Page 146 of Just One Season
LUCY
EPILOGUE
Springtime
“Yes, a dog parade. Well, it’s a Boston terrier parade. And then a bunch of food trucks and tents with crafts and other dog stuff.” I attempt to smooth my hair back into a messy bun—all my buns are messy with curls like mine—and tug my makeup bag across the counter toward me.
I’m in my own bathroom, in my own small one-bedroom apartment.
It was kind of great living with my brother and getting to know him again, but I was so ready to have my own place.
I love Kellen, but I think it’ll be a long time before I give up this kind of independence again.
If ever.
“What has happened to you, babes?” January says with a deep frown through the video call. “I can’t believe you’re fully a dog person now.” She raises her eyebrows and hums. “Actually? Thiswas totally predictable given how you swooped in to save Waffles from your ex like a red-headed knight in shining armor.”
“I think it’s adorable,” Raleigh says. “Just you and Kellen and Ava?”
“Yes, I think.” I swipe mascara on my right eye. “Atticus isn’t coming.” I do my left eye and then glance down at the screen.
She blushes furiously. “Why would I care what Atticus is doing today or who he is dating?”
“Who was talking about Atticus’s dating life, sis?” I swipe both eyelashes once more and steal another look at my friends.
“Not me!” Raleigh squeaks.
“If it makes you feel any better, or worse, I dunno, Kellen says he’s not taken home a girl while they’ve been on the road for months.”
“Really?”
“Your magical kiss on New Year’s Eve did not cure that boy of his sluttiness, Raleigh Durham.” January shakes her head.
“I still can’t believe you snuck off and kissed my brother and didn’t tell us until weeks later.” I pull out a concealer stick and dab under my eyes.
“It wasn’t a big deal. And I don’t care if he takes home girls when he travels. Or that he hasn’t done that recently.” Raleigh scrunches her face.
January groans.
“You are almost six months out of your second divorce being final and that deserves celebration.” January points at the camera. “So go sow some wild oats, or something like that.”
“I am. I’ve gone on a bunch of online dates. And I’ve been chatting with this one guy who lives in Utah.”
“Okay, great, but slow your roll, Raleigh. Nothing wrong with taking your time getting back out there.” I brush light blush on my cheeks and grab lip gloss.
“I know.” Raleigh rakes her fingers down her face. “I’m thirty-three years old, and I’ve been divorced twice. And now I’m online dating. What a fucking disaster.”
“Aw, sis. Do you need another trip out to Colorado? It’s supposedly amazing here in the summer.”
“Maybe,” Raleigh says.
“Really? Come this summer!” I look down at the screen and zip up my makeup bag. “Please? We’ll only be in England for a few weeks.”
“Well. Maybe. I might have a lot of free time coming up.” Raleigh bites her lip. “Let’s get back to this dog parade.”
“Wait—” January asks. “What do you mean byI might have a lot of free time?”
“I just might, okay?” Raleigh’s cheeks turn red. She combs her fingers through her thin, shoulder-length blonde hair.
