CHAPTER EIGHT

Renn

Tova is waiting for me on the deck, sitting in one of the rocking chairs with a book in hand. As soon as she hears my car on the gravel driveway, she shoots from her chair, waving to me.

"Hey, Tova. Good to see you again," I say, opening the door of my truck.

"Thank you for coming. I really hope you don't mind."

"Not at all," I say, shaking my head.

She gestures up to the roof. "I noticed it yesterday. The hole looks small, but with the colder weather around the corner, I don't want it to get worse, especially since Maven is going to be staying here for awhile."

I had assumed they both were here for a visit, not for good, and I can't help but smile as I squint up at the roof, noticing the patch she was concerned about, right before the roof drops to the back of the cabin.

"Better to be safe than sorry," I reassure her.

"Let me know what I owe you for the supplies."

When she messaged me earlier, Tova mentioned she wasn't sure what materials I'd need to patch it, so I offered to grab some items on my way through town.

"You bet."

"There's a ladder in the shed, and if you need other tools, I left the toolbox in there as well."

"Sounds good." I turn to leave, but I spot a simple telescope on the other end of the deck that wasn't there yesterday. Tova follows my gaze.

"Oh, that's Maven's. I found it stored in the shed earlier. It's an amateur scope, but you'd be surprised what you can see on clear nights with just that little thing." The mention of anything galactic makes me more nostalgic than I want it to, but I can't help it. Space was my home for such a long time, something I can't easily forget, even if I wish I could.

Tova doesn't seem to notice I'm lost in thought as she returns to the rocking chair with her book, so I make my way to the shed to grab the ladder. It's old and wooden, but seems sturdy. I climb onto the roof, and it's steeper than it appears, but once I reach the top, I put a leg on either side while I cut out the damaged area, then seal it before adding the new shingles. All the while, Tova quietly reads below, letting me handle the task without conversation.

As I'm wrapping up, a noise coming up the driveway draws my attention. I can feel Maven watching me as she gets out of the car.

"I can't believe you actually made him get onto the roof." I hear her say before the car door slams.

"I didn't make him do anything." Tova turns to yell at me, "Right, Renn?"

I steady myself before looking down at them. "Right. I volunteered, remember?"

"Mom, don't distract him while he's up there!" Maven says, a tinge of fear in her voice.

I can't help but chuckle. "I'm fine, and I am almost done."

Maven narrows her eyes at her mom, then looks back up at me. "That's pretty high. Do you need help?" Maven calls, shielding her eyes as the setting sun is now positioned so the rays hit us in just the right spot to blind us. I move to respond, bringing my leg over from the other side to scale down, but my foot slips, and I grab onto whatever I can before falling all the way down the length of the roof.

"Renn!" They both shout in panic.

Thankfully, I am able to catch myself, the rough shingles causing burning friction and scraping my skin. I hope they didn't hear the vulgar word I muttered, even if it was in a language they wouldn't understand. My native language slips out from time to time, and this was one of those times. I honestly can't think of anything worse than falling off the roof with an audience. The pain I could get over, but the embarrassment, as much as I hate to admit it, would have taken much longer to heal from than any physical injuries.

"Renn?" Maven yells, louder than before.

"I'm okay. I'm okay. It's all good."

They both release identical heavy sighs of relief that make me smile.

"Renn, seriously, are you okay?" I hear Maven's voice, heavy with concern.

"Yeah. I'm coming down now." I feel their eyes boring into my back, a weight of worry with every move I make until I reach the bottom of the ladder. The second my feet hit the deck, Tova tugs me into a tight hug.

"You scared me to death!"

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have made him get up on the roof like that!" Maven says, waving her hand wildly.

"It's okay. It was my fault."

Maven stares at her mom with disapproval, her hands on her hips, and then looks me over. "Renn, you're bleeding!" She motions to my arm. I lift it, finding a deep gash on my forearm, which is also scratched up pretty good. Tova takes my arm softly, inspecting the wound.

"I have a med kit inside."

"Oh, I'm sure it's nothing. I can . . ."

"I wouldn"t hear of it!" she says, completely ignoring me. "Let me at least clean it up for you."

Careful not to hit my arm, Maven urges me inside by touching my back gently.

"Are you actually agreeing with your mom?" I ask playfully, but she doesn't say anything right away, so I glance over my shoulder at her.

"Not at all. I'm just proving that I was right. You shouldn't have gotten up there." She eyes me passively, then raises a single brow as if to say, "Told you so" and follows Tova inside.

When I walk into the cabin this time, the boxes are cleared away, and there are pictures hung on the walls. Most of them depict Maven at various ages. The one closest to me is a photo of her holding up a fish, beaming from ear to ear. She probably isn't older than eight. The largest one is on the back wall, and it's a picture of Maven and Tova with a man that I know, immediately, is Marc.

They're sitting on the porch steps of the cabin, her dad and mom on one step and Maven behind them, resting a hand on their shoulders. Even from a distance, I can tell Maven got most of her genes from her father. He has the same striking blue eyes and dark hair. But the picture that catches my attention is the one next to it, a picture of Maven and Marc standing on the deck next to the same telescope currently sitting outside.

I'm so busy looking at all of the pictures, I don't notice Maven coming to stand beside me with a wet washcloth.

"Here you go," she says, handing it over and following my gaze to the picture, but she quickly looks away.

"Found it!" Tova says, walking into the kitchen area and gesturing for me to take a seat at the table. I don't bother protesting, knowing it would be of no use. I dab at the gash, and when I pull back the cloth, there's more blood on it than I was expecting. "You got yourself pretty good. Mave, can you grab another clean cloth for him?"

Without a reply, Maven walks into the kitchen, retrieving one in a drawer and soaking it with water. She motions for me to give her the bloody one, but I hesitate.

"It's okay. I'm not squeamish with blood," she remarks, holding out her delicate hand. I'm reluctant at first. It feels intimate to think of my blood on her hands, and as I offer it to her, I get the feeling she's thinking the same thing. She doesn't look at me as she takes it, careful not to touch me, and goes back to the sink to rinse it.

Tova takes her time cleaning the wound, and after a couple of beats, she casually asks, "So, Renn, do you have family around here?"

Maven goes still, and my guess is that she's giving her mom an incredulous look, but I keep my eye on Tova to answer.

"No. I don't have any family close by. I'm an only child, and everyone in my immediate family, unfortunately, has all passed on."

Tova pauses, studying my face, her eyes full of sympathy. "I'm so sorry to hear that."

Maven is staring at me as well, her bright eyes carrying the same sentiment. She had that same expression of tenderness on her face when I told her about losing my mother.

"Thank you, and it's okay. I've been on my own for a while, so I'm used to it."

They both remain quiet for a moment, Tova still cleaning my wound gently.

"Well, I'm glad you chose to make Solitude Ridge your home," Tova says warmly, rubbing anti-infection ointment on the wound before placing a bandage over the top.

Maven says nothing as she leans against the counter, arms folded across her chest.

"Me too." The stinging is slightly better now that it isn't exposed to the air, and I'm grateful for their care.

"It didn't look too deep once it stopped bleeding. I think it should be fine."

I glance down at the bandage. "I'm sure it will be. Thank you."

"Renn, would you like to stay for dinner?" Tova asks suddenly. I glance at Maven as she walks over to help return items to the medical kit, her expression unreadable.

"I really should get going," I say, but I catch a look of disappointment on Maven's face, or at least I think I do.

"Some other time, then. Especially after all your help. It's the least we can do. Right, Mave?"

"Yes. I think it's only fair that, since you almost died falling off our roof, my mom owes you dinner."

I lick my lips before smiling, but I can't deny I was hoping she would say something along the lines of you should stay.

"Some other time sounds great. Thank you."

They both follow me to the door and stand on the deck until I start driving away. I watch them go back inside through my rearview mirror, and I can almost hear Maven pestering her mother once the door closes. But Tova wasn't wrong about me helping. I could have said no, and despite almost falling off the roof, I grin at the thought of their concern for me. The feeling doesn't fade until I remember what Tova said about making Solitude Ridge my home. I want that to be true with all my heart. I don't want to be an outsider without a true place or people to call my own—nowhere to call home.

I start closing up the auto shop for the night, ready to head home for a couple of days off. I had only seen Maven and Tova briefly as they were leaving the bookshop one evening this week, and Tova immediately wanted to see how my arm was healing and inspected it thoroughly.

"I promise I won't be asking you to climb up on the roof again anytime soon," she said, followed by Maven's comment of, "How about you never ask him to do that ever again. That would be the better solution." Tova nudged Maven with her elbow, making me chuckle.

The memory makes me smile as I reach for the handle of my car door, but my attention is caught by a melody drifting down the street, tempting me to follow. I grab my jean jacket from the passenger seat, and after walking a couple of blocks, I discover the source: the coffee shop. The place is crowded, and there's a live band playing on the outdoor patio. The band members are a collection of some of the local teens, yet their sound is mature, with acoustic and soothing rhythms. Stepping closer, I notice the sign by the door that reads:

"One Year Celebration Tonight! Live music, free drinks and treats."

The cafe is buzzing with chatter and patrons enjoying the band as the aroma of nutty spices creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Most of those inside are locals, grinning and waving as they see me. Before I can take in anything else, someone calls my name. I turn to find Tasha waving me over. Maven is standing beside her, wearing a stylish, wide-brimmed hat made of a velvet-like material. I weave my way through the crowd to join them.

We exchange pleasantries as the band transitions to a song with more tempo and volume, making it difficult to converse over the music.

"Did you just get off work?" Tasha asks loudly.

"I did. I thought I'd stop by and see what was pulling everyone over here tonight," I say, glancing around at the crowd.

"I can't believe it's already been a year since the shop opened." She looks over at Maven. "This place is just what Solitude Ridge needed if Maven is staying. She's a coffee addict."

Maven gives her friend a wary glance, but then says, in a playful tone, "It's true, so I won't complain." Raising her coffee, she takes a long sip for emphasis.

The three of us listen as the melody plays on, but when it ends, Tasha leans over and says, "Well, guys, I need to get going."

Maven looks at her with intense scrutiny, her blue eyes bright even in the dimly lit shop. "Yeah, I'm sure you do," she says through a tight smile. I try to stifle my chuckle but fail miserably, trying to cover it up with a cough. Maven shoots me a suspicious look.

"See you two later." Tasha's flirtatious tone makes Maven wince. We watch her walk away until she's out of the shop, then Maven turns to me and we lock eyes, both starting to laugh.

She moves a few inches closer to me and says, "I don't know what is wrong with all the women in my life. I'm so sorry about that."

I shrug my shoulders. "I think they mean well."

"It would be nice if they could mean a little less well." Maven rolls her eyes, laughing at herself, and I can't help but laugh along with her. As she gazes around the room, I shamelessly take her all in. Wearing a long, black, tank top dress, her raven hair drapes down her arms and back, and I can't take my eyes off her. She catches me watching when she brings her attention back to me. "Are you sure you're okay after what happened the other night?"

I snicker playfully. "It really is just a scratch. I'm fine." Her eyes flicker to my arm, even though my jacket is covering the wound.

"At this point, I'm not sure you'll ever have a chance to see us at our best. It's not always like this with my mom. I swear."

"Would it be weird if I thought it was actually pretty funny? Apart from when I almost fell off your roof, of course."

She squints in thought, biting her lip to keep from smiling. "I'm okay with that," she says, sipping her drink and watching me over the edge of the cup. "So, did you come to support the band?" I put my hands in my pockets as I reply.

"Sure. I just thought I would check it out, but I'm always happy to support."

She nods along while listening to the music. "Tash says you do that a lot. That you're supportive of all the local businesses and people here."

I shrug. "Yeah, I guess I am." She studies me, lips pursing to the side like she wants to say more, but decides not to. "So, what about you? Do you like to support local businesses? Or do you just really love coffee?" She brushes her hair back, and I inhale the warm scent of her shampoo or whatever perfume she is wearing. Maybe it's just the way she smells. I gulp a little at the thought.

"Both," she answers with a nod.

We stand side by side, taking in the music for several minutes. The band switches to a softer number, making it easier to concentrate and talk over the noise, and the silence between us isn't awkward in the slightest. Being with Maven is effortless. She looks very at-home with her cup, enjoying the band, and relaxed under her wide-brimmed hat. I can tell she's having a good time.

"Mave! Is that really you?" We both turn to see a man walking toward Maven with open arms.

"Jamie. Um, hi." He wraps her in a hug before she can say more. She has to move into an awkward position so he doesn"t knock off her hat while she also struggles to keep her coffee from spilling. I take note that she doesn't hug him back.

"I heard you were back in town!" Jamie pulls away, scanning her face and body.

"Yeah, just a few days ago, actually." Her eyebrows furrow in confusion. "Tasha told me you moved."

His features puzzle, but he quickly recovers. "Oh, yeah, I did. I'm in town for a few days visiting my parents." Maven doesn't say anything for a few seconds, undoubtedly uncomfortable. "It seems like you've made some new friends," he adds, his tone carrying a hint of annoyance as glances at me.

Maven smiles awkwardly. "This is Renn. Renn, Jamie."

I hold out my hand, but he doesn't notice or care as he continues to stare at Maven intensely. I don't like the way he looks at her with hungry eyes, but who am I to do or say anything? They clearly have a past, and I'm someone she just met.

"We should go out while I'm in town. I'd love to catch up. You look amazing, by the way."

Maven stiffens next to me. "Um, yeah maybe," she says wearily, but Jamie doesn't pick up on the hint.

"Are you free tomorrow night? I'd love to hear how you've been, and the fact you're—" He stops abruptly as Maven moves closer to me, her shoulder brushing against mine, then she hooks her arm around mine, lightly placing her hand on my forearm where the bandage lies beneath my jacket sleeve like she knows exactly where it is. Without thinking, I lean into her like it is the most natural thing in the world. It's such a small gesture, but holds a significant meaning. Jamie gapes at us, understanding clouding his face. "Oh, I see. Well . . . it was good to see you again, Maven. Take care," he says quickly, then strides off, looking abashed, not waiting for either of us to respond. Once he's out of sight, Maven steps away, letting go of my arm.

"Friend?" I ask, watching to make sure Jamie is gone.

"Ex-boyfriend," she says, grimacing. "Maybe one of these days I'll stop saying this, but thank you. I probably owe you at least ten favors at this point." She blushes, looking up at me from under the brim of her hat. I sense her embarrassment, and I don't like seeing her this way. She has nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to that asshole.

"He clearly can't take a hint very well," I remark casually.

"Nope. Never has," she says, taking a deep breath and looking a little flustered. "You want to know something?" she asks as if she's thinking out loud, but she doesn't wait for me to respond. "He didn"t even bother coming to see me after the accident, just sent me a few messages. Never called. It just ended." Worry spreads across her face like she has shared too much.

"It's okay. I get it," I say, trying to reassure her. She looks down at the drink in her hand, the hat covering her face.

"I guess we all probably have regrets when it comes to relationships," she mutters. Regrets were something I'm in no short supply of, but relationships . . . perhaps my only regret is I've never been in a serious one. There have been a few women over the years, but never anything worth noting.

I try to let my curiosity fizzle, but the longer I stand beside her and talk, the more I want to know.

"Can I ask you something?" I ask.

She glances up, looking relieved that I am changing the subject. "Sure," she says, amused.

I lick my lips. "Why is everyone so worried about you?"

A flash of surprise skirts across her face, and she blushes as she sips from her coffee, like she is contemplating how to answer. "The truth?" She sighs, and I nod. "It's a lot of things, but the biggest reason is because . . ." With a pause, she stares off into the crowd before she continues. "They think I'm running away from my problems." She appears to be lost in thought for a second or two before she looks up at me, her bright, blue eyes full of complexities. I inhale a breath just looking at them. She snaps out of whatever memory she wandered to. "Anyway. I'm good. Everything is fine. I just wish they would believe me."

She hides under her hat again, and just like every encounter I've had with Maven since meeting her, I'm compelled to uncover what's beneath. I feel like I can see it, hints of an untold story in those deep pools of blue.

I shouldn"t, but before I know what I'm doing, I hear myself ask, "So, what are you running from, Maven?"

She snaps her head up, her eyes wide, searching my face before her gaze narrows. It takes everything in me not to look away from those icy eyes staring straight through me.

"I could ask you the same thing."

An hour later, I'm lying on my couch while Shy sprawls out next to me on the floor. The smell of coffee lingers on my clothes, and when I close my eyes, I see Maven in that hat, sipping her coffee. I think about her jerk of an ex-boyfriend who I wouldn't mind seeing again, only to punch him. I saw the complete truth in her eyes, as if she could read my innermost thoughts. This woman, someone I barely know, can read me like a book . . . perhaps she could even decipher the secrets between the lines, too.

I could ask you the same thing.

It rattled me—she rattled me. Because if I could recognize the shadow of her past in her eyes, she could distinctly see something in mine—a shadow trying to cloak those dark places neither one of us wanted to go. Shadows concealing secrets. I doubt her secret was as shocking as my own.

But what frightens me is how easy it would be for her to unveil my secrets one by one. For the first time in five years, I worry that the discovery of what I am and where I come from is at risk, all because of a single look. I'm enveloped in the unnerving feeling that if she truly asked me about my past, it would all spill out of me, willingly.

I've always played this game well, always had the upper hand. But now that Maven has entered my life, I'm not so sure. One thought keeps me awake into the early hours of the morning. I know the solution is to ensure things remain as they are. They have to stay that way, no matter my feelings, so no one else will get hurt.

The smart thing to do would be to keep my distance from her, but the problem is, I don't want to.