Page 16 of Home Changes
CHAPTER 6
Allison and Kathy’s feet kept a steady rhythm on the gravel road, their shoes crunching against the dirt as they jogged along the familiar path just outside town. The September afternoon was hotter than usual. Some days, the run came easy. Today wasn’t one of them. Allison’s thoughts kept drifting back to her unexpected encounter with Seth Hansen. No matter how she tried to focus on her breathing or the trail ahead, her mind circled back to the way he’d looked at her … and what he’d said.
One of the cutest girls in school.
She couldn’t help it. The comment had burrowed under her skin, poking at places she hadn’t let herself feel in years. And deep down, she knewbetter. She was setting herself up for disappointment. Kathy glanced over as they ran.
“Okay, girl. Spill it. What’s got you all tangled up today?”
Allison glanced sideways but didn’t answer right away. “You have to swear not to tell anyone,” she said. “And that includes Barry.”
Kathy’s expression turned dead serious. “Allison Sanderson, you know for a fact I haveneverrepeated anything we talk about on these runs. This is our time. It’s my therapy.”
Allison nodded. “Yeah, I know. I just had to lead off with that.” She drew in a breath. “Seth Hansen was at the hospital in Belle Fourche yesterday.”
They turned the corner that led back toward town, gravel popping underfoot. Soon they’d be behind the bakery, finishing their usual loop.
Kathy rolled her hand in a gesture for more. “You’re leaving me hanging here.”
Allison let out a soft laugh. “We talked for a few minutes. His dad’s getting evaluated for possible dementia. We’ve all seen how far Chester’s slipped from who he used to be.”
Kathy nodded. “Yeah, I know.” Their steps filled the silence for half a minute, the cadence of movement filling the space between thoughts.
Allison finally spoke again. “When we were talking … he made a comment. He said I was one of the cutest girls at school.”
Kathy’s head snapped around. Her smile bloomed instantly. “Oh, man. That issosweet. Is he married? Dating? Does he have someone?”
“Stop it,” Allison groaned. “You and I both know I’m a magnet for complicated situations.”
“Yeah, and I also know you and Doc Wheeler have been working through that.” Kathy gave her a pointed look. “I don’t think you understand how attractive you are. You’ve got a lot to bring to a relationship.”
“Nobody said anything about a relationship,” Allison said, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. She kept her footing steady on the gravel instead. “Seriously. It was just a comment. I probably won’t even see him again for a couple of weeks. He’s focused on getting his dad’s medical care in place. After that? Who knows. He left over twenty years ago, and now he’s only back because Chester’s sick. Why would he stay?” She shook her head. “No. I’m not getting my hopes up. If we become friends, cool. But I’m not looking for a relationship. Even if the compliment really threw me.”
Kathy shot her a curious look. “What do you mean itthrewyou?”
“For one, I wasn’t a cute girl. You know that. You went to school with me.”
Kathy made a sound of disbelief. “Are you joking? I would’ve killed to have your skin tone, your eyes, and that auburn hair. Girl, do you know how rare it is for someone to havegreen eyesandred hair? Nobody has that. Maybe two or three percent of the world’s population. And you’re one of them.” She gave Allison a look. “You’re gorgeous. Why do you think Ken stayed hooked so long?”
“Because I was a raging bitch,” Allison said with a grin. “And I played him like a violin.”
Kathy burst out laughing. “Well, that, too. But something had to keep his attention, and it sure wasn’t your attitude.” Kathy nudged her. “It was you. You’ve lost forty pounds, you’re toned, you’re beautiful, and you have long dark red hair I’dkillfor.” She gave a mock-sinister look. “Okay, maybe not kill. But I’d definitely slap someone real hard for it.”
Allison couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re right. Not the pretty thing … It’s just that I don’t see myself that way. It’s been a long time since I reallylookedat myself. I wash my face, throw my hair in a ponytail, and go to work. That’s about it.”
Kathy smirked. “Yeah? When was the last time you put on makeup and a dress?”
“Not since I went out with Nail.” She frowned as she thought about it. “Yeah, sadly, that’s the last time,” Allison said, her breath steadying as their pace slowed. “I’m comfortable in my own skin now. I don’t need makeup at the bakery or out running with you. My self-worth doesn’t revolve around who I’m dating, or not dating, for that matter.” She exhaled a little harder as if saying it out loud solidified it more. “I’ve learned some hard lessons. And I’m accepting why I was a raving bitch, and I know how not to do that anymore. Thank God. Ken’s forgiven me. Sam, well, Sam is a sweetheart, and I genuinely like her, but I still feel awkward around her. Because she knows exactly who I was and how I treated him. Hell, the entire town knows what a bitch I was.”
“Girl, everyone has a past and a history. Besides, you said Doc Wheeler told you it was because of your insecurities.” Kathy nudged her a bit with her elbow as they jogged.
“Which is true, but looking back, man, I played Ken like a yo-yo.” She’d pulled the roots of her problem out of the ground and examined them with Dr. Wheeler. She’d been teased for being a gingerand shy when she was young. On summer vacations with her extended family, her cousins had teased her mercilessly, to the point of cruelty. When Allison had told on them, they’d deny it. It was why she wasn’t close with her father’s side of the family. Growing up, that insecurity grew and festered with any criticism from other kids, teachers, or adults. She adapted to it by controlling Ken because while she didn’t wanthim, he wantedher, and his need temporarily filled the black hole of her insecurities.
“And you need to forgive yourself for it, but that will come with time.”
“Damn, you been taking psych classes?” Allison laughed.
“Maybe.” Kathy flicked her wrist. “Or maybe I learned it from a certain handsome ranch hand I absolutely love.”
