"I kind of like—” I cut off with a gasp when I hear what sounds like a car pulling into the gravel driveway.
“Anora?”
“I thought I heard something.”
“What kind of something?” Ethan asks, deep voice bringing me comfort for some reason.
Nerves prickling, I inch toward the edge of the bed. The windows face the driveway, and if someone did just pull in, they can see the lights on and will know I’m here. A car slowly drives down the road, and right away I assume they’re plotting my murder.
Though, logically, I’m sure the few cars that do drive down this road are going to a house nearby, and they’re surprised to see someone occupying this house since Aunt Estelle was in assisted living the last few years.
“Nothing,” I say with a sigh. “Just my imagination getting away from me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. A car drove by.” I shake my head at myself. “I’m not quite used to this whole middle of nowhere, country living kinda thing.”
“Did you used to live in Indiana? You said you moved to New York as a kid.” Ethan asks and it sounds like a car door shuts.
“No. I was born in Michigan and lived near where I am now, but moved to New York when I was ten. So most of my life has been in New York. What about you? Did you grow up in Chicago?”
“No. I moved all over.”
“Military family?”
“No, but my dad was traveling a lot for work. As a kid, I went along for the ride.”
I hear a car start through the phone. “Do you need to go?” I ask, biting my lip. I hate talking on the phone, and while I had more than one awkward moment, I like talking to Ethan.
“No. I have a long drive ahead of me and could use the company.”
“I can’t believe I’m telling you this!” I laugh, cradling the phone against my ear. “But yes, I love wearing costumes. I have like five different ones just for the Renaissance Fair, which I go to at least once every summer, by the way.”
“You’re such a nerd,” Ethan teases.
“I am, and I admit it proudly. But the Ren Fair is really fun, I promise!”
“There is no way you’d get me to go to one of those,” he says.
“Don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em. You’re just lucky this year’s fair is already over or I’d force you to go with me.”
“Say that did happen…I’m not wearing a fucking costume.”
“You actually stand out when you’re in regular clothes,” I insist, still smiling. We’ve been talking for nearly an hour now. “I think you’d look good dressed as Robin Hood, tights and all.” I roll over and pull the blankets tighter around me and yawn.
“You sound tired,” Ethan says.
“I am,” I admit. “It’s been a long day and I need to get up early tomorrow. I should get some sleep. It was nice talking to you. I don’t know the last time I talked to anyone on the phone for longer than five minutes.”
“Same here. Sleep well, Anora.”
“Goodnight, Ethan.” The call ends and I force myself up to get ready for bed. I leave the bathroom light on and get back into bed only to get out and turn the hall light on. Normally, I like to sleep in the dark, but I don’t want to wake up and freak myself out by any sort of shadow. Without Hunter, I’m going to be second guessing any sort of noise I hear.
Certain I’m going to toss and turn all night with a racing heart, I’m surprised when I wake up after a restful night’s sleep. It’s almost nine when I get up, and I’m supposed to meet James in town at ten AM. Rushing to get ready in the morning is normal for me, and I’m semi put together and out the door running only a few minutes late.
Downtown Thorne Hill is much closer to the house than downtown Paradise Valley, and I’m already in love with the aesthetic of Thorne Hill. It’s about half the size of Paradise Valley, and looks like it could be the backdrop for a small-town romance chick-flick. I drive by a bookstore on my way to the bank. I’m definitely stopping there on my way back.
James is already at the bank and waiting outside when I arrive. He looks nervous again, and