Page 89 of To Catch a Firefly

“Relocation,” I tell Beth, my heart and soul settling as my thoughts turn to Ellis. “I’d like to move home.”

Part IV: Blue Moon

Chapter 31

Ellis

Winter is my least favorite season in Nebraska. Not because of the cold, but because it’s idle. Huskers still have plenty to do, even after the harvest: machine maintenance, planning for a new season, ordering equipment and fertilizer, and a slew of other tasks. But I spend the majority of my time in the warehouse building, instead of outside, and after a while, it gets stifling.

I used to take more lunch breaks with my mom during this time of year. But now that she’s retired, I’ve been eating with Gabby. And instead of me traveling to the office next door where she works, more often than not, Gabby meets me here, insisting she likes the change of scenery.

“I think I want to try crochet,” Gabby is saying, her chicken salad on the table in front of her. “It seems easier than knitting. Maybe? I don’t know.”

I shake my head. I’ve never tried either.

“My gran used to knit,” she goes on, “but she can’t work the needles anymore.”

I give Gabby’s arm a squeeze, and she smiles.

“Thanks, Ellis. Would you want to learn with me?”

I pause, fork hovering near my mouth.Learn to crochet?

She rolls her eyes. “Yes, crochet. What else would I be talking about?”

Chewing my pasta, I shrug.

Gabby beams. “Great! I’ll bring some supplies next week.”

I nod, noticing Riley’s head turn away when my gaze shifts his direction. The break room is full today, conversation steady like the buzz of cicadas. Not many people wanted to brave it outdoors after our first big snowfall of the year.

Lucky is in Costa Rica right now, where it’s sunny and warm. It’s going to be a shock to his system when he flies in later tonight. I’d feel bad about it, except I’m too excited to see him. The distance hasn’t been as hard as I expected these past couple months. Maybe because we talk almost daily. Maybe because, when we don’t, I have the memory of his lips to keep me company. He hasn’t been able to fly in as frequently as either of us hoped, but his stays have been full of bundled-up picnics in the back of my truck, evenings with Lucky tucked in my arms and in my bed, and plenty of memorable visits to the silo. And when he goes, knowing he’ll keep coming home to me is enough to keep me warm at night.

The calls where Lucky encourages me to wrap a fist around myself while he whispers in my ear about what we’ve done together—or what he’dliketo do—don’t hurt either.

“Ellis?” Gabby says, giving me a smile. Her lunch is gone now, containers cleaned up. “You were in your head for a minute there. Break is over. I need to get back to the office.”

I give Gabby a nod, and she stands.

“See you later. Don’t forget—crochet,” she reminds me.

Joy.

She snorts lightly, and I can’t help but wonder if she was able to read the sarcasm in my expression.

“Have a good weekend,” she adds, giving me a wink. She knows Lucky is coming.

I finish my lunch quickly before cleaning up. The break room is nearly empty now, most everyone having gone back to work. Strands of multicolored lights glow weakly along the corners of the room, and a fake snow-dusted Santa waves from the countertop. Christmas is almost here.

I’m just stepping out of the break room when my phone rings. Seeing Lucky’s name on the display has my heart beating fast in no time.

I answer quickly, moving to the side of the hall.

“Hey, El,” Lucky says, voice nearly a whisper. “Slight change of plans.”

My gut sinks.

“I have to make a detour to the New York office,” he says, confirming my suspicions. “But I’ll see you really soon, I promise. Just don’t go to the airport today, okay? I’ll explain more as soon as I can.”

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