moving back to Boulder.”
“No, shit? Samantha?”
“Yeah, Samantha.” That girl has been nothing but trouble for Chase. If she were a guy I would have kicked her ass from her to Sunday.
“Okay, well, you know the drill. No late night parties, clean up after yourself, and no girls.”
“Shut up asshole.” He punches me in the arm.
“Ow! Whatever. My house is your house. You know that.” I slap him on the shoulder. “I need to talk to Lily about some paperwork and stuff. Let me just text her and we can go out to lunch. My treat.”
“You haven’t told her yet?” I shake my head, no. “Yeah, okay. I’ll go take a shower and scrub off the self-loathing clinging to my body.” I shake my head at him as he’s walking to his room. I go the kitchen and start the coffee maker. I wonder if Lily is awake. She must be, it’s the butt crack of dawn. Ranch life starts early. My office is awash in sunlight. The folder of paperwork for Lily is still on my desk, an ever present reminder of what we need to talk about.
JT: good morning
Lily: are you just now waking up, sleepy head ;)
JT: LOL, yeah, BBQ kisses
Lily: <3 honey BBQ
JT: sweet
Lily: sweet potato pie
JT: hot pie
Lily: with whipped cream
JT: lickable
Lily: Mmm
JT: you’re killing me!
Lily: leftover pie?
JT: what are you doing tonight?
Lily: making more whipped cream
JT: 8pm?
Lily :-)
Is that a yes? Did she say, yes? Please let that be a yes. I’m not taking no for an answer. I groan. It’s going to be a long day.
Nine
The smile on my face must be a mile long. My heart is going to explode. Sexting with JT? I didn’t say yes but I didn’t say no. Just in case, I better stop by the store on the way home from my errands. I bite my lip, day dreaming of all the possibilities.
Kenny showed up just before the morning feeding. We did the rounds discussed the horses, training schedule, and barn chores. I only have Kenny for the summer but maybe after graduation I’ll have a full-time position.
It’s the middle of the afternoon. I decide to take a break and go into town for some supplies. Maybe I’ll get a shake while I’m there. The feed store is my first stop. I have to pick up supplements. I’ve decided to breed Five Alive. She’s ready. I would love to have little filly, or colt, running around. All that youthful energy and playfulness. Maybe I can ask JT to help me.
I pay for my purchases. I drove the ranch truck into town. I put the bags into the cab then walk over to get a shake. On my way there I notice Blanche talking with a guy. He looks mad and she has a smile on her face. But then he grabs her arm. Her face goes white.
“Hey!” I yell at him as I walk towards them. He sees me and his hand drops. Blanche doesn’t look at me but listens to the guys tell her something then walk away. Huh, that was easier than I thought. Blanche looks at me and crosses her arms over her chest.
“What do you want Lilliputian?” Her voice drips with acid. So much for being helpful. “Nothing.” I intended to walk away but I can see she’s distressed. “Are you okay?”
“Grand, actually. Just scoping out possible ceremony locations.”
“Ceremony?”
“Haven’t you heard, Lily dear? JT’s in need of a bride and I intend to make a beautiful Tanner wife.” She flips her blonde hair back. “With all you’ve been through I’m sure you haven’t been up on town news. It’s why I’m back in town.” I want to slap that perfect smile off her face. I don’t know what to say. She’s right. I haven’t been around. So, this is who JT wants? No wonder I’ve not been able to catch his attention. I’m nothing like Blanche. I don’t have the social status or the big breasts. She probably does things for him I’ve never done before. Maybe he doesn’t want someone with so little experience. Ugh!
I stalk over to the side window of the building and order a vanilla shake. I don’t know what’s going on between us. I’m no one to him. I kick my inner self and walk to the grocery store.
By the time I make it out of the grocery store with all my purchases my brain is working overtime. I know Blanche is in town but I thought she lived