The Quite Ridge

Chapter 15 – Rhett

It should’ve been nothing. Just another morning, same as every other one. People coming in, getting started, nothing out of place. But it didn’t sit right.

She didn’t rush past. Didn’t brush it off. She stayed, asked questions, pushed just enough without making it obvious. Most people filled space to avoid it. She didn’t. She let it sit, like she was used to it. That stood out more than anything she said.

When I asked about the night, she gave me something that sounded right. Not enough to question. Not enough to believe completely either. It wasn’t the words. It was how she said them—controlled, measured, like she already decided what I was getting before I asked.

Then I asked if she knew anyone. That’s where it shifted. No hesitation. No pause to think about it. Just a straight answer.

No one.

Just here.

Something about that didn’t sit right. Not in a way I could explain. Not in a way that meant anything yet. Just… wrong enough to notice. Most people had something. Someone. Even if it didn’t matter. She didn’t. Or didn’t want to. That bothered me more than it should have.

I didn’t show it. Didn’t ask anything else. Just nodded and left it where it was. Not my problem. That’s what it should’ve been.

Still, the way she said it stayed with me. The way she held eye contact like she wasn’t hiding, but wasn’t giving anything either. Like she decided what people got and nothing more. That wasn’t nothing. The way she stepped past me didn’t help. Close enough to notice. Close enough not to be accidental.

I let out a slow breath, pushing off the truck and heading toward the yard. Same routine. Same day.

But now—

I knew something I didn’t before.

She didn’t have anyone here.

And for some reason—

that didn’t sit right with me at all.