Chapter 15
The moving truck is packed, the house empty, and I’m standing in the middle of it clutching Linc’s hoodie like it might make leaving easier.
It doesn’t.
We weren’t supposed to leave until tomorrow, but Dad’s expected to start at the hospital earlier. That means everything else takes a backseat, including his youngest daughter.
I try to remind myself this isn’t goodbye forever. Someday I’ll come back and build the career I’ve always dreamed about.
Ellie and Penny also promised weekly phone calls and visits whenever possible.
That leaves just one more goodbye, one I never expected to care about…
Nerves twist in my belly as I cross the driveway to Linc’s house, carrying his hoodie and the memory of that night.
It’s all I’ve thought about. Not just the kiss that still lingers on my lips, but the way he held me when I was breaking. Like he truly cared.
It makes me wonder if I’ve been wrong about him all along. If there’s more to him than the rivalry. If maybe…there’s even some truth to the legend. A tale of true love that has surrounded Heart Mountain far longer than I’ve been alive.
I never believed in it, not the way Ellie has. But after that kiss—the way it shattered every wall I’d built, the timing of the church bells, the full moon that hung above us—I can’t help but wonder if she’s been right all this time…
The thought stops me mid-step, a frown tugging at my lips.
Seriously, Harlow? One kiss and suddenly you’re questioning legends and fairytales?
I shake my head, and force my focus on the steps ahead, my pulse thundering with every climb.
Lifting my hand, I knock twice, my heart feeling like it might break free of my chest.
The door swings open to reveal Linc’s brother, Cash. Behind him, his other brother, Nate, lounges on the couch, both of them wearing matching expressions of shock.
Cash recovers first, his lips curling into a smirk I know all too well. “Well, well. If it isn’t the Ice Queen,” he drawls, propping himself against the doorframe like he has nowhere better to be. “To what do we owe the honor?”
I brush off his condescending tone and the nickname. I’m not here for him anyway.
“Is Linc home?” My voice is calm and steady, almost unbothered.
Something flashes in his expression but disappears as fast as it came. “Sorry, you just missed him.”
Disappointment crushes me, regret hitting even harder.
I should’ve come earlier.
“Do you know when he’ll be back?” I ask.
If it’s soon, maybe I can stall my parents a little longer.
Cash shrugs. “Probably not for a while. He’s out at the lake.” His smirk returns full force. “Got himself a hot date.”
The ground drops out from under me, everything inside me going still.
“Date?” I whisper, the word barely making it past my lips.
“With Jessica Mason,” Nate adds, his smile as big as Cash’s.
Jessica? Seriously? The girl who can’t even bend over without giving a show.
I shouldn’t be surprised. All the guys flock to her, and she’s been circling Linc for years. Something he’s never seemed to mind…
God, I’m such a fool.
My fingers tighten around the sweatshirt in my arms, throat burning.
Cash tilts his head. “Want me to give him a message?”
I glance down at the hoodie and almost leave it behind before deciding against it.
If he’s going to make a fool out of me, then I’m keeping the damn sweatshirt.
Lifting my chin, I hold onto what little pride I have left. “No message. Thanks, anyway.”
Before either of them can say another word, I turn on my heel and get the hell out of there, every step fueled by anger… and something I’d rather not name. Something that burns deep and hollow, hurting in a way it shouldn’t.
My family’s already waiting in the car when I return.
“There you are.” Dad smiles, poking his head out the window. “Time to hit the road. We’ve got a long drive ahead.”
He’s excited. Ready for a fresh start—for himself, for Hattie. Even my mom can’t wait to leave. Yet, all I can think about is everything I’m losing over their gain.
Swallowing hard, I slide into the backseat, and close the door, sealing off the rest of the world.
The street. The house. And…him.
Hattie reaches across the seat, her fingers curling gently around mine. “You okay?”
Part of me wants to pull away. To snap and remind her this is her fault. If she had stayed here to go to med school, Dad would have never taken the job. She’s the reason we’re leaving. The reason I’m having to say goodbye to everything I love.
But deep down, I know it’s not that simple, and despite her constant need to be the perfect daughter, I can tell she feels bad. The guilt’s been in her eyes ever since we started packing boxes.
So, I choke back the bitterness and lie through my teeth. “Yeah. I’m good.”
As the car pulls away, I stare straight ahead, eyes locked on the road.
I don’t dare look back. Not at his house, and not at Heart Mountain. Because whatever I almost believed, whatever I thought that kiss meant…what I might have felt for Linc Masters…it ends here.
I make an oath to myself, that if I ever make it back here, I’ll never let him get close enough to hurt me again.