I continued, my excitement growing. “And Mom, I was thinking, you could do some how-to videos on cooking and preserving our produce. You’re the best cook I know, and people would love your recipes and tips.”
Mom beamed. “Oh, honey, I’d love that! I have so many recipes I could share.”
Garrett, however, seemed less convinced. “All that sounds great, Em, but don’t you think it’s a lot to take on? Especially with everything else going on.” He shot me a look that had me wondering if he was talking about Colton’s return. “Look, you know I’ll support anything you want to do, I just don’t want to see you burn out. You’ve been a little off lately-” he quickly put his hand up stopping me from saying anything. “Which I get. We all understand,” he finished, and looked down at his watch. “I need to head out for a bit, but your ideas are good, Em. So yeah, ok, let’s do it.” He quickly got up, and gave me a hug. “I love you, sis. I know you’re struggling, but you’re tough. Remember, you always have my support,” he whispered in my ear and left beforeanyone could say anything.
The rest of us threw some ideas around before my dad and Owen got up to head out too.
I sighed, watching them go. Mom, sensing my unease, placed a comforting hand on my arm. “Don’t worry about Garrett.” She paused, her gaze thoughtful. “You know, for the cooking videos, you should talk to Paula. She’s a fantastic cook, and she has so many wonderful recipes.”
My stomach clenched at the mention of Colton’s mom. Paula had always been like a second mother to me, and she and Mom were best friends. But the thought of seeing her right now filled me with a mixture of dread and longing because it meant I might run into Colton. “I… I’ll think about it, Mom.”
Later that day, I found myself driving into town. I’d decided that I wouldn’t avoid Paula just because Colton was back. It wasn’t fair to her, or to me. I parked in front of the library, took a deep breath, and went inside.
Paula was behind the circulation desk, and as soon as she saw me walk in her face lit up. “Ember! Honey, it’s so good to see you!” She rushed around the counter and pulled me into a hug.
“It’s good to see you too, Paula,” I said, my voice a little shaky.
We chatted for a while before I brought up the subject of the cooking videos, explaining my idea and asking for her help.
As soon as I was finished sharing my ideas, Paula seemed thrilled. “Oh, Ember, that’s a wonderful idea! I’d love to help. Your mom and I could do them together!”
I hadn’t thought of it, but I loved that idea. “That would be awesome!”
I was hoping I could escape without her bringing Colton up, but I wasn’t that lucky. As we finished talking, and I was about to head out, she took the opportunity to ask, “I know this is difficult for you, Ember,” she said gently, “seeing him again. But I really hope… I really hope you two can work things out.”
I stiffened, the familiar anger rising in my chest. I needed to shove that anger down because Paula didn’t deserve it. “I’m fine. There’s nothing to work out, Paula.”
Paula sighed, her eyes filled with a sad understanding. “I know he hurt you, honey. But he’s been through a lot. And… and I know he still cares about you.”
Frankly I was tired of everyone saying that. I was tired of hearing how he’d been through a lot. What did they know that I didn’t? That thought made me wonder if Colton had shut everyone else out too. I knew he still talked to Cade every now and again. And obviously his parents. But who else?
I shook my head, refusing to believe her. “It doesn’t matter, Paula. It’s too late.”
I left the library feeling conflicted, Paula’s words echoing in my head. As I pulled up in front of my house, I saw a familiar truck parked in the driveway. My breath caught in my throat. Colton was on the porch swing with my mom. I felt nothing but pure, unadulterated fury. Colton was on the porch swing withmymom, as if they were just catching up on a lazy afternoon. Howdarehe show up here? Howdarehe act like everything was normal? Oh hell no! The audacity of it all, the sheer gall, sent a wave of white-hot anger through me, and mytemper, as fiery as my name, ignited.
Getting out of my car, I slammed the door shut with a resounding bang. All eyes turned to me, and I stood there, rooted to the spot, my gaze locked on Colton. I was ready to have it out with him, to unleash the years of pent-up anger and hurt that had been simmering beneath the surface.
Chapter 8
Colton
“Johnson!” I yelled.
All I heard was a deafening roar and the sound of metal twisting and screaming somewhere in the background. The blast came out of nowhere, the force throwing me from the Humvee.
When I awoke all I felt was the feeling of my skin being torn apart. The ringing in my ears was drowning out the screams.
Smoke and dust were heavy in the air, but I could see the twisted, mangled remains of the Humvee we were in. I knew I needed to get up and check on the others.
Not realizing how bad my leg was fucked up, I tried to stand, the pain immediately preventing me from getting up. The strong stench of burning flesh filled my nostrils as I took a slow look around and saw the charred remains of my unit. I didn’t want to look to see who it was. All I knew was that it was someone I had grown to know and trust.
Looking around me all I saw was the desert floor was covered indeath and destruction.
I woke with a jolt, my throat felt raw and ragged, my body was covered in sweat, and I could feel my heart hammering in my chest.
It was the same nightmare I’ve had since that day. The images of the explosion, the screams, the faces of my fallen brothers, replayed themselves every night when I fell asleep. That day has haunted me for years, constantly replaying in my head. It was the day that changed everything.
Pulling myself to sit on the edge of my bed, I checked my phone and saw it was just after nine.
