Sara reached up and kissed his cheek quickly. Just a faint brush of her lips, soft as a butterfly’s wing, but it kicked Grant’s heart into overdrive.
She backed away quickly, a shy smile on her face. “You aren’t just a smooth talker, Edwards. You’re also a genius.”
“Well, I don’t know about genius…” He cocked his head, as if in thought. “Nope, I take that back. I am a genius. It’s about time you noticed.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m never paying you a compliment again. Your ego is too big as it is.”
He flexed his bicep. “Goes with my muscles.”
She groaned, but the prettiest blush colored her cheeks. “I’m not even going there.” Sara headed for the driver’s side door, shaking her head. “You’re terrible. Absolutely terrible.”
He chuckled. “Give me twenty minutes to take a shower, and then I’ll be over for dinner. Need me to bring anything?”
“Nope.” She pulled open the car door and flashed him a sweet smile. “It’s my turn to take care of you.”
She hopped in her Honda and drove off. Grant watched her taillights fade, a stillness settling over him. It’d been a long time since he’d laughed this much. Sara wasn’t the only one who’d been missing out on having fun.
He glanced at his mother’s house. The after-school program and his friendship with Sara were great distractions, but Grant couldn’t forget the reason he was in town. His mom needed help. He raised his eyes to the sky. “Tell me what to do, Pop. How do I reach her?”
Grant went back up the driveway and hit the button to close the garage. He waited while the metal door rumbled down. Maybe taking Sara’s advice would give him some clarity. He’d spent so long shoving the memories down, refusing to think about them, and avoiding any connection to them. But where had that gotten him? The grief was still raw.
Working on the classic truck would reconnect him with his father. And maybe the link would help Grant figure out how to talk to his mom.
It was worth a shot. Things couldn’t get any worse.
Grant crossed the street to his aunt’s house. His cell phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and answered.
“Edwards, you loser, where are you?” Boone Smith’s east-Texas drawl was unmistakable. His SEAL buddy earned the nickname Hick based on his voice alone, although his fondness for chewing on strands of hay and love of anything barbequed hadn’t helped. “We’re all killing ourselves running training exercises every day, and you’re living the high life on vacation.”
Grant snorted. “If only. I’m in my hometown for a visit. Taking care of some family business.”
“Everything all right?” Boone asked.
“It will be.” Grant opened the door to his aunt’s house. “Listen, I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything, man.”
“Next week, the library in my hometown of Hidden Hollows is throwing a big bash to help with funding. What are the chances your brother’s band can come and play?”
Boone’s brother was the lead singer for one of the most popular, up-and-coming country music bands. If Grant could arrange for them to play at the party, it might convince the mayor to push the city council to fund the library. Mayor Stewart wanted a big bash, after all.
Grant ran a hand through his hair. “It won’t pay anything, but it would have a huge impact on the community—”
“Say no more, Grant. I can’t make any promises, but my brother and the band love playing the small-town venues. It’s great for public relations. Besides, I owe you a favor for all the things you’ve done for me. Let me get in touch with him, and I’ll let you know.”
“I really appreciate it, Boone.”
“No problem. We’re brothers. And, as luck would have it, the entire team will be on leave. I might be able to swing a visit myself during that time.”
“That would be great.”
“Yeah, it would. Talk to you soon.”
Grant hung up and stared at his phone. Then he glanced back at the street in the direction of Sara’s house. For the first time in his life, he started to feel pulled in two directions. His SEAL team were his brothers, a family he’d grown to love and respect, and he loved his job. But Hidden Hollows didn’t feel like a place he needed to run from anymore.
And Grant had no idea what it meant.
9 Sara
Sara hugged the binder to her chest and eyed the Smokey BBQ Joint on Main Street. It was ten in the morning, and the establishment was still closed, but the scent of spicy sauce hung in the air. She took a deep breath and raised her hand to knock on the front door.
Peggy Haines looked up from the booth where she was sitting. Papers and a calculator were scattered on the table. A laptop was pushed to the side. She spotted Sara through the glass and smiled. It crinkled the deep lines around her eyes.
Peggy and Sara’s grandmother had gone to school together and been very good friends. Peggy could’ve retired long ago, but as the matriarch of the Haines family, The Smokey BBQ Joint wouldn’t be the same without her.
Peggy bustled over to the door and unlocked it. “Sara, hon, what a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?”
“I need to ask a favor, Mrs. Haines. I’m sorry to interrupt your work.”
“Nonsense.” She opened the door wider and waved Sara inside. “Please, come sit down. Can I get you something to drink? Or a bite of something to eat? Jacob is in the back working on the brisket, but we might be able to rustle you up some sausage.”
“No, ma’am. Thank you.” Sara slid into the booth.
Peggy gathered her papers into a neat pile. “Please excuse the mess.”
“No, I’m the one interrupting.”
Peggy took a seat across from her, a spark in her eye. “I’m so glad you stopped by. I heard about the success you had with the after-school program. It
