I didn't expect to see Rylee Creed after her brother's funeral.
That's the initial reason my jaw hangs slack when she walks into Bent Pedal a month later.
The loss of my friend hit me hard, but that's nothing compared to the crash she's endured.


Grief and misery still shadow her every move.
But she's not alone.
A little boy about the age of my daughter clings to her side.
Their shared pain is too ripe, salt in my raw wounds.


I assume we're about to make a deal and go our separate ways.
But this bar was Trevor's pride and joy.
She wants to honor his final wishes.
How can I possibly stand in her way?


Simple. I don't.


Our paths collide after that point.
The journey forward is messy and complicated, much like us.
Maybe there's an exchange to be made after all.
Rylee just has to willingly accept the wager.
Then I'll trade her broken heart for mine.