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Sandy’s head was still spinning as she tried to navigate her Civic out of the city and back toward Sumneyville. I have a job!
And not just any job, but paid internship at one of the biggest graphic design agencies on the East Coast! The pay wasn’t fabulous to start, but the potential for advancement was huge. More importantly, the position offered great perks, like a relocation consultant and a benefits advisor.
The only downside, she had all of two days to get everything squared away and move her ass to Manhattan.
Manhattan!
Thankfully, since she’d been expecting to leave only a few months earlier, she had been able to pull everything together quickly, and all that was left to do was say good-bye.
Jeannie and Rico were excited and supportive, but sad to see her go. They handled it much better than Lenny, who hadn’t even pretended to be happy for her. Sadly, she hadn’t expected anything less.
On Saturday, she finished up her ideas for the ranch website and called Tori before driving up to the ranch for a last visit. Like Jeannie, Tori seemed genuinely happy for her but a little sad too.
Danny came in at one point, his face falling when he saw she was alone.
“He really misses Kevin,” Tori told her.
“I do too,” Sandy admitted. “But Bianca said he’s doing well, and that’s what’s important, right?”
Tori nodded.
“And, for what it’s worth, I don’t think she’d be opposed to occasionally bringing him up on weekends. Maybe I could even drive in too. It’s not that far.”
“I’d like that,” Tori said. “Have you told Hugh yet?”
Sandy shook her head. She’d picked up the phone multiple times, but she hadn’t been able to complete the call. Despite his promise to call her back, he hadn’t. She didn’t know what to think about that, only that it wasn’t good. “I don’t think he’s too happy with me right now.”
Tori didn’t jump to deny it. “We were all caught off guard, but I’m sure he doesn’t blame you. He hasn’t been around here much the last few days either. Between you and me, I think there’s something going on with the Sanctuary.”
“Why? What’s happened?”
“I don’t know the details, but it has something to do with some Doomsday preppers who might be causing trouble for Matt and the guys. I overheard Brian talking to our friends in Pine Ridge about it.”
Sandy frowned, thinking of the last time she’d spoken with Heff. “Is it serious, do you think?”
“I don’t know,” Tori told her, “but I can tell you those guys don’t mess around. If there is a problem, they’ll take care of it.” Tori paused and bit her lip. “Sandy, I know it’s none of my business, and you can tell me to butt out, but what’s going on between you and Hugh?”
Sandy wished she knew. “It’s ... complicated.”
“Isn’t it always?” Tori smiled, but it was a sad smile.
They finished their coffee, and Sandy couldn’t stall any longer. She got up to leave, and Tori surprised her with a hug.
“Please, don’t be a stranger, okay?”
“Okay.”
“And, Sandy, call him. Better he hears it from you than from someone else.”
Tori was right.
“I will, thanks.”
When she got out to her car, she pulled up Heff’s contact info and hit the call button. He answered on the first ring.
“Hey, Sandy. What’s up?”
“I was wondering if you’d have dinner with me tonight. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
He hesitated and then said, “Sure, okay. Where and when?”
“Not Franco’s.” In fact, not anywhere in Sumneyville. She didn’t want anything to interfere with their evening, no distractions. “There’s a nice place farther up the mountain. They have an outdoor deck with good food and a great view.”
She didn’t mention the motel that was also there or that it was a popular spot for lovers looking for a quick, romantic getaway.
She calculated the amount of time it would take to run back to Sumneyville, take a quick shower, and do a little extra prep. “I’ll pick you up at six?”
Another pause.
“All right. See you then.”