Page 35 of The Story We Wrote

“How’s my son this morning?” Mom asked, taking a sip of water.

“I’m good,” I responded, pausing while playing with a clover in the grass. There was no use in waiting to tell her about Ellie. I would just chicken out and avoid it the more I waited. “I, uh, heard from Ellie this morning.” Looking up, I saw my mom pale slightly; the redness that was on her cheeks faded. “She’s in Maine.”

The look on my mom’s face was exactly what I expected. She quickly changed her features, trying her best to put on a brave face. “I’m glad someone has heard from her more than just texts. How did she sound?”

“Not like herself,” I said, wanting to be honest.

“I figured.” My mom mumbled, getting back into a crouched position to start working again. I changed positions, too, holding the bin for her to throw weeds into. “I’m really worried about her, Boone. It isn’t like her to run like this and avoid her family.”

“It’s just going to take some time, ma. She’s hurting and we need just to let her have the space. She knows we’re here for her, and that’s what matters.” I believed what I said. Ellie knew that we all had her back. That would be enough to guide her back home.

“I know, but she’s my baby, and I worry. I worry about both of you finding your way and being happy.” My mom placed her dirty gloved hand on my forearm, giving me a small smile.

“I know, Ma.”

“Since we’re having a moment, I’m going to ask you something, and you better be honest.” This wasn’t going to be fun. “What’s going on with you and Aspen?”

“Me and Aspen?” I had to tread carefully, making sure not to say too much. I put the bucket down and began to pull weeds, trying to give my hands something to do.

“Don’t think I don’t see or hear about it around town. You two going out to lunch, picking her up from the Tequila Cowboy, meeting her at the stand at night just to name a few. Not to mention bringing her over for breakfast the other morning.” I was caught red-handed.

“I don’t know,” I replied. That’s the truth. “We’re friends, and I like spending time with her.”

I could tell my mom wanted to hear more; she read me like a book. I should’ve come clean and told her how I really felt. I wanted to tell my mom that Aspen made me happy, and I found myself wanting to spend more and more time with her. I wanted to talk about the dates and how I was helping her find inspiration to write, but I chickened out and chose to avoid all of it.

“Don’t play me to be a fool.” My mom said, “I can see it’s more than that for you. I don’t know how she feels. I’ve never witnessed you spend this kind of time with a female ‘friend.’”She got me, she really did. I felt trapped in a corner, backed up with no way out. I took a deep breath and let it all come out.

“She’s different. There’s no expectation, and it’s easy to be with her. I like the way she makes me feel.” I shrugged, tossing another tweed into the bucket. “I don’t know what’s happening between me and her, whether it’s just the excitement of someone new or if I’m catching feelings for the woman, but I’m taking it day by day. We’re friends. That is enough for me.”

“Just know, she’s welcome whenever. She’s sweet, and I approve as long as you’re happy.” She flashed me another smile. It felt good to get my mom’s approval, not that I had any doubt she wouldn’t. Hearing the reassurance from her made the uncertainty feel less scary.

By the time we were done, my stomach was growling for dinner. I decided to stay and spend some time with both my parents before heading home. I told Dad about Ellie, and it was no surprise when he didn’t have much to say. Emotions were not his thing; like Ellie, he internalized everything.

Ready to call it a night, I wandered back to my cabin a little after dark. I was both physically and mentally exhausted. When I got closer to my house, I saw Aspen in her normal spot on the swing. Catching me in the distance, Aspen waved me over. There was no way I was going to say no, I needed to see her.

“What’s up, cowboy?” Aspen asked, closing her book, which happened to be the same one as the other night. In her hand, she held the obligatory glass of red wine. She was a creature of habit, and I liked that.

“I like it when you call me that,” I said, sitting next to her on the swing. My arm naturally draped behind her.

“Oh yeah?” She remarked in a flirty tone. “Well, I like it when you call me Darling.” The power between us shifted, and I had an urge to pull her closer. When she spoke like that, I melted into every word. There was a soft lull to her voice when she droppedan octave. I wanted to kiss her soft lips and taste her on my tongue. Instead, I swallowed hard and brought the conversation back to friendly territory because right now, I felt like I was about to go into battle.

“How was your day?” I asked to change the moment. I needed to get away from this feeling and quickly.

Aspen’s eyes were glazed over before she blinked rapidly and replied, “The stand was busy, which I was happy to see. You should’ve been there! I was all over, cleaning, restocking, ringing people up. If it keeps up, I may need some reinforcements! How about you?” She said, smiling. I wanted to tell her I saw her working and how impressive she was, but I decided against it.

“My day was kind of draining. I’m not gonna lie,” I said, rubbing the palm of my hand on my knee.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked.

Fuck, I loved how gentle she was. She didn’t pry or demand answers, she gave me the space to share what and when I wanted. Is it always supposed to be this easy with someone?

After the afternoon with my mom and hearing her approve of Aspen, I knew I could trust her, and I really needed someone to share it all with. “I talked to Ellie today. She hasn’t called us since she left after the Buck thing. I was the first person to tell my mom, and it was hard.” Aspen didn’t say anything, she just nodded, and gave me the space to continue talking. “Most people don’t know what happened between her and Buck. It was nasty. I wanted to wring that fucker’s neck for how he treated Ellie and —” I stopped briefly to take a deep breath. “That poor excuse for a man cheated on her, not once, but has been for the last few years. It wasn’t until this last time he got caught. The girl he had been messing around with is pregnant with his baby.”

“Oh fuck,” Aspen said, her hand coming to cover her mouth. “Boone, I don’t even know what to say. That’s awful.”

“She left out of fear of what people were saying about her. She didn’t want anyone to find out the truth. She’s embarrassed and feels being here is a constant reminder,” I replied. “The thought of her running away from home, a place she loved, makes me want to kick his fucking teeth in.”

“I don’t blame her or you for feeling the way you do. I can’t even imagine what you all are going through. Boone, I’m so sorry.” Aspen put her hand on my thigh, rubbing soft circles with her thumb. The gesture was calming, reassuring me that she was here. With my free hand, I placed it on top of hers.

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