Page 139 of Faking It With the Small-Town Bad Boy

white with black scuff marks all over the place, and the air is so cold I

begin to feel my shoulder ache for the first time since I got out of the

hospital. I was nearly over that memory before it came screaming

back to me when I walked in here. Now my joints are stiff, and my

skin is burning hot and painful.

This place is as cold as the hospital and as sorrowsome as one, too.

“Hey, you!”

I startle easier than normal, turning to see Mike behind the counter

and waving towards me. I smile and come around the display of the

new oil brand in the store, and Mike comes around the corner to

wrap me up in a tight hug. I hold my breath, ignoring my shoulder

while he clinches me tight in his frail arms.

“How are you, Leah? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you around

these parts.”

I wave him off while we separate, my opposite hand moving to my

shoulder to apply a bit of pressure. It seems to ease the edge of my

scar enough for comfort. “I’m doing well, Mike. Sorry, I haven’t been

by the store in a while.”

He waves me off instantly. “No biggie. Just happy to see you’re

alright, girl.”

“I came by because I have a new project, and it needs to be on the

fast track.”

Going back around the counter, leaning against the desk. He pushes

the little basket of candies forward. My mouth waters on instinct,

seeing the little wrappers stuffed full of old-style root beer barrel

candy. I remember begging my father to come to the auto store with

him every time just to see Uncle Mike, who has no real relation to us,

and grab a handful of these candies.

I undo one for now, and we both share a candy in a brief silence

realizing the last time we did this my dad was here to share one with

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