Page 61 of Chasing Liberty

“Not happening.” Freedom rolled her eyes. “Weallgo or none of us go. Tonight is our night. We’re sisters and we stick together.”

“I heard the hands are over at Mav’s playing darts,” Justice said with a wag of her brows.

“That sounds so exciting,” Liberty droned sarcastically. “Again, go and have fun.”

“Wyler might be there,” Hope said in a sing-song tone.

“No, I doubt that,” Justice said. When she realized all eyes were on her, she shrugged. “What?”

“Explain,” Freedom urged.

“I saw him this morning over at the coffee shop,” Justice admitted. “He looked miserable. Unhappy. I doubt he’s doing anything fun these days. You do realize he hasn’t been here at the ranch since…” She allowed her words to trail off.

“And you’re just now telling us this?” Hope groaned and picked up a pillow, tossing it at Justice’s head.

“I thought it might be best not to mention the run-in.” Justice threw the pillow back at Hope.

“Can you all stop treating me like I’m a tool away from being a full toolbox. If you saw Wyler, that’s great.” Liberty attempted to sound cavalier. “He and I aren’t enemies. Right now, we’re working through some things.”

“Anyone else have anything they’d like to add?” Hope asked.

“Fine! I stopped over at the cabin a few days ago. I wanted to see how Wyler was. I have your back, Liberty, but he is my friend,” Freedom said.

“And?” Liberty rolled her hand to get her sister to spill the tea.

“He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. He’s hurting too.”

“He’s crazy over you,” Justice said matter-of-factly

“He misses you.” Freedom drained her glass.

“You’re taking a cherry pit and growing a tree.” Liberty rubbed her temples where a headache threatened to bloom “How about we go to Mav’s.” The last thing she wanted was to sit around talking about her love life or the lack thereof.

“Seriously?” Freedom looked surprised.

“Yes!”

Justice jumped up. “I’m going to go put on that new dress I bought while I was in New York,” she squealed.

“I’m coming too! I need to shave my legs.” Hope raced up the stairs behind Justice.

Freedom kept her gaze steady on Liberty. “You’re miserable.”

“I miscarried.”

“Yes, and that was a horrible loss, but you also miss Wyler. I know you.”

“I thought you said I should handle this on my own?”

“You’d want me to tell you that you’re being ridiculous.”

“Youare the one who is ridiculous.” Liberty was starting to wish she hadn’t agreed to a night of celebration.

“How?” Freedom said haughtily.

“Keller. That’s how”

Freedom appeared flushed at the mention of her old flame. “I see what you’re doing. You’re trying to deflect and turn the spotlight onto me.”

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