Page 79 of The Billionaire Land Baron

Jake:I keep thinking about where you’re going to go. I worry about you. You probably don’t think that, since it’s my fault you’re losing your house. But I do worry.

Jake:Is it weird I worry about T-Ball too?

Jake:Not as much as I worry about you.

Jake:I’m so sorry, Shelby.

Shelby stoodin the weeds behind the gas station, hearing the highway noises behind her head. City sat at her feet, smiling up at her and nudging her thigh with his wet nose. When she had gotten the first texts, she wanted to respond, but after reading these, she felt like she had to. But part of her was holding back. It would be opening herself up to respond. Could she open herself back up again?

Maybe just one text. But which one should she answer? She ended up sending four.

Shelby:Your pizza choices are disgusting. I like just cheese. I’m a purist.

Shelby:I found a dog. He’s traveling with me. How did I not have a dog before?

Shelby:It’s not your fault. I was going to lose the house to the bank anyway. I didn’t have the money to keep it up. I’m sad, but it’s also a relief.

Shelby: But you should have told me.

Before he could send a response,she got back in the truck with City beside her. They were making their way home and she was tired of driving now. Even though every mile took her farther from Jake, sending the messages somehow brought her closer. She could hear the notifications as more texts rolled through and she smiled as she drove, feeling her heart lighten with every ding of a message.

Shelby stopped whenever she got hungry or when City whined. Her heart would speed up as the truck slowed to a stop and she reached for the phone as soon as she got it in park, checking for the messages. Jake’s messages continued at the rate of about five an hour. She answered when she stopped, ignoring some, but picking a few to answer.

Jake:Seen any good movies lately?

Jake:Dumb question. You’re driving.

Jake:How’s the bed in the Airstream. I didn’t want to tell you, but I got the worst sleep of my life there. Well. Until I left Lucky, that is.

Jake:I still left you a great review. ;)

Shelby:The bed’s fine. You’re too tall.

Jake:Tall is relative. You’re short.

Jake:Don’t listen to me. You’re the perfect height.

Jake:Sometimes I think about kissing you. Did we try that standing up? How did that work? I feel like I’d have to pick you up?

Jake:Sorry. Got a little distracted there.

Jake:No more kissing talk.

Jake:Did you ever talk to your mom?

Jake:That’s a big question to ask over text. But I know how hard that was for you and I’ve been wondering.

Shelby:Didn’t talk to her. I’m still mad.

Jake:That’s a lot to handle. I wish I could have done more to help you.

Jake:Though our day at the casino was the best day of my life. So far. I hope to have more.

Jake:Who are you mad at? Your Mom? Your Dad?

Jake:This sounds cliché, but do you pray about this kind of thing? That helps me.

Jake:But I’m not trying to be all holier-than-thou. I’m a really bad pray-er.

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