Coward

Alex

“I’ll keep that in mind. So, what have you been doing back in Montana?”

I sighed. “Not a lot.”

“Did you reconnect with your man?”

“Oh, Wayne,” I groaned.

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“It’s fine—”

His laughter came through the phone. “Fine. That word. I won’t pry. I’m here if you need an ear to bend.”

“Thank you. I do appreciate that. It really is okay. I think I’m going to go for a drive.”

“All right. Take care of yourself.”

“I will, Wayne. Thank you for calling.”

We ended the call, and once again, I was plunged into silence. I closed my eyes. I probably should have taken him up on his offer. I could get up, go to Wyoming, and leave Montana behind. All of it. It was what I should have done long ago. I couldn’t come up with a good reason for sticking around. A fresh start in a new place where no one knew me was very appealing.

I got up from the couch, walking around the tiny house, pacing like a caged animal. I wanted an excuse to check on the farm. I had heard through the grapevine