“Because I am.” Mom sounds resolute. “Money is useful, but it’s not everything. I’m happy and content. There’s nothing else in this world I need.”
Something inside me cracks open and I let loose a sigh of relief.
All day, I’ve been panicking about the unfairness of the world and fending off anxiety for the future. The garage could very well end up closing its doors for good and all our hard work could go down the drain, but mom’s words give me a much needed perspective shift.
The best thing about coming from nothing is that I’m no stranger to starting from the bottom. Having wealthy parents or lots of valuable land to my name didn’t bring me to where I am and I don’t need those things to get to where I need to go either.
My mood picks up and all the despondency that had sent me crying into my mother’s arms clears away. I’m ready to take on Stewart Kinsey and whatever else might come at me.Bring it on, sucker.
I give her hand a squeeze. “Do you have any ice cream?”
“I’m not sure, why?”
“I’m suddenly in the mood for it.” I patter to the fridge and throw the door open. Cold air blasts my face and I lean in, eyes searching the shelves. “Looks like you’re out.”
“Let me run to the store and get some.” Mom starts to get up.
“I’ll go.” I put my slippers on at the door. “I’ll be right back.”
“Get some popcorn too,” mom says. “We can watch a movie.”
I give her an ‘okay’ gesture and drive to the store.
Inside, I grab a basket and begin perusing when I hear my name.
“Rebel?” Sheriff Kinsey hurries toward me. He’s not in uniform today and is simply dressed in a T-shirt and jeans. “I thought that was you.”
“Sheriff.” My lips tilt up in a wary smile.
“Please. Call me Dan.”
My smile turns even more awkward. Sheriff Kinsey represents the law around Lucky Falls and people from my side of town don’t have the greatest relationship with the police. Because of it, I’ve kept my distance from him. I can count the number of times we’ve talked on one hand.
“Is Gunner with you?” His eyes dart past me as if his giant son will come bounding down the aisle at any second.
“No, he’s not.”
“Oh.” The sheriff looks down thoughtfully. “I was sure he told his mother that he was going to see you.”
“Maybe he got caught up on his way.”
“Maybe,” the Sheriff muses, rubbing his mustache.
“You know how the Lucky Strikers are when they get together,” I add, throwing in a little laugh.
The Sheriff pauses and gives me an uncertain look. “Rebel, has anything been going on with Gunner lately? Anything strange?”
“Something like what?” I gulp.
“He’s been asking his mother some strange questions…” The Sheriff’s words trail. “Perhaps I’m overthinking it. Gunner’s not the type to share his true thoughts and sometimes it’s hard for me to understand him.”
Unsure of how to answer that, I nod to his basket instead. “That’s a lot of ice.”
The Sheriff lifts the basket high. “My uncle came down for a visit and the entire family’s at the house. Carol sent me to pick up a few things.” He checks his watch. “I better run before the ice melts and I get in trouble with my wife.”
“See yah.” I smile as he passes me by. But when his words register, I call out, “Sheriff?”
He spins, his brows tightening in a way that reminds me of Gunner during an intense play. It’s like his mind is already ten steps ahead of the moment.
