Page 25 of Whiskey and Wildfire

“So, how’s that city slicker treatin’ our Beau?” Dolly asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I swear, I never thought I’d see the day when that shy cowboy of ours would be smitten with a New York fella.”

I chuckled, remembering how unlikely the pairing had seemed at first. “They seem to be doing fine, I guess. I haven’t talked to either of them much lately, but they seem pretty happy.”

“Well, ain’t that somethin’,” Dolly mused, sliding a glass of sweet tea my way. “You know, when Lucas first came to town, I thought he’d high-tail it back to the big city faster than a jackrabbit in a dust storm. But he’s taken to Sagebrush like a duck to water. Who’d have thought?”

I nodded, taking a sip of the sweet tea. The cool liquid was a welcome relief from the Texas heat outside. “It’s certainly been interesting to watch.” I did my best to sound genuine, but I still had some work to do.

Just then, the bell over the door jingled again before Dolly could question it. I turned to see Lucas stroll in, his confident gait and designer jeans still a stark contrast to the worn wooden floors and rustic decor of Dolly’s diner.

“Speak of the devil,” Dolly said with a grin. “Howdy, Lucas! Your usual table’s free if y’all want it.”

Lucas flashed her a charming smile. “Thanks, Dolly. But I think I’ll join my friend here at the counter today, if that’s alright.”

He slid onto the stool next to me, the gold earring in his left ear catching the light. “Hey there,” he greeted me warmly. “Sorry I’m a bit late. Got caught up helping Beau with the...” He glanced down at the floor. “The barbecue.”

I nodded, trying to hide my grin. Even after all this time, it was still strange to see Lucas so at ease in Sagebrush and so happy with Beau. “No worries. I haven’t been here long.”

Dolly bustled over, notepad in hand. “What can I get for you boys today?”

Lucas grinned. “I’ll have the usual, Dolly. Your famous chicken fried steak with extra gravy.”

“Comin’ right up, sugar,” Dolly winked. “And for you?” she asked, turning to me.

“Just a burger, please. Medium.”

As Dolly bustled off to put in our orders, Lucas turned to me with a mischievous glint in his green eyes. “So, how’ve you been? Staying out of trouble?”

I forced a smile, trying to pretend this meeting wasn’t filled with tension. “More or less. How about you? Still adjusting to life on the ranch?”

Lucas ran a hand through his dark hair, a habit he’d picked up since moving to Sagebrush. “It’s... different. But in a good way, you know? Beau’s been teaching me the ropes. Did you know I can actually lasso a calf now?”

I raised an eyebrow, impressed despite myself. “Really? The marketing assistant from New York City can lasso a calf?”

“Well,” Lucas grinned sheepishly, “maybe not consistently. But I’m getting there.” He took a breath, glancing my way. “Logan—” he began.

“No,” I said, holding up a hand to stop him. “Let me start. I’m the one that owes you and apology.”

He stopped, nodded, and let me continue.

“I… I’ve been a shitty friend. And I’ve been even worse to Beau.”

“Yeah, he mentioned that the cattle drive was a little rough between you two.”

“Did he tell you why?”

“No,” Lucas replied, surprising me. “He said it was between you two and he didn’t feel right sharing unless you were okay with it.”

“He… he said that?”

“Sure did.”

“Huh… that’s… unexpected. I figured he’d…”

“Make it all about himself?”

My cheeks flushed and I felt the guilt creep into my chest as I nodded.

“So, you want to tell me what happened between you two?”

---