Page 47 of Y'allywood Billionaire

“So you’re being serious.”

“Of course. They live in their own armor of quills. Now, shhh.”

Maddox whispers, “Live loofahs.”

I bust up, and the poor hedgehog scuttles away. My video is over, but that’s fine. I love this version of Maddox. He left his stiffness stateside, bringing a lightheartedness that makes me laugh.

“How did you not list this on the favorites page Skye gave us?” Maddox scrubs his chin.

“There were massive holes in that thing. I’ve been adding items to it in case she ever has to deal with this situation again.”

“Good call. It’s Skye, so shewillencounter it again.”

We hike until we get to a pasture of cows, and I realize both of our shoes will be destroyed if we go through this field of pies. I stop and fold my arms. “Now what?”

“Well, my lady. It looks like we are gonna walk through shit together.” He’s wearing that cocky smile.

“As tempting as that sounds, I’m pretty sure my shoes will be ruined. They’re not washable, and I didn’t bring another pair.”

“Why would you only bring one pair of shoes?”

“Good question. I was going to get some hiking shoes, and I forgot, so these are all I have.”

“Well, then, Rook, I’ll just have to carry you.” He takes my backpack before literally slinging me over his shoulder as I’m screaming and laughing at the same time. Once I’m balanced, he darts through the pasture and zigzags around the cows. Some moo as we rush by, and I hope they don’t decide to chase us or something. I don’t know how cows act—I have spent no time on farms.

When we reach the other side of the pasture the size of a football field, my stomach is hurting from being thrust over Maddox’s shoulder, but I’m glad my shoes are saved.

He sets me down and says, “Well, that was a grueling workout.” But I can tell he’s teasing me because he’s not even out of breath.

“Glad to help.” I return the smile and say, “But seriously. Thank you.”

We head straight for the cliff, the sounds of crashing waves crossing the distance, the hints of salt filling my nose.

I’m moments away from being able to give Grams one of the two things she wanted before she left this earth. I feel sadness, but at the same time, a sense of fulfillment too. I hope this’ll help give me closure, and it makes me wonder if her bringing me here was more about me than her. But all I say to Maddox is, “Here’s where Grams wanted us to spread the ashes.” I squint to read the sign. “She said she wanted them placed over Laire’s View.”

“Looks like that’s it.”

Cresting the final hill, we have a crystal-clear vista of the ocean straight ahead through the grassy knoll and beyond the cliffs.

It’s hard to believe this ocean front property hasn’t been developed. “I can see why my grandmother loved this place.”

“Definitely.”

I’m feeling good, so it catches me totally off-guard when my body starts trembling. I do my best to ignore it, but as we near the edge, an overwhelming anxiety grips my chest. I have zero idea why because I love cliff side views. This is silly, and I just have to power through it. But when everything spins, I crouch to the ground to get my bearings.

“Rook. What’s going on?” Maddox puts a hand on my back.

“I’m fine,” I lie, not wanting this nonsense to slow us down. “I just have an ache in my foot. It’ll go away.”

“Bullshit, Riley. You just glanced sideways.”

Ugh, I really need to stop doing that. I don’t want to tell him what’s wrong because I don’t even know myself. Before I can answer, he says, “You don’t like heights.”

“No. I love heights, actually. I’ve gone bungee jumping, and I love roller coasters.” My voice is gritted with frustration. “Everything is spinning, and my ears are ringing. I have no idea what’s happening to me right now.”

He grabs my hand. “It’s okay. Whatever it is, we don’t have to get any closer. We can do it here.”

“No. Grams specifically wanted them over the cliff.” I’m sure she thought this would be a doable task for me. Even a cathartic one. “I bet she assumed I’d take a leap into the water.” My lips tremble. “I have to do this.” I look forward, and the dizziness kicks in again.

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