Page 28 of Snake's Fate

I made sure that we went a few towns over to the store and through the self check out line so no one would know what I bought just in case anyone was in the store that knew the club.

Feels kind of weird that Gabe could know everything I do without me even telling him.

He did say though, that while most in the area know the club, they mostly keep to their own business.

Those aren’t the ones I was afraid of running into though.

Any of the women from the club that I’ve met are who I was scared would see me.

I was almost certain that I saw Mina’s jeep parked across the street at a pharmacy but I couldn’t be certain.

“I hope you had a good trip out.” I say as we pull away from each other.

“It wasn’t too bad. I sat next to a very sweet man on the plane. I even gave him my number!” She laughs at my shocked expression.

“Mom!” I exclaim.

“What? I’m not so old I can’t enjoy being wined and dined!” She puffs up her hair dramatically and we all laugh.

“There’s that beautiful smile.” She says, cupping my cheek. “Do you have any coffee?”

“I’ll put on a pot.” I roll my eyes. My mom has always loved her coffee. She likes it a very certain way too.

“Creamer?” She raises her brows.

“Yes, I have both creamers you love so much. It’s not been so long that I would forget that.” I open the screen door and we walk inside as the girls run back to whatever they were doing out back.

“This is such a lovely place. Looks rustic on the outside but very updated and modern on the inside. Whoever fixed this place up has a lot of style.” Mom says, looking around as we head to the kitchen.

“You can tell Mina when you meet her. She’ll likely stop by sometime today to see if the girls want to go skating with her kids at the rink.”

“I’m so glad you’re making friends, Andi. You were so lost when Hank passed away.”

The reminder of my husband sends a pain through my chest. Am I once again betraying him? I’ve asked myself this so many times since coming to Montana.

“What are they building out there?” My mom’s voice interrupts my thoughts.

Pressing the brew button on the coffee maker, I turn to look out the window beside her.

The girls are closer to the wood line with a pile of wood boards and hammers. It looks like they are building a little house around one of the larger trees.

“Looks like a fort maybe.” I smile watching them work together.

“They seem well adjusted here too. I was worried for you all when you decided to come here all alone. So, tell me, how did you find Gabe again after all this time? Has he been here since he left?”

“Um, almost. He had a few pit stops along the way but from what he’s said, he’s been here at least ten years.” Her brows raise and I can see even more questions in her eyes.

“He say why he hasn’t reached out in all these years?” Her mouth flattens into a thin line.

“That’s the thing. He spoke with Hank several times over the years.” Mom gasps slightly, holding one hand to her mouth.

“And Hank never told you, did he?”

“Nope. Not a single word about it.” I move towards the coffee that is now ready, grabbing two mugs off the counter.

“That asshole!” She says through clenched teeth.

“Mom! What in the world? Why would you call him that?” I spin around, surprised at her outburst.

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