Chapter 44
Michelle
I don't expect a big send-off, but when I walk out of Bird the front desk, where I figured out how to run this place; and the kitchen door down the hall with that STAFF ONLY sign I pushed through every single day.
The kitchen is where I colored with Brittany. The backyard is where Rocket played. The living room is where Emily watched too much TV, and the dining room is where I sat with guests every single morning with my shitty cinnamon rolls and my pretty-okay coffee.
Sara opens her mouth. "Remember?—"
"Thanks," I interrupt. "But I should go."
Her face falls. "Okay. Have a safe flight."
I nod, but I can't look at her anymore. I can't look at anyone. It's best if I leave with my head held high and no regrets.
Lisa runs at me with a hug, mashing her thick glasses against my face. George stands stoically behind her with his palms resting together.
"So, you're going back," he announces.
"Yes."
"Must mean a lot to you." And somehow, the words feel hollow.
I tongue my cheek as he pulls my shoulders in for a quick hug.
"Watch Sara, okay?" I whisper to Lisa.
She gives a wink and a thumbs-up.
Rocket taps down the front porch stairs, trots casually across the cobblestone walkway, and drops in a sit right in front of me. You're not leaving.
I snort and murmur, "I am."
He turns his head to Cliff's waiting truck, rumbling in place with the engine, sending exhales of smoke into the snowy air.
Rocket's head swivels back up to me. No, you're not.
I bend down and pat his head. "Be a good boy."
No.
Cliff walks around the side of his truck, swinging his keys over his fingers. He's such a beacon of light in this winter weather that I swear even the snowflakes part for him. He walks toward me with long, confident strides, looking exactly like he did the first day I arrived. Flashing that handsome grin with a heavy hand threading through his thick brown hair. He tucks that hand in his denim pocket and leans against the truck.
"Ready to go?"
He's so calm when I'm simply not . But that's who Cliff is; he's the glue keeping me together. He has been since day one.
"I'm ready," I announce.
He loads my luggage into the truck bed and opens the passenger door for me. It's filled with various items from the girls, which makes me laugh. I move a Barbie and a pack of playing cards to the floorboard. Glossy photos scatter in the middle of the bench seat. I tuck them into the glove box over napkins with the Burke's Bakery logo.
Before I can close the door, Rocket speeds down the sidewalk. I startle when he leaps into my lap.
His brown eyes stare back at me. I'm riding with you, Shelly, they say.
Cliff climbs into the driver's side and chuckles. "The more, the merrier, I guess."
I shut the passenger door, and Cliff shifts the truck into gear.
We drive down the road as my family waves to us. Bird & Breakfast disappears around the corner. We roll past the sidewalks, cross in front of Burke's Bakery, and go around the square until it fades away too. We drive under the covered red bridge, and I see the back side of Copper Run's latticed sign.
Thank you for visiting! Come back soon!
Rocket curls closer in my lap. I run my fingers over his feathered black-and-white fur and lean my cheek against his neck.