Chapter 5 #2
But now with us dating, things feel different.
It might not even be because we're in a relationship, but because of how Jett lives his life. His friend group is made up of Heath Pierce, Baker Holmes, Davis Baldwin, and Levi Welles, nothing but heathens—the town’s wild pack of chaos.
Somewhere along the way, Greer Emerson and I joined their ranks—although we aren’t nearly as wild as the boys.
While the boys are reckless with their lives ninety percent of the time, tonight I’m choosing to be reckless with them.
Deep down, there’s always been this part of me that wants to lean into my rebellious side.
It all stemmed from a Thanksgiving when I fell for a dare.
Seeing the shock on someone’s face when I go against the grain sparks this light inside me.
Tonight, we’re painting the town green and white, which wouldn’t be a shock since those are our school’s colors…but we aren’t in our town.
It’s rivalry week, and tomorrow night, Jett, Davis, and Heath will take the field with the rest of the football team and hopefully beat the Oilers.
Movement from inside the store startles me out of the memory of us vandalizing windows with Go Hawks and Oilers Suck.
It wasn’t my finest moment, but it was fun, and we never got caught.
Although there were definitely speculations about who was involved, no one could prove it.
We ran through the streets laughing before hopping into Baker’s truck.
With the windows down, hands out in the wind as music blared from the speakers, we felt free.
Felt alive with only the moonlight as our witness.
I wave at the owner who’s staring back at me. Mentally, I make a note to come back to the shop. This is what I want now—pieces of home I can carry into the cottage that’s foreign to me. Not the latest trend from the expensive home decor stores or boutiques that line Rodeo Drive.
Silo Bay’s Main Street has looked the same for decades.
A two-lane road runs through town, lined with tall brick buildings.
Over the years, most of the buildings have been revitalized to keep up with the demand of new businesses coming into town.
It’s clear it’s been a labor of love, especially within the last decade.
When I moved away, there were only a few businesses, but now, there are dozens.
Each one brings their own uniqueness while maintaining the small-town charm.
Welles Farm it’s my own insecurities.
“I ran into Julie at Shoreline Sips, and she recommended the salon. Since I was already walking down Main, I thought I’d pop in and get on someone’s schedule. I had no idea you worked here.”
“Own it,” Saylor corrects, and my eyes widen. “Since I didn’t go to a traditional college, I used the money for school to buy the building. The guys helped me with most of the remodel.”
I don’t have to ask which guys. I know exactly who she’s talking about.
“That’s incredible. Everything is gorgeous.”
“Thanks.” She beams with pride as she glances around her salon. “So, if you want to be on the schedule, does that mean you’re sticking around for a while?”
I nod, swallowing hard. “That’s the plan. It’s time to call Silo Bay home again.”
I’m sure we’re both thinking about the same thing… Jett. But before I can say anything more, like that I’m not here for her brother, her demeanor shifts.
“Well, lucky for you, I have space for a new client.”
I quirk an eyebrow, because how can she possibly have space when this is her salon? She has to be turning people away.
“C’mon, let’s see where I can put you. What are you looking to have done? I think a vibrant blue to match Julia’s would look great on you?”
My mouth flounders, unable to come up with words. Saylor snorts a laugh. “I’m kidding, Wren. Oh my gosh, you should’ve seen your face.”
I shake my head, chuckling with her.
Ten minutes later, I’m walking out of the salon with an appointment card in my hand and a smile stretched across my face. As I meander back to the stores I passed to do some shopping, I take in my surroundings.
Silo Bay may have changed, but so have I. With time, maybe I’ll find myself again and lay down some roots.
I’m tired of pretending.
Of running.
I’m ready to be free.