Across the Vanishing Sky (Starlight Grove, #1)(21)

And our father? He loved that kind of pain.

And that was the DNA running through my veins. The genetic makeup that always left me wondering if I would become like him one day.





9





BRAEDYN





Pulling into the half-full parking lot, I took in the recreation area. Yeti let out a happy bark as she did the same.

“Playground. Sweet,” Owen muttered.

We were on day eight in Starlight Grove and slowly adjusting to our new home, even if I’d had to find a noise app that played city sounds to fall asleep. Work had been surprisingly…fun. Aidan was a hoot, Cora was someone I could see myself becoming real friends with, Wylder was a kind boss, and Fiona kept us all in line. I hadn’t seen much of my hot, unhinged neighbor and didn’t want to look too closely at my disappointment at that fact.

Owen’s camp experience had been positive overall. Even with a couple of kids who sounded like bullies, he was making friends. Yeti was thrilled with her new surroundings and primed for adventure.

And me? I was…hopeful.

For the first time in a while, I was excited for what might happen now that I had access to the area where Nova had disappeared. And today was a big part of that.

Compass was a national organization that formed local support groups for people with missing loved ones. It was a way to access resources but also emotional support. And Juniper County had its own chapter.

I rubbed my palms over my jeans, trying to clear away the dampness. I’d been super involved with the Bay Area chapter of Compass, but new people meant opening myself up all over again and sharing some of the most painful moments of my life with strangers.

But they wouldn’t stay strangers. With time and vulnerability, they’d become community. At least, I hoped.

I took a moment to stare down at the pink, purple, and teal threads woven into the friendship bracelet Nova had lived up to every day I’d known her. Now, I had to do the same.

Rolling my shoulders back, I turned off the engine and slid out of my SUV. I opened the back door and gave Yeti a soft command to stay at my side. She did but quivered as Owen bounded out after her.

“I wanna swing and then do the monkey bars,” Owen said, practically bouncing.

My mouth curved, loving every moment he still felt like my little boy instead of an almost preteen. “What are the rules?”

“Bruh, I know the rules.”

“Then it’ll be easy for you to tell me, bruh.”

Owen smiled, even if slightly grudgingly. “Stay in sight of you at all times. If I want to go anywhere but the playground, I have to ask. Don’t talk to adults I don’t know unless you’re there.” His lips twitched. “And I bet you don’t even want me to take candy from strangers.”

I drilled a finger into his side. “Could be losing candy privileges altogether with that smarty-pants response.”

He laughed, trying to dodge my tickles. “Fine, fine! I’ll play by all the rules. Can I go?”

“Fly free, my son.”

With a roll of his eyes, Owen took off for the swings. Yeti pranced next to me as if asking Can I go? Please?

I dropped a hand to give her floofy head a scratch. “Sorry, girl, you gotta stay with me.” I clipped on her leash, which she stared at indignantly. “Sorry about that, too, but rules are rules,” I said, pointing to a park sign.

Sliding my Bigfoot tote bag over my shoulder, I took in the group assembling in the pavilion between the playground and what looked like a soccer field. Someone had hung a sign with COMPASS in big, printed letters. Why did this feel like the first day of school?

I took a deep breath and started toward the pavilion. There were about ten or so people in a wide range of ages and appearances. Even a few kids ran around. At least Owen wouldn’t be alone in coming along. I just had to be careful with what he overheard.

As I approached, a woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties with blond hair caught sight of me. A warm smile tipped her lips as she crossed in my direction. “Are you here for the Compass meeting?”

I swallowed, my tongue suddenly feeling heavy in my mouth. “Yes. I’m Brae.”

“Oh, Brae! I’m Holly.” The woman was already moving in for a hug. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. And this must be Yeti. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Clive?” I asked with a relieved laugh. The head of the Bay Area chapter of Compass had said he was going to reach out to the woman who headed up this chapter. Apparently, he’d given her a complete rundown.

Holly beamed. “He’s your biggest fan. Where’s your son? You’re always welcome to bring him, too.”

I inclined my head toward the playground. “He’s here and ready for play duty.”

Holly nodded knowingly. “Always good to have an activity.”

“Always,” I agreed.

“Come on.” She waved me toward the pavilion. “I’ll introduce you and Yeti around.”

The picnic tables had an array of sandwiches, cookies, and drinks, along with other snacks. Some people had brought camp chairs to set up, while others opted for the picnic benches. Curious gazes lifted to me as we approached.

“Everyone, this is Brae. She moved here from the Bay Area, where she was involved in Compass. And this is her dog, Yeti, who also happens to be trained in search and rescue,” Holly said, that same bright smile on her face.