Page 58 of High Density

I swallow, choosing to nod because I don’t trust my voice right now.

Her arms slip around my waist, pulling me to her. We stand like that, holding on to each other in the shadow of the restrooms for a while, when she suddenly straightens up.

“Oh no…Logan. He’s been waiting for news all day, they made plans for their first date tonight, after the rodeo.”

Shit. Poor kid.

I mean, he just met the girl yesterday, but he clearly liked her. It’ll still be hard news to get.

“That’s gonna be tough for him,” I commiserate.

Janey nods, her expression serious. “Yeah. I should probably go let him know and send him home, before the news reaches him some other way.”

But Sheriff Ewing beat us back to the clinic. As we walk up, I can see him standing close to Logan, resting a hand on his shoulder.

“Doc, I was looking for you,” he says when he catches sight of Janey. He glances from her to me. “I’m guessing you already heard?”

“Yeah,” she confirms, immediately sidling up to Logan, putting a supporting hand on his back.

The kid looks dazed—a bit out of it—like he can’t quite believe what happened. But when Janey makes a suggestion, he turns to look at her.

“Hey, why don’t you head on home? We’re about wrapped up here anyway.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Go. I’ll check in with you in the morning, see how you’re feeling. I can always call Frankie to give me a hand here tomorrow, if you need some time.”

Logan shakes his head, his jaw set stubbornly. “I’ll be here in the morning.”

“Are you gonna be okay to drive?” I ask cautiously.

“I’m fine.”

The curt answer is firm, his tone making it clear it’s not up for discussion, but Janey tries anyway.

“We can easily drop you off at home,” she offers.

“I’m good.”

He abruptly takes his leave, probably to avoid further offers of concern. I get it, I was that young too, cocky, and feeling all kinds of invincible in my college years. Even though there’s only ten or so years separating Logan and I, it feels like a lifetime to me.

We watch as he gets in his truck and drives off.

“I’m sorry to have been the bearer of bad news,” the sheriff apologizes, “I didn’t realize the kid knew her.”

“They only met yesterday,” Janey volunteers.

“He mentioned that, but it looked like she made an impact on him. Anyway,” he shifts topics. “I came here to have a look at the horse.”

He glances at the pinto, who looks to be dozing off in the pen next door, her tail occasionally whipping from side to side to keep the flies off.

“Of course, go ahead,” Janey invites him. “Some of her sutures ripped but I redid them. What’s going to happen to her?”

“Not sure. I was wondering if perhaps you had room for her until we sort that out?”

“I do, but I’ll have to pick up the trailer at the clinic.”

She sounds as tired as she looks. I can drop her off at her house, where she’ll be safe and can put her feet up, and I’ll come back here to pick up the horse.

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