Chapter 24: One Last Shot

A memory hit me as I stood outside the hardware store where Finn worked. When we’d confessed our feelings for each other, this was where I’d picked him up to have our first secret date. I’d been giddy with excitement as I’d waited for him to clock out, but also watched his coworkers’ expressions as they saw him get into the car with me. I’d wondered if they suspected anything.

Finn was just as happy when he’d hopped into the passenger seat. “Hey girlfriend,” he’d whispered. He’d taken my hand in his and rested it on his lap.

I remembered driving away, and how the thrill of doing something I wasn’t supposed to made me feel free.

“Evie?”

Finn walked out of the front door, confused when he saw me.

“Hey,” I replied, walking to meet him halfway.

“What are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to talk. Can we do that, please?”

Finn’s face was serious as he nodded. “I was actually just heading out on my break, so I have a few minutes.”