Page 20 of Mountain Grump

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Pulling my underwear up my legs, I’m glad I did. Forgetting about my toiletries was an annoying oversight, but it was nice to get my clothes out of drawers rather than digging through my suitcase.

I was planning to unpack the rest of my stuff right then and there, but the next box I opened happened to be my suncatchers and ribbon.

My ribbon.

I can’t believe that hot ranger showed up out of nowhere.

Can’t believe he knew about Uncle Jack calling me Matty.

Can’t believe he destroyed my ribbon like that.

In the plainest sense of the term, sure, Ivandalizedthe fence. Butcome on? Like, how grumpy do you have to be to get mad over some ribbon?

AndI can’t believe he’s making me take down the rest. He already ruined it. The least he could do is complete the removal process himself.

Exiting the bedroom, I cross to the front door and make sure the dead bolt is locked.

Tomorrow I’ll deal with the ribbon. And with unpacking. And driving into town for groceries.

Tonight…

I cross the kitchen to the pantry cupboard and grab a can of chicken and dumpling soup.

Tonight, I’m having popcorn and soup for dinner.

The sun glows orange as it sets, sending its colors through the wall of windows at the back of the house, making it feel like I really am the only person in the world out here.

I rip the plastic off the popcorn bag, then put it in the microwave and swing the door shut.

The first pop goes off, sounding like a tiny gunshot.

I grimace.

I can’t believe I askedEthanif he was going to shoot me.

I don’t really think my family will kill me for this place.

I purse my lips.

Probably not.

But when they find out about it. That I got it. That I moved. That it came with money…

It’s not going to be pretty.

Chapter 9

Ethan

The door swingsshut behind me, and the scent of burgers and whiskey surrounds me.

Sandra just texted saying she’ll be here in five. Meaning I’ll see her in ten.

Jessie, the bartender, waves at me.

I cross the small dining room of the Inn and stop across the bar top from her. “Evening.”

“Hey, Ethan. Whatcha getting?”

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