Bowling with Bigfoot (Monsters of Mistwood #2)

by Eden Crowe

“I need the gutters cleaned out on my house, and I’ve been lookin’ for someone with your kind of skill.”

The crowd has mostly dispersed, though some still linger, making their way through the seven stages of saying an Appalachian goodbye. In my case though, ain’t nobody got time for that.

I’m a strong, independent woman, who doesn’t need a man to protect me. So why then does casually threatening a man’s life on my behalf get something inside me tingling at just the thought?

“Watch for deer.”

Because anyone who has ever lived around here knows - “Watch for deer” is the Appalachian equivalent to expressing concern for someone you care about. They’re words said between family, lovers, and friends. They are NOT words said between mortal enemies.

This is so silly. What am I doing? Surfing the web for what? Bigfoot porn? You’ve lost your ever-lovin’ mind, Hazel Reed.

The glare that settles onto my features is what some might call a “resting bitch face”, but I assure you - this bitch is NOT resting, she is very actively loathing.

I don’t get close to a lot of folks these days. Getting close always comes with the inevitable fear of being left behind.

It’s a truth that has to be acknowledged that West Virginia, while it may be wild and wonderful and oh so overwhelmingly beautiful - it has its own problems just like any other state. The number one problem being the opioid epidemic, which is closely followed by the second problem - the rehabilitation facilities that are purely out for profit, capitalizing on an illness that keeps the state in its chokehold. It’s a vicious cycle and an undeniable issue that plagues many families who call this place home.

“Hazel Reed, will you make me the luckiest Sasquatch alive and make a porno with me?” He asks, holding back a laugh in his wide grin.

“Just imagine all the trouble a little Bunny could find herself in all alone in the woods.”

Eric convinces me to call off from my night shift at Holler General in favor of getting chased down and fucked in the woods. To be honest, I don’t think I needed all that much convincing.

We turn to head that direction, but before he puts his hand around my shoulder to steady me, he gives my bare ass a light pat — and a small part of me dies inside, feeling as if I’ve just been told, “Good game.”

“To be completely honest, I’ve been in love with you my entire life.”

“I’m in love with you, Hazel. Always have been, whether you hated me or not. You pushed me harder than any coach I’ve ever had in my life. You gave me my motivation, my drive. I was always trying to get your attention, trying to impress you. Hell, you’re the whole reason I got into bowling in the first place.” My jaw is on the ground, and I can’t seem to force my mouth closed. “What do you mean?” “You were the only thing that made staying in this place bearable, Hazel. Life without you…well, it’s like dry toast. You’re what adds the flavor,” he says, and I swear I see the dimple at the corner of his smile even behind all the fur. “After high school, I didn’t know how else to find a good excuse to spend time with you. So, I joined the league just so I’d get to see you. I wanted you then, and I want you now. Can’t you tell?”

“What do you say, Hazel? Partners?” Partners. Partners and so much more. We’re a story that lives on well after the curtain has closed. Together, we’re legendary.