just a bit but I’m thinking more rationally. Lily and I. We still need to talk. Kenny is a complication we’re just going to have to deal with. My office light is on when I get inside. I can see Chase sitting at the desk working on his laptop and sifting through some papers. Chase will know what to do. He’s good at dealing with ‘problem’ individuals. He looks up. “Hey.”
Eleven
I laid awake last night thinking about my conversation with JT. By the time my brain decided to shut off the sun was already up. The food was so good last night but I barely ate my fill. My stomach growls remembering how empty I feel. I throw off my covers and walk into the bathroom for my morning ritual. Things turned sour last night. Maybe during my shower he decided I wasn’t worth the effort. Then he brought up Kenny.
I don’t understand what he has against having my friend stay with me. This summer is going to be the hardest one yet. I’m all alone. No one left in my family. Can’t he understand how important my friends are to me, especially now? Does he think I’m giving Kenny free room and board? Sure, Kenny doesn’t have to go back home and deal with a temperamental family. Yes, the training experience is a plus. With the extra help and companionship I feel like I am getting the better end of the deal.
He’s so confusing!
When I get to the top of the stairs I can smell coffee. Kenny must be awake. How do I explain JT’s strange behavior? I thought he liked me until he acted like I couldn’t have Kenny. If he can’t act like a grown up about my situation then I’m just going to have to keep the two of them apart. I need Kenny. I need my friend.
I go straight to the cupboard for a mug but there is already one on the counter where Kenny is pouring me a fresh cup of coffee. “Mmm, you’re a life saver.” I throw my arms around my friend in a bear hug. Kenny stiffens at first but immediately melts against me.
“Careful! You almost made me spill your coffee!” Kenny laughs. “Rough night?” My friend hands me the coffee. I am instantly awake. The smile on Kenny’s face tells me “I know who you were with last night!” I don’t have the heart to explain JT’s strange behavior about our arrangement.
“Don’t look at me like that.” I try to scowl but the corners of my lips betray me. “Yes, I was with JT last night. You already knew that. No, nothing happened. We’re just friends.” Now Kenny looks serious. I know that look too.
“I just want you to be careful. You have so much on your plate right now. The last thing you need is a broken heart.”
“Ken, my heart is already broken.” I think of Gramps and my parents. “There isn’t anything left to break.” I hope.
“Okay, well, when do I get to meet this JT character?” Kenny’s nose wrinkles. I laugh and we bump hips. We always seem to know what one another is thinking it’s like our little trio can read one another’s minds. The only thing that would make my summer better would be Skye but she isn’t going to be around as much with her photography work picking up.
“I’m not sure, maybe on Friday? Thursday is poker night. I want to keep that tradition but Friday has always been our party night. How about we go to Jack’s? Kip is dying to meet you. Dinner and dancing? Please?” Skye was always the one to spur us on to parties. She is the dutiful social butterfly and inevitably flits about the party. So, Kenny always came along as my drinking buddy.
I can see the hesitation. Being back home isn’t easy for any of us. We all seem to have our dreads in some form. Kenny’s is a family that is large and in charge. As the youngest of the Thomas clan, and the only member to not take up the wrench, Kenny’s brothers are incredibly protective and overbearing. The eldest brother took on the reigns of Thomas Motors when their father died. He encouraged Kenny’s natural ability with horses and yet still pushes his desire to keep his family close, working with him.
“Um, yeah, okay. My brothers know I’m here so it won’t be any surprise if they see me.”
“Yay! In the mean time we