The Stella I Remember

11| New State. Fresh Start.

September 2020
Four Years Later
Sevierville, TN

"So this is it, huh? Looks kinda grungy."

"Grungy?" I asked with a frown. "I'll admit...it needs some work, but I think this will be a good investment."

"I don't know," Marcus said pitifully. "I still think you should sell it."

I stared at the old rustic cabin. I understood why Marcus suggested I sell it. He didn't want me to dig myself into a hole so deep financially that I couldn't get myself out of it.

But I had memories here. Lots and lots of memories with my family. I would always look forward to those winter trips up to the cabin with my parents. Sometimes we would spend Christmas here together and hang out up here until we got sick of the snow.

And now that they were gone, I couldn't get rid of it. Given how I spent the last twenty years, I was definitely labeled the sentimental type.

"By the way, Abby and I are having a Halloween party next month. We would really like it if you came."

Great. A Halloween party was the perfect excuse for him to try and set me up.

Again.

For the one millionth time.

Before I could answer he added, "We just want you to come and enjoy yourself. I promise there's going to be no surprises of the feminine variety."

I gave my best friend a disbelieving look. I've known Marcus since we were five. I could tell his tone was truthful, but I knew that if a girl showed up he thought I would click well with, it would be his mission to get me married within the year.

"I don't know, Marcus."

He held up his hands. "I'm serious. If you happen to meet a girl there, then that's your own business. I'm staying out of it." He made an X with his finger over his heart. "I swear on football Sunday."

I snickered and shook my head. "How many times do I have to tell you that swearing on football Sunday doesn't actually mean anything?"

"It means something to me," he scoffed. "You know how I am about football."

He wasn't lying about that. Marcus was a diehard Saints fan and never missed a game; whether it be on TV or a live game.

"Since when did you give up on my love life?" I asked curiously.

Now that I thought about it, it had been awhile since he tried to play match-maker.

Marcus exhaled a heavy sigh. "Since what happened last year...happened."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Marcus..."

"If I had known you hired a P.I. to find her, I wouldn't have set up the—"

"Stop talking," I bit out. "Sorry...it's just—I can't talk about this anymore. About her. It's over and done with."

Thankfully Marcus stayed quiet.

"Now, let's talk about where we should start first."