Me: We must fix this. Next time I see you, you’re eating some jerky.
“Earth to Mike,” Liv says, waving her hands in the air.
“What?” I ask, reluctantly pulling my attention from Jamie.
“You, that’s what. You like her.”
“Of course I like her. What’s not to like?”
“It’s more than that.”
I shrug. “We’ll never really know since she lives six hours away. My life is here, my roots. Hers are in Chicago. We’re at an impasse.”
“Did you discuss it?”
“Fuck! No, we didn’t discuss it. We hung out, talked, got to know each other a little. Fell asleep and now she’s on her way back home. End of.” I stand from the chair. “I’m going to start on inventory.” I grab my clipboard and head to the stock room, leaving my sister and her interference behind.
My phone pings.
Jamie: I can’t wait. Getting back on the road. Check in later.
Me: Be safe.
I shove my phone back in my pocket and get busy. I take my time going through items that I already know we both need and don’t need, not wanting to deal with Olivia and her questions. I know she’s coming from a good place, but it’s pointless. Jamie and I are from two different worlds. She’s not going to move here, and I won’t leave Kentucky. This is home. I’ve never been that guy, the one who wants to get out of town, see what else is out there. I’m good here; small-town living is who I am.
“Hey,” Liv says from behind me. “I finished the deposit—it’s in the safe. I also did a walk-through, and the closing staff did good. Everything’s done.”
“Thanks.”
“Mike,” she says softly. With a sigh, I turn to face her. “I’m sorry, I just want to see you happy. You deserve that. You work so much; I worry about you.”
Now I feel like a dick. Tossing the clipboard on a stack of boxes, I hold out my arms. She doesn’t hesitate to step into a hug. “Love you, little sister, but I can handle my love life.”
“I know.” She sniffs. “I’m just really happy, you know? David is so good to me, and I want that for you.”
“It’ll happen. I’m in no rush to settle down.”
“Love you too,” she mumbles before pulling away. “You need help with anything else?”
“Nah, I got it. Thanks for helping out though. I’d like to see more of that.” I wink at her.
“Yeah, yeah, I guess I deserve that after prying earlier.”
“Glad you see things my way,” I laugh.
“You going to be at Mom and Dad’s tonight for dinner?”
“Yeah. Six, right?”
“Yep. I’ll see you later.”
Inventory done, I head to my office and start up my laptop, then spend the next hour placing online orders with our vendors. With nothing left to do, I lock up and head home. I have a few hours before I have to be at my parents’ and I’m restless, so I do a load of laundry before settling on the couch to watch some TV.
As I flip through the channels, I wonder what Jamie’s favorite movie is. I make a mental note to ask her. I settle for The Fast and The Furious, the first one, keeping my phone in one hand, the remote in the other. The movie ends and I still haven’t heard from her again. Debating whether or not I should text her, I decide against it. I don’t want her to text and drive. Instead, I grab my keys and head to my parents’ early.
“What a nice surprise,” Mom says as I enter the back door into the kitchen.
“Hey, Momma.” I lean in and give her a quick hug. “Liv came in this morning and helped out, so I was done early,” I tell her. It’s a complete lie.