Page 43 of Stronghold

"Maybe it's not important anymore. You can spend a lifetime arguing which one is better, doughnuts or crullers. In the end, all that matters is that they're both sweet."

I don't understand his reference, but it makes sense.

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm offloading on you like this."

"Sometimes it's easier to talk to strangers."

Briar leaves me to go back to his books, and I grab my things to head over to the bar.

I think of Briar's words throughout my shift, but my insecurities still hover over me like a sad cloud.

By the time I get home, I'm even more annoyed with myself. My mom tries to stop me to chat, but I use my tiredness as an excuse. I'll need to speak to her in the morning about the show, but first, I need to give myself a good talking to.

16

Skyler

I run down the stairs as soon as I see Jud's car approaching the farmhouse.

"Whoa, where's the fire?"

I slide to a stop in my socks and laugh. "Hey, Ma. You look gorgeous today."

She raises a brow.

"What? I haven't asked you for any food."

"Yet."

I sidle up to her and wrap my arm around her shoulders. She's so tiny against me. It's crazy when I think about how both Miles and I are so tall compared to her. Then again, my dad isn't exactly short.

She pats my chest.

"Do you want me to prepare you boys a packed lunch?"

I bat my eyelashes and give her a kiss on the cheek. "If you're offering. I'm sure our guest would appreciate your kind gesture."

She shakes her head and goes to the kitchen.

I put my boots on and open the door to meet Jud, who's already at the top of the stairs.

"Hi," he says.

"Hi.

"I brought my notebook so we can plan…um…stuff."

I raise a finger. "First, you need to see what we have." I look at what he's wearing, and it's suitable enough, apart from his shoes.

"See what you have?"

I take the notebook from his hands and give him my spare boots.

"Okay, I'm scared now," he says, putting the boots on and tying the laces tight. I think they're a little too big for him, but they'll do.

"Don't be. It's still mud season here, and you don't want to ruin your shoes. Come on."

He follows me out of the house and along the path that leads to my mom's garden.