Toby launched into a protest about how being a ski instructor counted as a real job, even if he was technically only employed for half the year. I sent Asher a smile, grateful for the distraction. He knew I hated anyone prying into my affairs. Especially when there wasn’t anything to talk about.

I tuned back in to the conversation, and that was when the pub fell eerily silent. I looked around, expecting to see that someone had broken a plate or a chair, but nobody cursed or shouted an apology. Instead, all attention was focused on the door, where a woman stood silhouetted against the rapidly descending darkness.

Fuck. It couldn’t be.

I stared, taking in the long blonde hair that was darker at the roots, the cute upturned nose, and the unique eyes I thought I’d never gaze into again for as long as I lived.

Kennedy.

She was back in Destiny Falls. In the pub. Only a handful of yards away.

Why was she here?

Someone coughed, breaking the hush. Eyes burned into me as our audience waited to see how I’d react so they could follow my lead. The community had been a great source of support when she first made a name for herself in Hollywood. They’d rallied around me, boycotting everything Kennedy Carter. The store had refused to sell any tabloids with her picture on the front. The movie theater had never played the films she starred in. And if anyone ever happened to learn anything about her, they sure never mentioned it to my face. A few had gone further and helped shield me from reporters who’d come to town, trying to dig up dirt about Kennedy’s time in Destiny Falls. Now, she was here. Inexplicably.

I had no doubt someone here would toss her out if I gave any indication that was what I wanted. Hell, either Asher or Toby would gladly volunteer for the job. I just needed to force myself to move.

“Liam.” Someone jostled my elbow. Firm fingers gripped it. “Let’s go, man.”

It was Asher, trying to get me to leave. But I couldn’t look away from the woman who’d crushed my heart and stolen my future.

“What the fuck is she doing here?” he muttered. “Come on.”

I stood up.

“Help me, Tobes,” Asher urged.

Before my brother could move, Kennedy lifted her chin and crossed the room. I caught a waft of her scent as she stopped in front of me. Slightly sweet but unfamiliar. My throat threatened to close over. I didn’t even know what she smelled like anymore. Somehow, that made me want to kick shit down.

I could still read her face though. She was nervous. Rightfully so.

Asher tugged my arm again. “Liam has nothing to say to you,” he snapped at her.