Page 109 of Mountain Daddy
She might not be into fishing and the outdoor shit I do, but that day—sitting in the two-person chair—we talked about so much. Movies, music, politics, food, space travel, houseplants. We talked about her job, her ideas, and I fell even more…
My throat dries up.
I feel my spine stiffen.
Oh fuck.
“What?” Jessie steps closer to me. “What just happened?”
I love her.
I lift my hand and rub it against my chest.
“Are you having a heart attack? Oh my god!” Jessie reaches into her apron like she’s going for her phone.
“I’m not having a heart attack.” My voice is a little croaky.
“You sure?”
It feels like I am. But it’s not a heart attack.
It’s fucking love.
The front door opens, and we both look over.
It’s Jessie’s replacement.
Jessie lifts her hand in a wave but speaks to me. “If you want me to stay…”
I shake my head.
I don’t remember why she needed to leave work early tonight, but my misery doesn’t need company.
“You sure?” She’s looking at me warily.
“I’m sure.”
Then my phone notifies me of a text.
I take it out of my pocket.
Baby Doll: My dad just left. For the night.
Me: As in overnight?
My blood starts to sizzle.
And oh, how quickly my guilt can turn into lust.
Baby Doll: Overnight.
Me: Pack a bag. I’m leaving the Inn now.
Baby Doll: A bag?
Me: I’m bringing you to my house.
Sliding my phone back in my pocket, I take a step back. “See you Saturday.”
