STAYING AT HIS AND Katie’s usual hotel — or at least, what had been their usual hotel eight years ago — would have been the easiest option. But that was also where they had broken up. It had been a long time ago, but Brendan didn’t want to deal with the place. The memories of being with Katie were more vivid than those of every other relationship attempt he had ever made. Whatever was going to happen at the farm would be hard and confusing enough without muddying his head more.
He kept going on I-80 and found a motel a few exits past the city. Alone in his room, he thought about texting Katie to update her on his progress but decided against it. He didn’t have anything specific to say, and until or unless he did, he didn’t want to risk rupturing whatever fragile peace had allowed her to i
