Page 14 of Breaking Bristol

I hated to be the bearer of bad news. “No chalkboard paint for me. I’m just fixing up a few things at my aunt and uncle’s cabin.”

He pulled his chin to his chest, and his eyes got big. “Their cabin?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm.” He pressed his lips together and looked at his feet. “Have fun with that.”

Kind of an odd response. “What’s that mean?”

“Nothing, man. We should get going. Come on, Lucille.”

We shook hands, and I touched the top of Lucy’s head. “See you later, kiddo.”

“Do you want to see my room when it’s painted?”

“Uh, sure.”

“Okay, we’ll call you.” She tugged on Sutton’s hand. “Let’s go before it’s all gone.”

“Please let it all be gone,” he mumbled as she led him away. But I knew how much he loved that little girl, so he’d give her whatever she wanted if it made her smile.

I got in my truck and headed to Warrenville, cracking my window and letting the cool wind hit my face. It wasn’t a long drive by any means, but it seemed like I was pulling up the driveway in the blink of an eye.

After parking beside Bristol’s practical silver car, I noticed she was waiting in the open door by the time I got my stuff. “Hey.”

“Hi.” She smiled and stepped aside so I could pass.

“It smells like trees in here.”

She followed me in and pointed at something plugged into the wall. “It’s a warmer with pine scent leftover from Christmas. I can shut it off if it bothers you.”

“No, it’s fine.” I emptied the bags and handed her my last purchase. “Here.”

Her eyes widened. “For me?”

“Yeah.”

I looked away from her to get what I needed for the sink, and when I walked around and started unscrewing the ring on the faucet, I glanced up to see her staring at the plant. “You all right?”

“Yes. I… How did you know I like succulents?”

“Wasn’t positive, but the book on your coffee table gave me a hint.” I raised a brow. “So now I know for sure.”

“Thank you. I love it.” She set it on the counter. “I tend to kill plants, so I might need your help with that.”

Something ugly coated my throat. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re a doctor… you save people. And I know a plant isn’t a person, but… forget it.” She shook her head. “It was funny in my mind.”

Christ, something was wrong with me. “It is funny,” I assured her even though it was the furthest thing from comical. “I just didn’t get it right away.”

“Don’t laugh at my bad jokes to make me feel better.”

“When did I laugh?” I asked.

She pressed her lips together and rolled her eyes. “Touché.”

“Did you eat the plate Auntie Heidi made you?”

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