Page 49 of Beneath the Stars (Sugarlake 1)

I’m sick with the thoughts this conversation brings, so I nod at her. Her grin widens as she changes the conversation.

Thank fucking God.

Sugarlake is thriving. I drive down Main Street, flashbacks of the first time I saw it going through my mind. Back then, there were only five or six shops scattered along the street, but now there’s an entire strip of local businesses. It’s nice knowing the town flourished even when my world was falling apart.

I turn onto my old street and park in the driveway of what was once my home. I guess it technically still is, at least until I find a place. I sit in my car, taking it in. Surrendering to the storm whirling inside me that being back has caused. My knee hi

ts the bottom of the steering wheel as I nervously bounce my leg. I run my fingers through my hair once, and then again.

Man the fuck up, Chase.

Exhaling a deep breath, I repeat the serenity prayer, opening the car door to step into the shining Tennessee sun. The air feels different than in Nashville. I’ve gotten so used to the hustle and bustle of the city, I had forgotten how nice it is to be surrounded by the calm of a small town.

I twirl my key ring around my finger and stare at the only childhood home I’ve ever really known. Inhale, exhale. As I walk up to the front door, I can’t help myself and glance at the house three doors down. I don’t expect to see her, of course. But my heart races anyway.

The door in front of me swings open.

“Chase!” Sam has a wide smile and open arms, bringing me in for a hug. “It’s so good to have you home.” He pats my shoulder, stepping back. “I’ve been waiting for this day a long time.”

The emotion in his voice makes me swallow, a sudden knot in my throat. “It’s good to be back.”

“We’ll give you the day to get settled, and then tomorrow bright and early we’ll go into the office. Hit the ground running. Sound good to you?”

“Yeah, I’m ready to work. Let’s dive right in.”

His eyes sparkle. “Good, good.”

He pulls me inside. I walk to the living room, hugging Anna and plopping down on the couch. That’s where I spend the rest of the day.

That night, in my childhood bedroom, I dream of honey-blonde hair and vanilla. It’s the best sleep I’ve had in years.

I wake up bright and early, eager to jump into the nitty-gritty foundation of Sugarlake Construction. Walking into the kitchen, I see Anna pouring a cup of coffee, still in her baby-blue robe and slippers. Her strawberry-blonde hair flows down her back. She turns when she hears me and beams.

“Good mornin’!” She’s chipper as she takes down another mug for me. “Still take it black?”

“Like my soul.” I grin.

She giggles. “So morbid.”

I chuckle, enjoying the lightness that being around Anna always provides. It’s surprisingly good to be back.

Sam walks in, wrapping an arm around Anna’s waist, kissing her on the temple as he pulls down a mug with his free hand. What the two of them share is something special. He cherishes her, and she gives it back in spades. A pang smacks the center of my chest. Watching their moment makes me wish I had spent less time lost in my shit, and more time modeling myself after them.

“Are you two off to the office this mornin’?” Anna asks.

Sam nods, sipping from his coffee. “Yep, time to show Chase the lay of the land.” His gaze moves to me. “A lot’s changed since you’ve worked there. We’ve expanded, do a lot of work in the neighboring towns. In fact, we just landed a new contract. It’ll be the perfect project to get your feet wet. Those city folks do it differently than we do around here. We’ve gotta ease you in.” He winks.

Jackson & Co. was a great opportunity, and I gained a lot of experience in my time there, but I missed being able to actually work with my hands during a project. This will be a nice change.

“What’s the project?”

“A renovation to a dance studio in Sweetwater. They want the main area gutted and redone. Shouldn’t be too much of a hassle, other than the owner being a bit of a control freak.” He makes a face. “But you won’t need to deal with her much. One of their office managers will be working with you on the details.”

I grimace at the thought of someone who knows nothing about construction being involved in the details.

I just hope they aren’t a distraction.

Journal Entry #315

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