Next to Never

  I wonder about the kids and how they’re all grown up and probably wreaking hell, getting their licenses and breaking rules.

  Quinn annoyed the crap out of me when she was little, but she always stood by my side, literally, making me feel like one of their own in a group of people that weren’t really my family.

  Why did I leave home again? I suddenly struggle to remember my reasons, because right now, it feels like what I gave up is a hell of a lot more than what I ran away from.

  “Sir?”

  My eyelids flutter, and I take in a breath, coming back to the conversation. “Sorry. Nothing. Never mind,” I say quickly, dismissing her. “Thank you, Tahra.”

  “Good night, sir.”

  But before I have a chance to turn back around, she speaks up again, “If you don’t mind my asking . . . if you’re homesick, why don’t you just go home?”

  I drop my eyes, remaining silent. I’m not sure how to answer that, but it’s a good question.

  Can I go home? Of course. Anytime I want.

  So why wasn’t I budging?

  I inhale a long breath, feeling the welcome heat suddenly hit my cold fingers as I stare northwest.

  “Someday,” I whisper.

  Penelope Douglas is the author of the Fall Away series, including Aflame, Until You, Rival, Bully, and Falling Away. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, then a Master of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans. She and her husband have one daughter.

  What’s next on

  your reading list?

  Discover your next

  great read!

  * * *

  Get personalized book picks and up-to-date news about this author.

  Sign up now.