Page 10 of In the Dust

5

Later that night, I wake with a gasp.

I begin to panic, my heart thumping uncontrollably. I reach for the bat that’s sitting in between my nightstand and the bed, grabbing it as the intruder flicks on the light.

“Don’t even think about it.”

Relief washes over me at the familiar tone, “Harper! What the hell are you doing here?” I check my phone. “It’s six in the morning.”

“Honey, it’s six at night, and I hadn’t heard from you, so I came to check up.”

It can’t be. Checking my phone again, I let out a groan when I see it is in fact six in the evening. “I can’t believe I missed my alarm. I bet my dad is pissed.”

I sit up and begin to rub my tired eyes.

“He seemed fine to me. He’s the one who told me you were up here. Mentioned you had a long day yesterday, so he probably just let you sleep in.” She walks to the bench at the foot of my bed.

I shrug while sliding the blanket off myself. “Maybe. I’ll talk to him later.”

There are a few moments of silence between us before Harper speaks up. “So …” She’s fidgeting with the heart shaped pendant that’s hanging from her neck. “How was your first day back?”

Shifting my eyes to her, I can tell by her mannerisms that she already knows Colton works here. “I understand why you didn’t say anything,” I tell her.

“What?” she squeaks.

“Colton.” I lean back against the headboard. “I understand why you didn’t say anything, but you should have told me.”

“Technically, you did say you never wanted to speak of him again. I was just respecting that.” She sends me a devious smirk.

“Whatever … It’s fine, Harps.” I give her a small smile as I run my fingers through my hair.

She nods. “Good, because we’re going out.” She walks over to my closet and rummages through my clothes. “Now, tell me what happened.”

I let out a small giggle. It’s no use trying to convince her we should stay in. Her pin-straight hair and perfectly applied makeup gives away her intentions. I knew we’d end up going out sooner or later, but I had hoped for the latter.

I think back to the little ride Colton and I took yesterday and decide it’s best to skip that part for now. I fill her in on how annoying he was throughout the whole day. Starting with stacking the stupid hay to him stealing my horse.

“He did what?!” she damn near screams.

My lips curl back in disgust. “He changed Pixie’s name to Peaches, of all things.”

“I’d say he’s still hung up on you.” She winks at me. “Seriously though, Dix, he knows how much you love that horse. I can’t believe him.”

I roll my eyes at her admission. “He’s just an ass. Hence why he chose Peaches.”

I remind myself that I just have to get through the summer and then I won’t have to see him ever again. Luckily, I only have to see him during working hours.

I continue telling Harper a little more about my first day back as I walk into the bathroom and plug in my curling wand before setting it down on the counter. At least I had enough energy to take a bath before I passed out, so I’ll be fine with just splashing some water on my face to feel refreshed.

After curling my hair, I ask Harper to do my makeup. It reminds me of high school when she would do it for each of the formals.

Once she’s done, we get dressed. Harper picked out an olive-green sundress with tiny white polka dots for me. She’s wearing a simple white one with delicate lace stitching.

I slide on a light jean jacket and my favorite pair of boots, then check my reflection in the tall mirror that hangs on my wall. For once I’m satisfied with the magic Harper has reigned over my appearance.

Pulling the front door closed behind me, we head for Harper’s car. I stop a few feet shy of the Honda when my phone starts ringing. “Damnit!” I whisper while frantically digging through my purse. I meant to call Brad earlier.

“I was just about to call you,” I fib while sliding into the passenger seat.

---