Chapter Twenty-Seven

Boone

I stepped out of the Bagel Bin, enjoying the crisp morning air as I pulled my phone from my pocket. A text notification popped up, and I was surprised to see it was from Nash. I told her I'm not mad at her anymore. She's sort of happier.

I chuckled to myself and shook my head. Typical Nash, keeping things casual, but I knew it was a big deal for Dolly. I quickly typed back, I'm sure she is —though I was pretty certain Dolly was more than just sort of happier.

A few seconds later, another text came through. Now it's your turn.

I glanced at the bag of warm bagels in my hand. Two, because I wasn't sure if Dolly was feeling something sweet or savory today. I'm working on it. Aren't you in school? I fired back, smirking as I pictured him slacking off.

He sent back a grinning emoji. I've got study hall first. No worries.

Well, get to studying. Call me later.

His next text came in fast. Yeah, yeah.

I pocketed my phone and climbed into my truck. I set the bag of bagels on the passenger seat. It was Friday morning, and my first stop on today's to-do list was to deliver breakfast to Dolly at Magnolia Mart. She might not be expecting me, but I figured this would brighten her day.

As I pulled out of the parking lot, my phone rang, and I glanced at the screen, expecting Nash to be calling already, despite study hall. Instead, I was surprised to see Trevor's name flashing on the screen. I connected the call.

"Hey," I called out.

"Boone!" Trevor boomed through the speaker, loud enough that I had to pull the phone away from my ear for a second. "How's our newest announcer doing?"

I chuckled, looking out at the road ahead as Magnolia Mart came into view. "Doin' pretty good. Hoping the next few minutes will be even better."

"That's because you know whenever I call you, it's good news," he laughed heartily.

"Yeah, yeah," I agreed, though the reason I was hoping for a better few minutes had nothing to do with Trevor. Dolly was the reason.

I parked in front of the store and shifted into park.

"Look, Boone, we've got a situation this weekend. The Wild Broncs series needs you. We're trying to reel in some new sponsors, and what better way to impress them than to have you there?"

"There?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "This weekend?" It was already Friday.

"Yup," Trevor said. "Just for a couple of days. Viv's got your transportation lined up. You should be gettin' the details right about now."

As if on cue, my phone dinged with a new email notification. I put Trevor on speaker and opened the email. "I fly out of Birmingham in four hours?" I muttered, shaking my head. There went my weekend plans.

"Yup, all taken care of," Trevor confirmed, sounding way too pleased with himself. "See you this afternoon, Boone. Fly safe."

Before I could even respond, the call ended. I sighed and stared out the windshield in front of me. Dammit.

I needed to get back home to pack before I could even think about the airport. But first, I had a bag of bagels to deliver.

I glanced at the clock. It was just after 8 a.m., but the store already had a steady stream of customers coming and going. I grabbed the bag and headed inside, hoping to catch Dolly before things got too crazy.

As soon as I walked in, I spotted her behind the register, ringing up a customer. Our eyes met, and I could see the flicker of happiness light up her face—though it was quickly masked by her usual calm expression.

There were two problems. One, I was flying out in four hours, so I didn't have much time. Two, Dolly had a line of six people waiting to check out. Why the heck were people grocery shopping this early? Didn't anyone sleep in anymore?

I felt the pull to just walk up to her, wrap her in my arms, and kiss her like I needed her, like my next breath. But I remembered what Nash had told me about the town's gossip. Magnolia Grove wasn't known for minding its own business. I didn't need to fuel any rumors, especially when I was leaving for the weekend.

Instead, I made my way to the side of the counter, moved behind Dolly, and set the bag of bagels down next to the cash register. She glanced over her shoulder at me, her eyes filled with a quiet question.

"Uh, hi?" she greeted, her voice light but a little guarded.

"Hi," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. "Thought I'd drop these off before I head out of town."

I could see the disappointment flash in her eyes, though she quickly hid it. I had told her I wasn't planning to go anywhere for a while, and now I was suddenly leaving for the weekend. I wanted to explain everything to her, but with the line of customers, I couldn't just spill everything right here.

Her lips curved into a polite smile. "Have a good trip," she said, her tone a bit too cheerful.

I glanced at the older woman standing in line, watching our interaction with way too much interest. I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "I'll be back before the pie auction."

That earned a real smile from her. "Great. Nash was really hoping you'd be there."

I wanted to pull her aside, take her into the back room, and tell her everything—that I didn't want to leave, that this job was important but not as important as being here. But I couldn't. Not right now.

"I'll see you next week," I promised.

Dolly gave me a brief nod, her attention already back on the groceries in front of her. "Bye, Boone," she said quietly.

With a final glance, I turned and walked out of the store, feeling like I was leaving things unfinished. She had seemed fine on the surface, but I knew better. Dolly had questions, and I didn't have time to give her the answers she deserved. Not now.

I climbed back into my truck and stared at the steering wheel for a moment, letting out a frustrated breath. She wasn't fine. I could see it, even if she wouldn't admit it.

The sooner this weekend was over, the sooner Dolly, Nash, and I could settle into life.

Life together.