Page 16 of Wildfire (Owl Creek #1)

"You have to marry him. Don't let him get away. Did you see the way he looked at you? If a guy ever looked at me like that, I would hang a no vacancy sign on my vag to let the other ones know it was game over."

"Zoe! I can't, and you know why."

She curls up next to me on the bed with a bag of chips in her hand. "Please have sex with him then, for me?"

It's not that I haven't thought about it multiple times, but I know it would mess things up.

"Why don't you tell me why you have time off instead."

"Ugh. The stupid algorithm."

"You know that I don't know what that means."

"The platform I use to run my e-commerce site updated its algorithm and uses A.I.

to manage some things. But the problem is that I don't think anyone is double-checking the damn program's work.

So, I got a notice last week saying they suspended my account because it doesn't meet their community standards.

I don't know what the hell that's about because I've been on there for years.

Anyway, I wrote them to ask what standard I violated so I can appeal, and they said they have made their final decision. "

"So they shut down your business?"

"Essentially, yes."

"What the—"

"I know. And it's been happening to others, too. I've seen it on some forums. But I wanted to set up my own website and stop giving them a cut anyway, so I guess this is my sign it's time. I don't have a choice on the matter either way."

"But what about all your hard work developing clients?"

"The good news is, your girl is smart enough that I collected email addresses and added people to a list. I sent a mass email letting them know what happened and that I'd be back online as soon as possible.

But it really fucking sucks because I had a lot of positive ratings, and not everyone who bought from me is on my email list. And now I have to build back what I created over several years in as little time as possible. "

"Wow. That's… I'm so sorry, Zoe."

"Thanks. It's my first major setback, so I should consider myself lucky."

"And what about your job at the school?"

"I asked for some leave, and it isn't a big deal with only a week left of classes anyway. I need all the time I can get to build a website and get all my products listed with proper SEO."

"S, E, what?"

"Search engine optimization. It's so the internet search engines find me, and I can hopefully rank higher than those fuckers that just shut me down. I bet my competitors on the app are having a big party right now. They're still on the site."

"Well then, how come—"

"Algorithm got it wrong. And they don't care enough as a corporation to check on things. I say, fuck them. I will build an education empire and keep all the money!"

I love Zoe. Nothing can get her down. Even when her high school sweetheart got caught cheating on her with the cheerleader that lived down the road from him, Zoe just said, fuck it, and dated his cousin.

She got her revenge when the cousin surprised her by dropping to one knee at a picnic in the park, and the ex saw the whole thing.

He stormed off and got pulled over for a DUI later that night.

Zoe turned down the cousin and has been single ever since.

There are slim pickings in Downsville, and I don't know why she stays, but I'm sure glad she was there until I left.

"Maybe you should come with me to Los Angeles. I'm sure there are plenty of teaching jobs to help feed the empire."

She laid back on the bed and leaned against the pillows. "Because I love the mountains and woods here. This is my home. I don't ever want to leave."

I squeeze her hand and then dig into the chips Cole bought us. I am starting to get used to him doing things for me without the knee-jerk reaction I have to do something in return. Even though I clean the kitchen after he cooks, he doesn't seem to want anything else from me.

"I have to work tomorrow, you know. The festival starts this Friday, and everything has to be finished."

"Just point me toward some good wifi, and I'll take care of myself."

"Let me text Cole. He says his wifi isn't great here, so you'll have to go into town."

"I can't believe you are living with a hottie like that, and you aren't going to do anything about it. I mean, you're broken up with Michael, right?"

I shoot her a glare. "Of course, I'm broken up with him. I left him without so much as a goodbye kiss."

"But you didn't say the words, 'we're done'?"

"No. I think actions speak louder than words."

"Words are binding. I'd call him and end it."

"Why are we even talking about this?"

"I think he deserves closure. He wasn't a bad boyfriend. He just wasn't the one you wanted."

"Where is this coming from?"

"I don't know, it seems like you're running away."

Heat rises to my cheeks as my chest clenches. "I thought you had my back."

"I always have your back. But part of having your back means I need to say the uncomfortable things sometimes."

"How is that having my back?"

"Because it shows I care enough about you to tell you when you're screwing up."

"I'm not you, Zoe. I can't stay here my whole life."

"That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that you left a two-year relationship without even saying goodbye. The guy had to hear it through town gossip. And if you're really leaving for good—"

"I'm really leaving for good."

"Then he deserves for you to tell him you aren't coming back."

I slump back on the bed and stare at the ceiling.

Am I a jerk?

All I want is to live my dream instead of taking care of my drunk and depressed father and marrying a guy who wants me barefoot and pregnant while my brothers stroll in and out of our lives without a care in the world.

No one ever asked me what I wanted, and no one cared to see if they could help with Dad’s care. And when my brother Brian and his girlfriend moved in with us to save money, I knew it was my only chance. He could take care of Dad and see how it felt. Michael ended up a casualty of my opportunity.

"I'll think about it."

"Good. Want to head into town and get a drink?"

I perk up. I haven't been 'out' in Owl Creek, and I must admit I am dying to see what the night offers. It would be fun to check out the local bar scene and let loose for an hour or so.

"Let me throw on something cute."

"So, clean Wranglers?"

"Ha! I have a cute dress I bought to wear when I get to L.A."

"Let's see it then!"

We quickly get ready and then pile into her car. I don't know where any fun hangouts are, so we pick the bar closest to the town center and try it.

When we arrive, the parking lot is full, which is crazy for a Monday night. When we walk in, there is music blasting from the stereo, a loud group of people playing foosball, and no empty tables.

"Damn, this place is crazy!"

"Let's grab a beer and see if something opens up."

Zoe pulls me toward the bar, and we squeeze between two guys drinking alone. I don't recognize the one on my left, but as I turn to the right, I see Caleb, the guy fixing my car.

"Caleb, hey."

A slow grin pulls at his lips, and I hear Zoe gasp. Yeah, Caleb is good-looking, but I’ll be damned if he is going to pull his Casanova shit with my bestie.

"This is my best friend, Zoe. She's staying with me at Cole's place."

He sticks out his hand to shake hers, and I watch their eyes meet. I'm not sure if I pick up on something, but I'm not about to stand around to figure it out.

"Zoe, that table opened up. Why don't you go grab it before someone else does?"

Caleb's eyes follow her to the table, and I know he will be a problem. I don't want him anywhere near Zoe if he is as much of a rascal as his family said. I order our beers and make small talk with him while waiting for the pour.

"How's it going with my car?"

"Great. Should be done by this weekend."

Even though I want to get to L.A., knowing I would leave so soon deflates me. I've grown fond of Cole and Callie, and despite the two gossips I overheard in the bathroom, I was starting to like being here.

"Fantastic, I can't wait to get behind the wheel again. Have a great night." I give him a friendly smile and walk over to our table.

"What the fuck, Renée?" I haven't even sat down, and Zoe is already starting. "Is this town full of hot men? First Cole, and now that guy?"

"You aren't going to believe this, but that's Cole's brother."

"Oh, I'd believe it. There's some good genes in that family."

"I'll drink to that!"

We chat for a couple of hours as the crowd begins to thin. I notice Zoe keeps glancing over at Caleb, and sure as hell, he is looking back.

"Listen, about Caleb. He's a player. This is probably his hunting grounds. Tourist season is about to start, and I'm sure he will just line them up."

She steals another look and then shrugs. "Just as well. I'm here to see you anyway."

"And your girl needs to get some sleep. I have to work in the morning, and I think I've had one too many beers."

We walk toward the exit, and I decide to use the toilet before we leave. "Hang on a minute, I need to pee."

She waits in the hallway for me, scrolling through her phone. When I return, Caleb is leaning in with his hand braced against the wall above her head.

I clear my throat to alert them to my presence. "Back off, greaseman. She's not your type."

They both look at me like a lion crawled out of my body and was ready to attack. And I probably am. I get like this when I've been drinking.

"And how do you know what my type is?"

"It's written all over your face."

"Fucking Cole." He shakes his head.

"No, not Cole. It's obvious just by looking at you."

"I think you have the wrong impression of me."

"I'm not willing to let you un-impress me with my best friend. Goodnight, Caleb."

He turns tail, but not before he grazes a finger under her chin. "Nice to meet you, Zoe. I'll see you around."

When he's out of earshot, I turn to face her. "What the hell was that about?"

"Nothing. Let's get you home. Seems like you need tucking in."

I throw my arm around Zoe, and we leave. "Sorry. I just don't want you getting screwed over again."

"I'm all grown up now, Renée. I can handle myself. Besides, he was a perfect gentleman."

"Oh, I know his gentleman act. He tried it on me."

"He hit on you?"

"No. Cole intervened. He just…forget it. And forget him."