Page 22 of Giddy-Up
“Different?”
“Yeah.She’s a littledifferent.You gonna be okay with that?”
Wade understood what Matt was trying to say, not so eloquently.Riley didn’t just come across shy, she was skittish too.Maybe even a little fragile.And definitely unlike any of the women he’d previously dated.But that was part of what he liked.
“Oh, I’m more than okay with that, the real question is...is she?”The million-dollar question.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean...she’s ran out on me twice now, in the space of a week.How long is it gonna be before she runs again?”And next time it’s going to hurt even more.
There was no doubt in Wade’s mind that it was going to happen again.Not after reading her note.Just like her, anxiety in any form was unpredictable.And that lack of control was going to be an issue.Especially for him.He was a man of routine and with that came control.The thought of something outside of his power dictating his life made him real nervous.
Matt was quiet for a while, making Wade second guess being so honest.When he did speak, his brother was more serious than he was used to.
“Maybe it’s just not worth it then?It’s already a little problematic with her working for us, why complicate your life?”
What?
“I’m single Matt.I know it’s been a while since you’ve been in the dating world, but this is what it’s like...putting yourself out there, hoping that one day you’ll find that one person.”
Matt rolled his eyes.“You sound like some douche in a chick flick.”
“What’s with you, man, things okay with you and Melody?”
His brother rarely mentioned his girlfriend, despite the fact they’d been together for going on five years.They were yet to move in together though and he’d heard no talk of wedding plans.
“Yeah, of course.”Matt dismissed Wade’s concern with a flick of the hand.“Look, no offense, but your luck with women is bordering on fucking catastrophic.”
No offense my ass.“Thanks a lot asshole.”
His brother scoffed.“Come on, you’ve got to admit it’s been a shitshow.You’ve been on what, three dates in two years?One didn’t show up, one got carried out of the restaurant mid-date by Cody, and one ran away.”
Well, when you put it like that.
“What you don’t realize, man, is that you’re a catch,” Matt continued, ignoring Wade’s snort.“I’m serious.You’re a business owner, house owner, you’re nice and shit, and let’s face it, none of the Evans brothers have been hit with the ugly stick.”A short, sharp laugh escaped him as Wade shook his head.“You just pick the wrong women.”
If only it was that simple.If Wade had learned anything in his thirty-two years on this planet, it was that love had nothing to do with how good a person was on paper.He agreed with the fact that he was a decent man with plenty to offer but unfortunately the type of women he was drawn to don’t care about ‘good on paper guys.’Which was why he probably liked them.
“Why don’t you let me set you up with one of Melody’s friends.Her friend Courtney’s always had a thing for you.She’s a nice girl, pretty, easy...her family owns a ranch over by Splitrock.”
Easy.
For the first time, Wade thought twice about his brother’s relationship with Melody.Easy was a word that did come to mind.But not necessarily in a good way.Yes, when you are with the right person things should be easy.But Matt and Melody had stayed still for five years.No plans for the future.And no urgency to spend more time together.Was this really an easy relationship or just convenient?
“Thanks, but no thanks.”Wade rose from the bench.“I wasn’t lying when I told you I really like Riley.And for me, that’s worth the risk.”
Matt stood too.Scepticism clear on his face.“Okay, brother.It’s your life.Just be careful, okay?”
Wade didn’t reply, he didn’t need to.Matt was slapping his back one minute and swaggering down to the river the next.
“Good talk,” Wade mumbled to himself.
Maybe his brother wasn’t the best person to open up to after all.
***
Later that day, Wadefound himself up at the main house.His Ma had tempted him with freshly baked cherry pie, and he was helpless to resist.Just as he was about to help himself to a second piece, a loud crash had his knife stopping mid-slice.
