Page 45 of Lassoed Love

As if sensing the weight of the conversation, Imogen takes a deep breath, exhaling it raggedly before speaking. “Look, Isla, I need to apologise. I’ve heard some stuff in town, and Dad mentioned a few things, but I didn’t want to get involved. It’s complicated, you know? And now that you’re back, I thought it’d be best for you to see how things go with him. I’m sorry if it seemed like I was avoiding it.”

I meet her gaze, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. “Midge, y-you don’t need to apologise. It’s a messy situation, and everyone in town seems to have their version of the story. I appreciate you not wanting to add to the gossip.” I smile softly, adding, “If anyone should apologise, it should be me for how I acted.”

Imogen’s eyes widen in shock, and she quickly responds, “No, no way. You had every right to act that way. I would have done the same if it were me. I’m just sorry I didn’t mention anything sooner, and now everything’s a big mess.”

Her gaze shifts downward, avoiding mine, and a heavy silence settles between us. The weight of unspoken words hangs in the air, reminding me of the complexities surrounding my return to thissmall town.

I manage a small smile, grateful for her understanding. “Thanks, Midge. It means a lot. Let’s just try to navigate this one step at a time.”

Feeling somewhat relaxed, a heavy revelation spills out of me. “I’ve been spending time with him lately, and I’ve noticed some weird things. He forgets his memories, misplaces things, and one day, he had brought up Mum in conversation.

“He acted likeshewas still around, off at the grocery store. It’s like he’s stuck in this time bubble of when she was still here. I freaked out, didn’t know what to do, so I left. I fuckinglefthim there, Midge.” Sobs now wracking my body.

“I’m a bloody coward—not willing to accept that he’s gone off the rails. You should have seen his face, Midge. Oh my god, he was so happy when he spoke of her.” Tears stream down my cheeks, and I let out a frustrated sigh. “Ugghh, things would be so much easier if Mum were here. She’d know what to do in these situations.”I miss her so much.

“Oh, babe,” Imogen says, scooting closer, placing her glass on the coffee table to give me a comforting hug. “Your Mumma is looking down on you—she’s always with you. She’d be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished—moving to the city, getting the job you always wanted, owning your clinic now. It’s what she always wanted for you.” Imogen looks me in the eye, tears forming in hers, as I continue to sob.

“It’s a tough situation—I can understand that. Don’t feel guiltyabout your actions at all.” I nod and Imogen hands me a tissue.

“Maybe it would be best to see a doctor, you know? To get a firm diagnosis or just to see what’s going on.”

I let out a laugh. “Have you met my father? He hates doctors. There's no way he’d go willingly.” Another frustrated sigh escapes me.

Imogen continues, “I know babe, but it’s the best chance of understanding what’s happening and getting help. Maybe approach it as a routine check-up, you know, just to make sure everything’s okay. Frame it as a proactive step for his health, not as a reaction to a problem.”

I wipe away the remaining tears and nod, considering her words. “I guess you’re right. I’ll find a way to talk to him about it. I just hope he doesn’t shut me out.”Like he always does—always has.

Imogen reassures me, “He’s your father, Isla. He might resist at first, but deep down, he'll appreciate your concern. And if needed, I can talk to him, too, maybe offer some haircuts at the clinic as a reason to drop by.”

I chuckle through my lingering sadness. “Haircuts? Really?”

Imogen grins. “Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. And who knows, it might just work.”

Feeling a bit lighter, I thank her for being there and helping me see things more clearly. The weight of the situation hasn't lifted entirely, but at least now I have a plan, and with Imogen’s support, it doesn’t seem as daunting. It’s reassuring to have a friend who genuinely cares, even in the midst of small-town drama.

I take another deep breath, holding back my laughter. “I-I have some more news…”

Imogen, her eyes wide and curiosity lighting up her expression, exclaims, “What? What?”

A mischievous grin spreads across my face as I spill the details about that unexpected kiss when Xavier dropped me off.

“Soo, Xavier drove me home that night, and we ended up sitting in his car for a bit. He walked me inside, and then out of nowhere, he kissed me. It was so fucking unexpected, and I’ve been left all flustered and confused ever since.”

Imogen reacts with a playful smack on my arm, her eyes widening. “No freaking way! What was it like? OMG, I need all the juicy details. What’s happened since then?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Well, here’s the kicker. I went on a date last night with David to the local rodeo at Hilltop Creek. Xavier was there, too. Long story short, he‘somehow’convinced me to agree to go on a date with him. Now, I’m stuck with these conflicting thoughts and the responsibility to initiate this so-called bloody ‘date’.”

Imogen, still processing the whirlwind of my story, remarks, “Isla! This is fucking wild!”

I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and confusion. “Tell me about it. I have no idea what’s going on.”

Imogen, sensing my inner turmoil, asks, “Well, what are you going to do? The decision is now up to you. He’s waiting foryouto message him, right?”

I’m conflicted. When should I message him, or do I even want to? Imogen senses my hesitation and encourages, “He went to all that effort to convince you. What’s one little date? If it doesn’t end well, then you don’t have to see him again. Simple.” But it’s not that simple though,is it?

Ugh. I guess she’s right.One little date. I repeat the words in my mind, the weight of the decision feeling heavier than it should. A whirlwind of thoughts spirals through my head like a tornado of uncertainty.Should I? Shouldn't I? What if it’s a mistake? But what if it’s not?

Imogen, watching the turmoil unfold on my face, senses my inner chaos. She leans in, her voice comforting. “Isla, don’t overthink it. If you’re not feeling it, then it’s okay. But what if it turns out to be something amazing? Life is full of surprises, and this might be one of them.”

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