Chapter 107

I hadn’t wanted to still have feelings for Beebub after all this time, but I did. He was hurting, and I didn’t want to make things worse. Who was to say if he even wanted to deal with any sort of relationshipwith anyone after what he’d been through? I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t.

I remained there for most of the afternoon, listening to the gentle wind. If I were honest, I was glad Beebub was home, no matter the reason.

After I left the cemetery and arrived home, I was surprised to find my childhood friend sitting on the steps in front of my door, huddled in his eggplant-colored parka, blue jeans, thick gloves, and sturdy boots.

The truck shut off with a cough and I got out, closing the door with a slam. As I walked toward Beebub, I called, “How long have you been sitting out here?”

“A while.” He stood and followed me inside once I’d unlocked the door. I was glad for the heat, and hewas, too, probably. “Marlene didn’t say where you went. Everything okay?”