Page 8 of Hideaway Heart

“Don’t change the subject. You snuck out of the house just like you used to do when you were sixteen.”

“Yeah, but back then I was sneaking out to clubs. This time I’m just going on vacation.”

“Wags says you fired the bodyguard.”

Dammit, Wags. “I don’t need him.”

“Well, don’t come crying to me when you’re attacked by a black bear. I told you about the premonition I had, didn’t I?”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes.”

“Do I need to tell you again?”

“No.”

“Because you know I have the sight, just like Great Aunt Sissy.”

“Yes.”

“And this vision wasvery clear—there was this giant black bear just towering over you, looking like he wanted to tear you apart and eat the pieces. He wasn’t even going to leave a crumb!”

“Mama, I promise you, if I see a bear, I will run the other way.”

“No! That’s the exact wrong thing to do! I looked it up, and you should just quietly back off. If you can’t, you have to make yourself look big, make loud noises, and clap your hands.”

“Make myself look big?” I was five-foot-two on my best big-hair days. “Not sure that’s possible.”

She sighed. “Your brother’s going to be furious, you know.”

“I’ll deal with him when he gets back.”

“I’ve got a mind to come up there and paddle your backside for making me fret like this. I can feel the wrinkles forming! And your father is beside himself with concern.”

Since when?I thought.

“He says he needs to talk to you. I’ll put him on.”

“No, don’t! I have to—”

“Kelly Jo? That you, peanut?”

I grit my teeth. “It’s me, Daddy.”

“I was just making breakfast and thinking about how you and I used to get up early and make waffles for your mama and Kevin. What a mess we’d make.” He laughed, and the sound took me back to our tiny yellow kitchen in the house where I’d grown up. Batter spilled on the counter. Syrup on my fingers. Comfort. Security. Love.Before.

“I remember.”

“You sign that new PMG deal yet, peanut?”

“Not yet. I’m still thinking it over.”

“It’s a good deal. A lot of money. What’s to think about?”

“I’d like more creative control. I want to work with some different producers, more women. I want to record my own songs.”

“But the label knows best, peanut. They’ve got all the experience. You should do what they say.”

Something dark in me wondered if the label had offered my father money if he could get me to agree to their terms. “I need to concentrate on the road, Daddy. I’ll see you in two weeks.”If you stick around.