Page 9 of Kissing Chaos
“It sounds like you’ve had a lot of heavy life events thrown your way all at once. Why don’t we try working through one at a time to see what we can come up with, yeah?”
Another shaky breath. Another brush of my fingers through Honor’s coat as we sift through the emotions I’ve bottled up for too many weeks. “It’s not even the loss of my relationship, you know? I knew we were done long before finding him compromised, but the betrayal of a two-year commitment followed by everything else is crushing me.”
As I explain that the loss of my position at a local press is what tipped the scales, Kristen shifts the conversation.
“What do you think moving forward looks like for you? I’d like to help you put a plan in motion to find your footing.”
Rubbing a hand over my face, the faint smell of puppy tickling my nose, I groan as I realize all the tasks that I’ve abandoned recently. “I need to find somewhere to move. My name was on the lease, but I’ve kind of already decided that reliving what I saw every time I walk through the front door is more than I want to handle.” My voice trembles as I add, “I need a fresh start, but that seems like the hardest thing in the world right now.”
“You don’t need all the answers right this minute. Take some time to think about what you want your future to look like without anyone else’s influence. Where you live, what dreams you chase, and who you chase those dreams with are all decisions for you to make. No one else. Just think on it, and we can discuss it if or when you are ready.”
I nod, and Honor licks my tearstained cheek before hopping off the couch.
“I am always around if you ever want to chat. Scheduled or not. In office or out. Don’t hesitate to reach out, okay?”Kristen hands me a sticky note with what looks to be her cell number.
“I hate to ask since you’ve already done so much, but any chance you know of open rentals?”
“Have you been to Riley’s Bar and Grill? There’s a bulletin board right inside the door where citizens post any town knowledge. You might find something there.”
Jokingly, I ask, “What about sexy elevator mechanics?”
The amusement on Kristen’s face is palpable, like she knows a secret I don’t. “We have one of those around here. Though I don’t know ifIconsider him sexy. My husband is a little too alpha for me to admit something like that.”
“Mmm, a growly man. Good for you.”
The knowing smile she shares lets me know I’m correct.
“Check out the board at Riley’s. If nothing is listed, ask the owner. His buddy owns most of the rental properties in this town.”
As she hooks the leash back to Honor’s harness and I walk toward the door, Kristen calls my name. I turn to look at her, and she grins. “If you’re into grumbly men, that not-sexy elevator mechanic usually hangs around Jace Riley. Just in case.” She winks.
My cheeks flame as I thank her, clutching her phone number in my fist.
I want to be as confident as Kristen Wilson-Flynn when I grow up.
4
Jett
“I think I might move here,” I blurt, interrupting Reece’s spiel about his current gig as a ranch hand.
His head jerks in my direction, hand pausing its stirring. Big brother is making chicken Alfredo, one of the best comfort foods ever created. Also proof that he’s still trying to baby me.
“I’m sorry. I could have sworn you just interrupted my fascinating story about Havoc and his hay bale shenanigans to tell me you’re moving?”
Nodding eagerly, I snatch a piece of shredded chicken from his cutting board. “Well, not yet, obviously. I haven’t found a place to live yet. I just decided on it today. Living near you can’t be too bad, and it makes getting here easier than driving from the other side of Covington. Hey, isn’t Havoc the horse that broke your boss? Is he still broken?”
Reece chuckles while rubbing a hand over his face like I exhaust him. Fun fact, I do. “Yeah, Jett. Drew is still broken, but I don’t think he’d appreciate you phrasing it like that.” He pauses, looking off thoughtfully. “Though I think it’s more than just his shoulder, honestly. He’s seemed off, like he’s not fully there on the days he comes out to supervise.” Then he waves his sauce-covered spatula at me. “Stop changing the subject, missy. Moving. Since when? Where are you thinking?”
“Since my rent is up in three weeks—”
“Damn it, Jett. You have to stop doing that with your living arrangements,” he interrupts.
My words keep rolling without pause, ignoring the brother bear act. “—and I don’t want to stay in the same house that Joey and I shared anymore, since he left me for someone else. You’re here. My new therapist is here. She suggested it actually. Well, sort of. Maybe notsuggestedas much as just asked if I was going to? Anyway, I met with her for the first time, like, three hours ago. And then McKenna is only fifteen minutes away. It’s perfect.”
“Hold on. Go back. What the hell, Jennette? You said he left. Not that it was because of another person.”
Oops. I forgot I haven’t shared that little turd nugget about Joey yet, but Reece isn’t done. I woke brother bear. He’s such a happy-go-lucky individual until I cause him stress.
