quick grin. “Now let’s get out of here. The sooner we start, the sooner I can see her.”
Westin helped Ryan load the back of his truck with the tools they’d need, then they climbed into the cab. As they drove, Westin checked his phone and replied to a couple of things from The Chute. Things were quiet today since everyone was either traveling, working, or training.
An individual text from Lars read: Hey, thinking about you, man. Hope things went well with Silvia.
Westin wrote back: She dumped me. Long story. Still in Lost Creek. I’ll call when I break for lunch. Building some stuff with Ryan today.
Lars’s reply came immediately: Wow. Sorry to hear that.
Westin pocketed his phone and leaned his head back with a sigh.
Even though Ryan had the radio on, Westin couldn’t focus on the song. He hated that he’d hurt Silvia. Kellie had it all wrong. Westin was the one who’d broken her heart, not the other way around. Well, his was pretty bruised, too.
He hadn’t even told Silvia about the threats Axel had made to him. They didn’t signify, anyway. Silvia had dumped him.
But she hadn’t left Lost Creek.
Somehow, his stubborn heart was finding hope in that.
Because he was happy she was making this move and taking charge. Even if he couldn’t be a part of her life, he wanted the best for her. The very best.
His phone chimed with a text, and he pulled it out. It was from Ellie, the woman from the rehab place in Oklahoma. His pulse skyrocketed as he opened the text. Would it be bad news or good news?
Amy checked into our facility last night. I thought you should know. I think she’ll have a great future once she gets through this rough spot. Thanks for connecting us.
The relief that swept through Westin was two-fold. First, for Amy and her recovery. Second, that he didn’t have to worry about his mom in the house alone anymore.
He forwarded the text to his sister Cheryl, and she replied with several celebrating emojis.
He hadn’t told her about Silvia. He’d planned to hold off until things were more established between them, but now that was all a moot point.
“Hey, you coming?” Ryan asked.
Westin realized the truck had stopped and the radio was off. “Yeah.”
Ryan was watching him, a question in his eyes, but Westin merely opened his door and climbed out. Then he started unloading tools from the bed of the truck.
It would be good to stay busy and work up a sweat. The morning had already heated up, and that was just fine with Westin. He’d forget that Silvia was somewhere down the road, not too far, if she was staying someplace in town.
Maybe they’d run into each other at some point. That was fine. They could be cordial. Westin’s heart would heal. Eventually.
“Finally,” Ryan muttered as he came around the truck, where Westin had picked up a saw.
Westin looked up to see a flatbed truck pulling into the rodeo parking lot. The lumber stacked on the bed of the truck looked freshly milled.
“I guess we’re painting, too?”
“Yep,” Ryan said with a chuckle. “We’re doing the whole thing, from start to finish.”
“How big are you thinking?”
Ryan looked toward the old ticket booth that Westin was glad would be torn down. There were gaping spaces between the slats, and the bottom looked as if it had been kicked in.
“Same size, I reckon,” Ryan said. “A couple more guys are on their way. With your help, the work will go a lot faster. You’re handy with a saw, right?”
“Yeah.” Westin continued to unload the equipment as Ryan directed the flatbed truck driver how far to pull back.
Then everyone pitched in to unload the lumber. By that time, another truck had showed up, and two younger guys hopped out.
“West, this is Ben and Greg. They’re calf ropers. Maybe you remember them?”
“Seen you around,” Westin said, shaking each of their hands.
“Great to meet you,” Ben said. He was the redhead, and he looked like he was a teenager, although he must be in his twenties.
“My dad was a big fan of your dad,” Greg added, hooking his thumbs in his belt loops. “His perfect score is legendary. I think I’ve watched the video a hundred times.”
Westin chuckled. “Yeah, he was right proud of that.”
Ryan clapped a hand on Westin’s shoulder, and he tried not to wince. “Westin here is set to match his daddy’s record. Getting closer.”
Westin chuckled, hiding his grimace. “Well, boys. That shed isn’t gonna build