something is definitely on fire at the venue. I’m almost to the gate. Then I’ll know more.”

“Garrett stepped outside and saw the flames from his place. He called it in. I’m yanking on my boots now. Be there soon.” Beau sounds calm, even though I know he isn’t. “Don’t do anything dumb. Wait for us to get there.”

“I’m not risking myself to save a building, Beau. I lost my parents in a fire.”

He’s quiet for a second. “I didn’t know.”

This whole night with Lettie has me opening up to everyone.

I turn and pull through the gate, prepared to give Beau an update.

“Oh, no! Hurry! It’s not the venue on fire. It’s our house.”

Flames lick the sky above my side of the duplex. But there’s no sign of Lettie.

Beau is no longer calm. “Don’t go inside.”

“I’m worried about Lettie.” I skid to a stop far away from the house and don’t bother hanging up before racing toward the door. Mud slows me down, but nothing will stop me from getting inside, not even memories.

“Lettie!” I touch her door before shoving it open, making sure that I won’t be met with a wall of flames. The rain is still coming down, but it’s not stopping the fire.

Inside, I blink, my eyes burning from the smoke. Her purse is lying on the table near the door, and I hook it over my shoulder. “Where are you, Lettie?”

Then I pray that she answers.

CHAPTER21

LETTIE

What is Archer doing in here?

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