Page 20 of The Story We Wrote

Ten

Aspen

Every night since I started my new job, Boone came by to help me clean up at closing. He’d show up sweaty and exhausted from the day. No matter how much I protested for him to go home and relax, he’d stay until the job was done. As a thanks, I’d make sure to put a blueberry muffin aside for him first thing every morning, so he’d have something to eat. It was the least I could do. Saving a muffin for Boone meant having to sometimes lie to the customers.

Faircloud’s resident grouchy old lady made her way in today, walker and all, asking to buy enough to last the week. She asked for six; however, I only had fivesellableones left. If I’d given up Boone’s, I’d be able to make her dreams come true. That wasn’t a choice I was willing to make. When I told Mrs. Clint I only had five, I felt her stare into my soul and I nearly cracked. I stood my ground though, reminding myself how much Boone needed that damn muffin. Most days by noon, I had none left. They didn’t even sell that quickly at The Coffee Cup in its prime.

The friendship between Boone and I was sparking into something, and I’d been completely blind sided. Hell, I was lying to old ladies to keep him happy. At night, we would sit outside talking and drinking our favorite beverages, his was a Coors Light. Sometimes, when we would run out of things to say, we would sit in silence and stare at the stars. In the mornings, he would be gone before I even woke up, yet that didn’t stop him from sending me texts throughout the day.

Boone: It’s hot as balls out here. I hope you’re enjoying the air conditioning, kinda jealous.

Boone: You better be saving me my muffin. I’ve been thinking about it all day.

Boone: Which dress did you choose today?

Of course, I would answer, which kept the conversations flowing. On Wednesday, we went grocery shopping together and got dinner out. I knew people were talking. I pretended like I didn’t hear the whispers. The first time we were out in public shook me to my core, yet I couldn’t bring myself to let it ruin my happiness. I liked hanging out with Boone. The earlier opinions I had of him, the womanizing, asshole cowboy had faded away. The Boone I saw now was kind, he made me laugh, and I didn’t feel as on edge around him anymore. I had my nervous moments, like when I’d catch him staring a little longer than usual. Sometimes, I couldn’t help myself, and my mind began to drift, focusing on dirtier thoughts, which would also make me blush, which was getting out of control.

It’d been a week since the swimming hole and we both avoided the topic. Nothing else had happened. Boone was a shameless flirt, yes, but I couldn’t fault him because I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me smile. I thought about that evening often though, whenever he calls me Darling or tells me he likesmy dress. The attraction was undeniable and I think he felt it too. Though, us getting that close was a one time thing. I didn’t want it to ruin the comfortability I’d found at Cassidy Ranch. I was happy, and I wouldn’t let my first true heartbreak be Boone Cassidy.

I was wiping down one of the tables when I heard the sound of boots crushing the gravel. Right on time, Boone walked up the small ramp to the door and through the entrance. His heavy cowboy boots made a deep thud as he got closer to me grasping his hat in his hands. I have to say, sweat looked astonishing on that man. His hair was disheveled like he’d been running his fingers from root to tip. The way he smiled, the mustache…

“Please tell me you have a muffin saved for me.” He pulled out a seat at the table next to the one I was cleaning and flopped down with a sigh. His one leg extended and the other bent to hold his khaki cowboy hat.

“Who do you think I am?” I asked, tossing my rag on the table. “I swear Mrs. Clint was going to fight me for it. I think she could sense I was lying when I told her we were sold out. That woman has powers I swear.” I walked around the counter and squatted down to pull out the last muffin from the day. Grabbing the paper bag, I headed back toward Boone. My strawberry pattern sundress swayed with every step. “I held my ground.” I handed him the bag and gave him a big grin. The story pulled a low chuckle from Boone who wasted no time ripping the bag apart and biting into the muffin. A groan came from his throat, my body responded like that noise was meant for me. If I had pearls, I’d be clenching them. Clearing my throat, I ran my hands down the front of my dress.

“Just as good as I imagined.” He placed half of the muffin on the paper bag and licked the blueberry from his fingers.For the love of— I couldn’t take my eyes off him. The way he cleaned his fingers was straight out of an erotica film. I swear time sloweddown. “So, once we get cleaned up here, I’ll head home and shower. Should I meet you on your porch? I have some leftovers my mom gave me I’d be willing to share.” Boone stood and shoved the second half of the muffin in his mouth, wiping his hands on his jeans.

“I, ugh,” I took a deep breath trying to regain whatever cool I had left. “I won’t be able to tonight. I’m meeting Penny and Theo at The Tequila Cowboy.” Boone was unfazed and, for some reason, I felt guilty.

“Oh shit, no worries.” He began to clean up. “Let’s get this done so we can get you outta here.” He flashed me a smile. A part of me wanted to cancel, wanted to stay home and spend the night with Boone. I needed this though. I needed to see Theo and Penny to have some fun and be with my girls.

Boone and I finished up, talking like normal throughout the process. When we were done, I closed up and we headed to our own cabins. Boone wished me goodnight and told me not to get into too much trouble.

“I won’t. Trust me. I usually just sit on the sideline and watch Theo and Penny go wild.” I put my hand on my door knob, but felt Boone still standing behind me.

As I turned around to face him, Boone said, “If anyone lays a hand on you, unwanted of course, give me a call.” Like what he said meant nothing, he left without another word making his way towards his cabin.

“Thanks!” I shouted after him, surprisingly enough I was able to form at least one word.

Before I went inside to get ready, I watched him walk away. For whatever reason, thinking about getting with a guy at the bar tonight had zero appeal to me. I was too focused on the ass filling the wrangler jeans of my next door neighbor.

* * *

It’d been a long time since the three of us spent a night out at The Tequila Cowboy. Being with Penny and Theo brought back a lot of memories, good memories.

Over the last few months, we hadn’t talked much. With Penny starting her job at the library and Theo traveling nonstop with photography, I gave up. I stopped reaching out as often and told myself I was okay with the scattered visits or phone calls. I didn’t know if I was throwing myself a pity party because both of my best friends were living the life they wanted as young professionals or if it was because they both seemed established and happy. I always wanted to see my friends succeed which meant this was a “me” problem. I wasn’t happy with myself or my life enough to be a good friend to those I cared about most and that wrecked me.

Being back here, I realized I was far away from “okay” with the way life had been going. Life was short and regret was the last thing I wanted to feel when I woke up with gray hair alone realizing life had flown by.

“To us,” I said, holding up my tequila shot.

Penny and Theo followed suit. “To us,” they said in unison. I closed my eyes and took the shot like a champ, slamming the glass on the bar.

The Tequila Cowboy was the only bar in Faircloud. It was your typical dive bar with bright neon lights, old beer signs, and sticky bar tops. The interior was dingy and old, yet had character. My favorite part was the black and white checkered dance floor that showcased a plethora of boot scuffs.

After finishing her shot, Penny put her glass down and looked around the bar like she was searching for something, or someone. I tried to follow her line of sight, nonetheless, came back unsuccessful. When she caught me, she cleared her throat and brought her attention back to the group.

“Ummm…” I started. “Were we looking for someone?” While giving her a “come on spill” look. Penny huffed and put both her hands on the bar.

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