Page 19 of Perfect Pact

Chapter 4

Dusty

Idon’tknowwhatin the hell I was thinking when I told my dad I had this under control. I was in way over my head. This house—it’s one step away from being on hoarders. It’s not to the point where you need a map to navigate through it, but stuff is everywhere.

The old man kept cassettes, pictures, videos, DVDs, old toys—you name it, it was probably stacked in a corner somewhere. It’s one thing to keep a few totes, but my grandfather had a whole freaking house and barn full of memories.

To say I was overwhelmed was an understatement. It took me two days to finally get into a groove, and now, I’m on autopilot.

Sort.

Pitch.

Box up.

Repeat.

It’s not the best system, but it’s working. This method has allowed me to conquer a house in almost three days. I call that a win. Well, except for the fact that Beth has stacked a tower of totes in my driveway.

I like to think I’m finally getting to her. It could be my good looks, or maybe it’s my charming personality. Either way, it doesn’t matter if I can get her to go out with me.

Speaking or which, I think I need a Beth break. I haven’t taken too many of those since she pointed out that staring at her from the kitchen window is creepy.

Personally, I think she liked it. That’s why I’m avoiding her. I got to her, and if I got to her, avoiding her will only make her cave sooner rather than later.

Standing up, I wipe my hands onto my shorts and make my way to the kitchen to grab a water.

A loud knock sounds on the door. Speaking of the devil, I knew she’d come around. I run a hand through my hair as I pass by the hall mirror. I need a haircut.

“So, you ready—” Swinging open the door, I quickly realize it’s not Beth, but two familiar faces I’ve seen around town.

“Hey, man. I’m Jase Jackson.” A guy around my age offers his hand, and I take it while scanning the yard to see where Beth is.

Nowhere to be found.

I try to hide the disappointment on my face. Plastering on a smile, I do my best to welcome the surprise visit.

“Dusty Jacobs.” I clasp his hand and shake it once.

“Yeah, I know. My parents are Gene and Cindy. You may know them. They used to own Dream Big and the sporting goods store before they retired.

I wish I could tell them I’ve heard a story or two, but I can’t. I kept in touch with my grandfather, but I mainly updated him on my life and what was going on with my parents and brother.

“They knew Buck. Actually, they’re the ones who helped him sell his land.”

Damn, it’s times like this I wonder why in the hell I was so damn selfish. I have no clue who these people are. So, instead of admitting how much of an asshole I am, I work around it. I say a silent prayer the rumor mill was right on.

“Oh, yeah? How are they doing? I heard they moved. Florida, was it?”

I have no clue what I’m talking about. I’m rollin’ the dice with this one. Hattie and Hazel fed me so much information yesterday, my brain felt like it was going to explode.

All I wanted was a cup of coffee. The moment I walked into Java Jitters, they cornered me, dragging me to their table, where they filled me in on everyone. No stone was left unturned. The only problem? I don’t know which stone belonged to who. Talk about information overload.

“Yeah…” Jase smiles, shaking his head. “They’re soakin’ it up down there.”

“That’s good.”

I nod. I only have one option here: fake it ’til you make it in Mason Creek.

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