I run to the exit and take the steps two at a time. I already have one shrink in my future and don’t want Casey, the wanna-be shrink, coming down on my head about the two sides of me he hears whenever I talk to him. The air is warm. A breeze whips dried leaves into little tornados across the lawn, and I think about what winter might be like in Sweet River. That reminds me, Kay’s talking about more shopping. Gawd! And the word parka crept into the conversation, so I already see myself wadded up in an Eskimo suit. “Escaping?” I don’t have to turn around. I know Casey’s voice. “I have to meet Kay.” I try to look busy, searching for Kay’s truck. “I told her I’d pick you up and bring you home today. Hop in.” It has to be a conspiracy, Sweet River against Shawna. “Why? And who do you think you are, anyway?” “The guy with the wheels who’s going to get you the six miles to Kay’s ranch.” He wouldn’t look so smug if I hauled off and socked him in the jaw, something I consider while gritting my teeth to keep from telling him to get lost.
