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Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

JAKE

How is this happening to me? Is this a good run of bad luck I’ve been having?

First, I’m forced to sell one of my generators because Don gave me a sob story about needing one in case of emergency, and now, as I’m on my way to deliver it, my damn ex is stranded on the side of the road.

In a fucking electric car.

Why are folks even buying those things? I didn’t think people were still doing that after all the battery problems they seem to have.

All I have to do is get her to Miller’s Garage and then I can be done with her. The question is—what the hell is Layla Davis doing back in Chestnut Grove? Last I checked, she bolted from town seven years ago, both middle fingers flying, and said she’d never be back. I do know her dad passed recently. She came back for the funeral but I didn’t really speak to her, then she left again.

But here she is now, and I don’t have the nerve or the desire to ask what she’s doing back here. Aside from this unfortunate run-in, I won’t have to see her again after this.

Calm down, Jake. You’ll forget about this tomorrow.

But now, I have to tow her high-heeled ass, along with her midnight-blue Tesla, into town.

I get into the truck and park it in front of her car. Then, with a grunt, I grab the cable, whirl it from its mount in my truck bed, and hook it to the front of her car. It’s about twenty miles into town, but this should work.

“Get in,” I say, pointing to the passenger side door.

She narrows her eyes at me and then goes around, opening the door, using the truck’s step to get in. Instinct tells me to open the door for her, but I’m not feeling very chivalrous after what she did to me.

I don’t miss her scoffs and the sneer on her face as she looks around the cab of my truck. She shakes her head as she eyes my shotgun mounted in the back window.

“It stinks in here,” she says.

I snort as I start the truck and head cautiously onto the deserted highway. “I’m sorry it doesn’t smell like roses.”

She says nothing in return, simply looks straight ahead with her purse in her lap.

The drive is awkward, but I refuse to engage her in conversation, even though I have so many questions.

What are you doing back here when you vowed never to return?

How long are you staying?

Is it temporary or permanent?

I will not ask, though. She was so angry with me and the whole town when she left, I really don’t want to get into it with her.

From the corner of my eye, I see her staring out the window, her knee bouncing slightly. She’s definitely nervous. Old habits die hard.

About ten minutes pass in silence, and I can’t take it anymore. I said I didn’t want to know, but I’m a liar. Curiosity is killing me.

“So, how long are you staying in town?” I ask.

Layla slowly turns to look at me. “As long as I’m needed.”

I point at her car behind us. “It doesn’t look like you brought anything with you.”

“Only a suitcase.”

“Staying with your mom?” I push.

She nods.

“I’m sorry about your dad,” I say, meaning it. He was a good man.

She cringes slightly. “Thanks.”

Sensitive subject. Got it.

We’re quiet the rest of the drive, and once we reach Miller’s Garage, I pull in. “I don’t think George has an electric car charger, but maybe he can rig something,” I say.

“I don’t think it works like that. I’ll leave it here and call my mom to come get me.” She puts her hand on the door handle.

“Wait,” I say before she can open it. “Stay here. I’ll unhook your car and let George know the problem, then I’ll take you to your mom’s.”

“Thanks, but you have a generator to deliver.” She juts her thumb to the bed of the truck.

“I can do it after. Don’s not in a hurry for it. He just wants to make sure he has a generator. Especially after the nightmare of Helene.”

“Understandable. I’ll make sure my parents… my mom still has theirs.”

“If not, I’ll get them one,” I tell her sincerely.

She turns to look at me, eyes the color of grass almost piercing through me. “I would appreciate it. But I’m sure they still have the old one.”

I nod and get out in time to see George heading my way.

“Got yourself an electric car?” he asks, half confused, half amused.

I clear my throat as I unhook it and wind the cable back up. “No, uh, it’s Layla’s. Ran outta juice on the 64.”

“Well, I ain’t got no fancy car charger here.”

“Can you figure something out?” I ask.

Just then, Layla gets out of the truck. “Let’s tow it to my mom’s. I’ll deal with it later.”

“I think they have portable chargers. Like roadside assistance uses until you can get to a charging station,” I suggest.

She blows out a breath. “I think you’re right.” She stares wistfully at the shiny blue car. “I should sell it at this point.”

“I don’t think no one in this town is gonna want it, Miss Layla,” George says.

What I thought was “no shit” came out of her mouth, but she didn’t say it loud enough for the old man to hear.

“I’ll get on the interwebs and order a portable charger,” George says. “If you wanna leave her here.” He juts his chin at the car.

“That’s fine,” Layla responds. “I appreciate it, George.”

“It’s no problem. And hey, I’m sorry about your dad, honey. Andy was a good guy. Always willin’ to help anyone in need.”

She nods and looks away, and it seems like she might cry.

I gently grab her arm. “Let’s get you home.” I remove her suitcase from the trunk and put it in the bed of my truck.

A few minutes later, we pull up to her parents’ farmhouse. She was fine on the drive but now again it seems like her eyes are misty.

At the crunch of my tires, her mother comes out, a big smile on her face. “Layla!”

I also get out and lift her suitcase up.

She goes to grab it and I shake my head. “I’ll carry it in for you.” Guess my chivalry is back.

Layla runs to her mom and they embrace. They look so much alike with their dark hair and green eyes. I remember thinking when we were together that Layla would be just as beautiful when she got older if she took after her mom.

“Jake!” her mother says, spotting me. Then she looks at Layla. “What’s going on?”

“My car died. It’s at George’s,” she answers.

Reaching over, I hug her. “Hi, Melanie.” Pulling back, I give her a sad smile. “I’m sorry about Andy, and I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you that at the service. I had a ranch emergency and had to leave right after.”

“I understand,” she responds. “The day was a blur anyway.”

Smiling sympathetically, I dart a glance at Layla. “Anyway, I found this one on the side of the road.”

“Funny,” Layla murmurs, heading into the house.

Following her inside, I lift the suitcase. “Where do you want this? In your room?”

Her cheeks heat and I swallow a smile.

“No, you can leave it right there.”

I set it down and take off my cowboy hat, running my fingers through my hair. The house smells like it used to, and I want to stay and eat pot roast and potatoes like I did in high school. But of course, I’m not going to because that just isn’t our life anymore.

“You two enjoy the rest of your day. And Layla, if you need anything, my cell is still the same.” I leave the house without looking back. After hopping in my truck, I head to Don’s to deliver his generator, but my thoughts are on Layla and how beautiful she still is. How much fun we used to have together. I saw the way she looked at me. She acted annoyed, but I could tell there was something there. A familiar pain in her eyes she tried to mask with a scowl. I know because I’m sure my eyes reflected the same when I looked at her.

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