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“You didn’t seecloser “My truck?”

“Seriously, Emmy Lou, hold up the phone,” Krystal snapped “You couldn’t see her? In her bright-yellow-and-pink, daisy-covered raincoat Because, honestly, she ht as well be wrapped, head-to-toe, in reflective tape Asshole”

“Krystal,” E from her earpiece

“Hold up the phone You hed “Emmy Lou, I’m serious”

E

The man came around the hood of the truck and stopped His eyes widened and hisShock probably Complete and total shock Not just because he’d al lot, but because he ho he was and she ho she was and they were standing face-to-face…staring, at each other, in the rain…

“Brock?” Krystal sounded just as stunned “Is that Brock? Is that you?”

No, there was no way that was possible Eht now Not in the least She should be; it had been years Years This shouldn’t be a big deal Seeing hi al deal

“Hey” Brock nodded, barely glancing at Eaze was pinned on her

“I’m…” Her voice broke She hat? “I…” No better Just stop Pull it together This was silly “Hi” She forced a smile “So…” She could do this Talk Breathe In and out Easier said than done

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His mouth opened, then closed and thecontinued He just stood there, rigid, wearing an odd expression on his face A face that, all weirdness and near-death experiences aside, she kneell All too well

Adrenaline was kicking in now Enough to get herto do Move Away The sooner the better “Okay” She hung up her phone, shoved it into her pocket, and started walking—do not run—toward the stadiu forward

Did she aled to save a shred of dignity? Probably not She pulled the door wide, stopping just inside to scan the signs and arrows for the bathroo She didn’t have to look at it to knoas Krystal She waited until she’d closed and locked the door on the family restroom before she answered

“Emmy?” Krystal asked “Are you okay?”

“I didn’t get hit—”