Come Back for Me (Arrowood Brothers #1)(13)

All of us hear and watch, share information, and intervene whenever it’s necessary.

“So, how are you settling in here?”

“I love it. The kids are wonderful and seem to be excited about learning.”

She nods. “That’s great to hear. I know Mrs. Williams departing was a bit sudden, but she was an asset to us here. Sure, her attitude was a bit gruff, and she was a stickler when it came to grammar and demanded a lot of her students, but we are a close bunch.”

Mrs. Williams was a pain in the ass according to everyone.

“She definitely made an impression.”

“How have you been getting along with the other teachers?”

I’m not sure where she’s going with this. Paranoia starts to build and I give a hesitant smile. “They’re really nice.”

She eyes me curiously. “Really? I’ve noticed that you don’t seem to eat with them during your lunch, did anything happen?”

And apparently, her eyes are on her staff as well.

“No, no, nothing like that all. Everything is great.”

Other than I’ve been isolating myself to keep people from seeing things and gossiping. This town is small. It’s bad enough I have a hundred students I have to conceal my life from, I don’t need to add adults, who are far more perceptive, to the mix.

It helps that Kevin isn’t exactly a beloved member of the community. Hell, he isn’t even a part of it at all. He stays on our land, never attending a meeting or fair. He doesn’t go shopping, and only had one friend, Nate, but even they don’t talk anymore. He prefers it that way and likes to keep me as close to that life as possible. Over the years, people have assumed that I’m as standoffish as he is and have stopped really trying to get to know me.

She steps closer, her smile is warm, and she reminds me of my mother for a moment. It comes across that it’s how she feels toward her teachers and the students. A sort of second mother who wants to protect those she loves. “I know most of them get together and work on plans, I didn’t know if there was a reason that you’re not a part of it . . .”

“It’s just my schedule. Once I’m done here, I grab Hadley, and we get back to help on the farm.”

Mrs. Symonds watches me closely, taking in not only my words but also my body language. “I can understand, we have a farm as well, but you’ve been here for a few months now, and I want to be sure you’re settling in.”

“I really am settling in.”

She sits on the chair beside me, her hand extends to mine in a warm gesture. “You know, I’m always here to listen. I know it can be a big adjustment working full-time again. Plus, I know you’ve lived in Sugarloaf for a while, but you don’t seem to have a lot of friends. If you need one, I’m happy to listen.”

I now understand why people tell her things. For the first time in a long time, I want to pour my heart out. I want to rush into her arms and cry, but friends aren’t something I can afford. There is a time and commitment to the truth I don’t have the luxury of, but I can’t tell her that.

I give a soft smile. “I’m happy here, and I feel comfortable.”

“Okay, good.” And then the bell rings, alerting the staff that students will be filing in. “Well, that’s my cue. Just know that if you need anything, Ellie, I’m here. We’re a family, and there is always room for you at the table.”

I want to cry, but I don’t. “Thank you, Sarah.”

“Anytime. Enjoy your tragedy.” My heart races for a moment, unsure of what she means, and then she tacks on. “You know . . . the play.”

“Oh! Duh. Yes. We definitely will.”

When she leaves, I turn and release a heavy sigh, all the while wondering if anyone in this town believes my lies.





Chapter Six


Connor





“So, you’re going back to Sugarloaf?” Quinn, another SEAL I served with, asks.

“I’m going to hell.”

Liam chuckles and lifts his beer. “I’ll meet you there, buddy. Hell, we all will.”

Today, I’m officially out of the navy and heading back to serve my six-month sentence in Pennsyl-fucking-vania. It’s been two weeks since I signed my discharge papers, and there’s a part of me that is anxious to go back.

A part of me that has found something I thought I’d never see again.

Quinn nods. “It could be worse.”

“Yeah, how?” I ask.

“You could be in love with a girl who wants nothing to do with you.”

Ellie’s face flashes in my mind because she most definitely doesn’t want anything to do with me. I can’t even be a little excited about her being there or finally knowing who she is because she’s married. So, no, it couldn’t be worse.

He continues. “Not that I know what that’s like since I’m very happy at this time.”

Liam watches me and smirks. “Oh, I think he is in love with a girl who wants nothing to do with him. What’s her name, Arrow? Angel?”

“Fuck you.”

Quinn’s eyes light up. “Really? How come I’ve never heard of this angel?”

Because I only ever allowed her in my dreams.

Because I knew that if she was within reach, I would be tormented.