Page 22 of More Than a Fling

“Yeah, that’s kinda on the back burner right now, and this latest horse project will probably push it even further back,” Gabe said.

“Oh, to be so talented that you have to choose which passion to follow must be really rough,” Pepper said.

“It might sound good, but choices like that can be tough. Feels like there isn’t enough of me to go around and letting go of something you love, even if it’s to move toward something equally good, sucks. Fortunately, I mostly get to have my cake and eat it too.”

“I love your band, you guys are all very talented musicians and I think you could really make it…you’d probably have a better chance in Nashville though—Goddon’t tell Sam I said that, he would kill me for even suggesting it!”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence Pepper, and your secret is safe with me.”

“I speak the truth,” she replied, tucking a strand of her recently-shorn brown hair behind her ear. “I have to get going, I’m working the graveyard shift at the hospital tonight, and I wanted to get a quick ride in this afternoon.”

“Good luck getting him in from the field today. That green grass is like candy after the long winter we had,” he said laughing.

“I’m armed with the real thing,” she said, showing him a peppermint candy.

“Ha, that should do it,” he said.

“See ya, around Gabe.”

“Yep,” he replied, returning to his perusal of Cal’s resume.

He really liked Pepper a lot. He even thought that a friendship might be blossoming between them. She was spirited and friendly, not to mention very attractive, but there was no “It” factor between them. It was strictly platonic. Funny how that worked. There really was no rhyme or reason to sexual attraction, you either were or you weren’t.

By the book, it would look like they would be the perfect match, same age, both single, both horse people, attractive, vibrant, but nope, totally in the friend zone. Now Annie, on the other hand, was like a bomb going off in his psyche. There was no doubt about it, she had completely bypassed the friend zone the second he had laid eyes on her.

Unfortunately, he would have to cool his heels until after she had fulfilled her bridesmaid duties at her friend’s wedding on Saturday. For now, he had to focus on his mile-long list of responsibilities; there was no time to daydream. After calling Cal to inform him that he had the job, he got up from his desk and left to find Slim. They had fence to repair and miles to go before he could call it a day.

11

Annie helped Abbey into her wedding gown, recruiting Madeline to help. Annie laughed as Madeline appeared to get swallowed up in the layers of fabric. “Now we can add the train,” Annie said.

Stepping back, they both eyed their handiwork. “You look amazing.” Annie said to Abigail.

“I’m a nervous wreck.” she replied.

“You’ve got this,” Annie said.

“Are you sure?”

Looking at Abbey’s terrified expression, Annie said, “Normal jitters, everyone goes through it.”

The wedding party were all ready and waiting to walk down the aisle. The adorable flower girl and equally cute ring bearer, Annie the maid of honor, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, were fully decked out in their wedding attire and waiting for the moment they had rehearsed for.

“Come here everyone, let’s form a circle,” Annie commanded as they all gathered around the bride, “Everyone hold hands. Abbey, we are all here, standing with you, supporting you, and surrounding you with our love. You are getting ready to embark on an incredible journey with the man you love, who adores you and is waiting for you.” She paused, feeling choked up, “This is a moment in time that I hope you will never forget. My wish is for you to be fully present, savor the love all around you, take it in. You will never experience this time and moment again. I love you my friend, now go out and seal the deal.” Just as Annie had hoped, they all laughed at the last comment just as the wedding march began to play.

* * *

Annie arrived at the farm right on time for their one o’clock date in her cherry-red convertible. A young, good-looking, blond guy commented enthusiastically as she stepped out, “Nice car!”

“Thanks, it’s a blast to drive,” she said. Her cheeks were flushed, and hair wildly tossed from her ride with the top down.

“A car for a peacock if ya were to ask me,” Slim grumbled to himself but not quite low enough to escape Annie’s ears.

“Excuse me?” she said defensively, “I’ve worked my butt off for that car.”

“Kinda car that’s fer showoffs,” he declared.

“Did someone get out from the wrong side of the bed this morning or are you always this rude?” Annie said huffily.

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