Page 4 of More Than a Good Friend

GOLDIE

Ava slides a piece of cake in front of me. “If you want to talk, we’re willing to listen. If you’d prefer not to discuss it, we’ll just eat cake. Doing both is also an option. If needed, I’ll make another one.” She rubs my shoulder. “He has a good heart, but not a single clue.”

I nod, then look around at all the ladies gathered, who clearly don’t know what to say. “I’m sure y’all are all aware that I’ve had a thing for Dag since forever. But I wanted him to love me, not just propose because of some joke we made when we were fifteen.”

Bluebonnet cut herself a slice of cake. “I’m not sure if it’s sad or funny that he looked so stunned when you left.”

“I feel bad about that. His feelings were hurt, but so were mine. And I didn’t want to fall apart with everyone there.” As I eat my way through the slice of cake, I make a decision. “I need your help. I want this to be the last birthday I spend wishing I weren’t single. All my time on the ranch isn’t going to change that. Any ideas where I can branch out and meet new people?”

Grayson’s wife, Daisy, grins. “Are you opposed to blind dates?”

“Used to be, but not now.” I push my plate to the side. “If I don’t change what I’m doing, everything will stay the same, and that’s not okay with me. I’m thirty-five, and seeing all of y’all so happy and in love makes me want the same. I always dreamed that Dag would wake up one morning and start loving me, but it’s time to let go of that and find a new dream.”

She nods. “Okay, I’ll start scoping out eligible bachelors, but also you might consider signing up on a dating app.”

The idea horrifies me. “I’ll download one right now.”

Joji laughs. “More than one. Download all of them.”

For the next twenty minutes, the ladies give input as I set up my profiles. All that’s left to do is add my picture to each one.

Daisy pulls her hair into a ponytail. “Okay, so what if we do your makeup for you and then snap a pic? Get it over with before you can change your mind.”

“It’s like you’re in my head. Because of the changing-my-mind part. So, yeah. I’ll grab my stuff.” I’m diving in, all or nothing, and praying for the best.

Lilith points down the hall. “Quick shower, and I’ll work on your hair. Those guys won’t be able to swipe fast enough.”

Ava drapes an arm around my shoulders. “You’re wonderful. I doubt it will take long for someone to fall head over heels for you.”

“Thank you.” I glance at my phone to see if Dag has messaged again. He hasn’t, and not checking every few minutes will be a hard habit to break. “I’ll be fast in the shower, but also—before I forget—please don’t mention anything about blind dates on social media or around my mom. She’s been wanting to set me up for years, but I know it’ll be with her friend’s son. He’s nearly fifty and has odd quirks. Once, I saw him eat steak with a spoon.”

Bluebonnet scrunches up her nose. “How?”

“His mom cut the steak into small pieces. That’s how. Now y’all have an idea of why I wasn’t quick to give up on the idea of Dag. He has issues, but not like that.”

Poppy, Kent’s wife, laughs. “We want reports on all the dates. Especially the quirky ones.”

“I promise. Y’all will just have to help me make sure Dag doesn’t know about them or at least where I’m going. The few times I’ve gone out, he shows up and sits across the room. He thinks he’s being sweet and watching out for me. But it’s hard to focus on someone else when he’s anywhere close. While that’s my issue, the only solution I can figure is to not have him around.”

“It’s worth a shot.” Joji opens a package of Smarties. “I’ll make sure the guys prevent him from accompanying you on dates. Clint can sit on him if need be.”

Laughter rings out, and I’m thankful I stumbled into this job. Living on the ranch has made me part of this family. “Thanks for following me home. Laughing feels good. And the cake is amazing, which you’ve probably gathered since I’ve had three slices.”

“Who’s counting?” Ava winks. “Not me.”

When she offered me this job, I’d been laid off and the idea of being employed and seeing Dag every day was too good to pass up. And I love it. Who knew I’d end up a cleaning lady and cook? I’m happy here. But now, seeing Dag every day will be hard. He’s still my friend. I just have to figure out how to stop loving him.

After a quick shower, I’m the center of attention. There isn’t a mirror in sight, so I have no clue how things are going. I’ve always been plain, and I don’t expect that anything these ladies do will change that. But it’s worth a shot.

I close my eyes as they work, hoping this is the beginning of a new chapter. One where I get to be the main character and not just the sidekick to the guy everyone swoons over.

“Okay. Go look in the mirror.” Bluebonnet beams, which is a good sign. “You look fabulous.”

The distance between me and the mirror seems to expand with every step, but I finally get a look. And I’m amazed. I look like me. Only better. My hair isn’t hanging like there are weights at the end tugging it downward. The brown is vibrant rather than dull. And if I’d known how to apply makeup like this, I would’ve snagged a guy a long time ago.

“I’m stunned. And I’ll need lessons on how to do this because when I go on dates, I kinda need to look like the picture.”

Daisy claps. “You got it. You are naturally pretty. We just highlighted some of your fantastic features.”

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