Chapter 2

Rayne’s POV

The next morning, I woke early to get showered and ready for my birthday trip. Grandma had prepared a birthday breakfast for me and handed me a small gift box. I felt bad that she spent her money on getting me a gift knowing that money was tight. She assured me that it didn’t cost a penny and I quickly opened it to see what could possibly be in the box.

As I opened the box a beautiful antique locket with a blue looking stone appeared and when I opened the locket my heart stopped for a brief moment when I saw a picture of my parents inside. My eyes pooled with tears as one fell down my cheek. It was the best gift I had ever received from anyone. Quickly I hugged my grandmother thanking her for the thoughtful gift. She helped me put it on and explained it had been in the family for years and she was planning on passing it down to me. I told her I would cherish it forever as I held it between my fingers as she clasped it around my neck.

Honking came from outside and I knew it was Emma. I grabbed my bag and kissed my grandma goodbye as she yelled to be careful out the door to Emma and me.

The drive to Ridgewood was beautiful this morning as it had snowed overnight and the trees were covered with snow but the roads had already been cleared. Emma was jamming out to her favorite songs as I looked out the window remembering this drive when my parents were still alive and my mother and I use to come visit grandmother on a weekend every month. Not much had changed in the last six years because the road was very rural and not too much to look at other than trees and mountains.

Emma’s GPS went off letting us know we were only five minutes to our destination when a deer jumped out in front of us and Emma swerved trying not to hit it. I grabbed ahold of the dash to steady myself as we heard a pop from outside the jeep and she finally got the jeep under control and pulled off the road.

My heart was racing, and I could tell Emma’s was too as she still had a death grip on the steering wheel and her knuckles were turning white. After we took a few minutes to calm ourselves we climb out of the jeep to inspect what made the popping sound.

Coming around the back of the jeep I saw Emma kicking her driver back side tire. Neither of us knew how to fix a flat and Emma started to freak that we were going to miss the band. I tried to calm her and just when I thought there was no hope bringing her back from her fit, a big black pickup truck came slowly down the road and pulled over turning his flashers on.

A tall well-built man hoped out of the truck and walked our way. “Looks like you ladies could use some help.” The man said as he got close enough to us.

He wore a hat, and it was hard to see his face but his voice sounded familiar. Lifting his hat by the beak to adjust his hat I took in his facial features. “Ethan?” I asked with a smile on my face hoping it was him.

He stopped and looked at me for a second before he said, “On my, Rayne. I can’t believe that is you. You’re all grown up.”

I chuckled before I said, “Me? What about you. It’s like you grew a foot since I saw you last.”

He walked over and gave me a hug and it was so nice to see Ethan. I haven’t seen him since I left and we use to be neighbors, so as kids we grew up together.

“Who’s your pretty little friend here?” He asks me and I nudge him. Same old Ethan the lady’s man but he truly was a great guy.

“This is my best friend, Emma.” I tell him as he extends his hand to her and she places her hand in his and he brings her hand to his lips and places a soft kiss on the back of her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Emma.” He tells her and I can see her melt into his words.

“Pleasure is mine.” She says back to him almost breathless.

As Ethan starts to fix the tire he asks, “What are you ladies doing out here?”

“I’m taking Rayne to Rider’s tonight for her twenty first birthday and of course to see the cover band playing.” Emma tells him as she stands right behind him taking in the view, smiling at me as she is fanning herself. It took all I had in me not to burst out laughing.

“Hopefully I will see you there tonight. Me and the boys were thinking about heading there tonight.” Ethan says as he finishes fixing the tire.

“That would be great. Maybe you could save me dance?” Emma looked at Ethan as she batted her eyelashes at him.

“I’d definitely will save my first dance for you.” Ethan said as he threw bad tire in the back of his truck. I’ll take this by the tire shop and get it fixed for you.” He tells Emma and then asks, “Where you ladies staying?”

“We rented a cabin on Bridge Road.” Emma tells him.

“I know the cabin. You’re going to like it. I’ll see you ladies tonight.” Ethan said as he got in his truck and pulled away.

After we got back into the jeep Emma says, “You were holding out on me. You never told me what the men looked like in your hometown.”

I laughed at her, “Hello I was like fifteen when I left and they didn’t look like that back then.”