Split(74)

Unhooking the fish, the dog whines and creeps closer, tail wagging. “Can’t eat him, Buddy. We’re sending him back.”

Which reminds me, I’m almost out of dog food. I can’t stand the thought of him going hungry.

Gathering all my fishing supplies, I store them in the outdoor shed and Buddy darts back under the deck. The weather is getting colder at night as well, and the dog doesn’t have anything outside of his coat to keep him warm.

I squat down and Buddy retreats deeper into the dark. “Cold in there?”

Deciding a trip into town for dog food and a dog bed is in order, I head in to grab my keys and some cash from my last paycheck. I study the stack of money and my face gets hot thinking about what I’d planned to do with it—to take Shyann out on a real date. To prove to her I could be normal. After our talk in her office, I was hopeful something was happening between us.

I was stupid to think it would last.

That someone like her would ever be able to stick around with someone like me.

Pulling on my sweatshirt and baseball hat, I hop in my truck and drive into town. The hustle of weekend guests fills the streets as the cooler temperatures bring tourists. Knowing there won’t be any dog beds at the grocery store, I head over to the local feed store. I know they carry supplies for livestock, but I’ve seen painted advertisements on their windows boasting pet supplies as well.

A bell rings overhead as I step through the door, and I follow the signs that take me to a section devoted to dogs. Taking in all the different brands of food, I grab the bag that has a dog that looks like Buddy on it and move to a wall with beds. Circular, square, rectangle . . . even doghouses. Maybe I should build him a doghouse. All I’ll need is a little scrap lumber. It’ll get him out from under the deck, off the cold ground. He’ll never survive through winter unless I can get him—

“Something I can help you with?”

A man’s voice comes from behind me and panic floods my veins. Hostility triggers the dark, and this guy’s tone isn’t overly friendly.

“No thanks.” I grip the bag of dog food under my arm. “Got what I need.” A dog bed can wait until tomorrow.

I’m moving toward the checkout with my head down when a pair of brown cowboy boots step in front of me. “Got some nerve stepping foot in my store.”

My gaze slowly moves up his wide body to his face. His jaw is tight and a vein pops from his forehead. “I’m . . . sorry?”

“A little late for an apology, don’t you think?” His blond hair seems to get lighter as his face becomes crimson. “Your business ain’t welcome here.”

“Oh . . .”

“Get gone, boy.”

I bristle at him calling me boy, and black flickers at the edge of my vision. I need to get out of here. I step back to the dog food aisle and slide the bag back onto the shelf.

“I see you here again I’ll call the sheriff and have you arrested for trespassing.”

Darkness bleeds into my vision, but I push it back and will my pulse to calm.

“You need an escort, *?”

I jerk at the hate in his words. “No. I’m leaving.” I turn toward the door, my chin tucked deep into my chest.

“Hey, dumbass!”

My feet freeze and I slam my eyes shut as Gage claws to the surface. I wish I were a stronger man, the kind who could defend himself. I’ve always wanted to be brave but have fallen short. Always fall short.

“Stay the hell away from her, you hear me?”

My muscles tense and my shoulders hit my ears. “Her . . .?”

“Shyann Jennings. Stay away from her or you’ll answer to me.”

Defeat and anguish crush me from within. I shove my shaking hands into my pockets, fisting the flesh of my thighs to stay present.

“Now get on, boy. Get the f*ck outta here.”

I move as fast as my feet will carry me to the doors when I hear him mumble behind me. “Fuckin’ freak.”

A light sheen of sweat covers my skin despite the cooler temperature as I shuffle to my truck. My shoulders sag with the weight of betrayal.

How does Shyann know that guy? She promised me she’d never tell anyone my secret, but I got the distinct feeling whoever that guy was knew about me. About Gage.

He called me all the standard-issue names for a guy like me, names I grew up hearing more than my own given name.

If this gets out, if the town finds out who I am, what I’ve done, they’ll want me gone. I’ll be back on the road, jobless, hungry, cold and without a home.

A home.

This is the first place I’ve called home since . . . I push away the thoughts of my mother’s house and focus on getting back to the river house. I squint and concentrate on the road ahead as a blackout presses in.

My pulse roars in my ears.

It was a mistake letting anyone in. Being friends with Mr. Jennings, Cody, and the closeness I felt to Shyann. I should’ve known better. I’ve learned this lesson before and I don’t want to learn it again.

The pain of losing someone is more excruciating than never having someone at all.

I’m safer on my own.

We’re safer on our own.

That’s the way it has to be.

The way it has to stay.

The darkness looms beneath the surface. I need to get home. My foot presses the gas harder. Please, Gage, wait until we’re home.