Page 3 of Timber's Line

“Ready to follow instructions?” All I do is nod.

CHAPTERONE

TIMBER

Present Day

“Lincoln, Buddy is doing good.” After all that went down with Lincoln and his parents, and them leaving his dog to starve, he brings him in here almost weekly. I get it—Buddy is family.

“You sure?”

“I might be a student still, but I know he is doing good.” I pat the dog on the head and earn a lick to my hand. This is why I want to be a vet tech, the love of animals. I visit Ever’s place once a week to spend time with her animals, and Shane has me come out to the homestead a couple times a month to help with his. I don’t mind. Sometimes I find myself out there when I’m not even checking on them.

“Thank you, Timber,” he says as he grabs the leash from me.

“I know you worry. I can come and check on him instead of you coming here, just until you’re okay with him and all.”

“I’d appreciate it. Oh, aren’t you supposed to be at the homestead?”

I look away for a few seconds. Yeah, I’m supposed to be there. Sal wanted to go over some things with me before the guys arrived. I don’t know what made me agree to this. I can’t even drink—what do I have to offer them? I’m a big girl and in the past a whore, according to other girls. Like someone would want to take that on. The minute this airs, my high school and college days will be plastered all over. My dad will be so disappointed. It’s been a year since I last fell for a declaration of love and put my mouth on a guy. I don’t want to do that anymore. I want to find someone who will love me for me.

“Yeah, I’m leaving in a little bit.”

“I know this isn’t easy.”

“It’s not. If I have to be honest with one person, my family is going to learn some things about me, and it won’t be pretty.”

He chuckles a little bit. “Like Skye?”

Shit, I forgot about that.

“Probably worse.”

“People just saying things don’t mean anything. Don’t listen to them. Follow your heart.”

“So philosophical, Lincoln.”

“Skye is reading a self-help book, thinking she needs to better herself. I read them to support her.”

“Relationship goals.”

“Just remember, you are you. We will all be there to support you.”

“I hope so.” I switch off the light and lock the door, walking out after him.

“I know you will be. I’m sure Ever and Ivy are waiting for you.”

“See you.” I wave as I get in my car. I can use the drive to clear my head. Again, I have no idea why I agreed to do this. These shows don’t work. Ever and Memphis and Lincoln and Skye had pasts they worked through. I don’t have anyone in the past to work anything through with. Heaven forbid I was happy when I lived at home. My mother chased off any guy who came around, and not because she was looking out for me, but because she was cruel.

I shake my thoughts from my head and park. Ever is sitting on the front porch, so I guess that’s where I need to go. I like Ever, she’s always been nice to me, but I don’t think I’m her friend.

“You would be wrong.” She chuckles.

“I said that out loud?”

“It’s a bad habit for people lost in thought. Timber, I’m always your friend. Don’t ever think otherwise.”

“Okay.”