twelve
VAN
I’m off today, so as a thank-you for Brinley taking such good care of me the other day when I was sick, I decide to bring her lunch.
But when I pull up to Bailey Timber, I’m reminded it’s not some mom-and-pop shop she’s being groomed to take over. In fact, there’s a gate and a guard before I can even get on the property. And since Brinley doesn’t know I’m coming, I’m not sure what’s about to happen.
The guard glances my way, and for a second, he looks as if he’s just going to open the gate, but then he does a double take. I roll down the window and the crisp fall air enters the car.
“Do you have an appointment?” he asks.
“No. I’m here to see Brinley Kelly.”
He cringes as though he wishes I would’ve said anyone else. “Let me call up there.”
We both look toward the big off
