Page 3 of Giddy-Up
Wait.What?Date?
After dropping that bombshell, she was treated to a quick kiss on the cheek before he was gone.Before she could argue.Before she could ask where else she could sit.Before she could say anything.
Like you’d be able to right now anyway.
That was true.He’d left her well and truly speechless.Again.
***
Bella found her duringthe reception.Riley had spotted her during the ceremony too.And she hadn’t been late.Not really.Which made Riley suspicious.Either Bella wasn’t all that interested in a new friendship, or she was being set up.With Wade of all people.Which didn’t make any sense.
“So, where were you working before the ranch?”Bella asked before taking a sip of her champagne.
They were still in the Evans backyard, well, it was more like a field that happened to be located at the back of the main house.They were under the huge tent that had been erected yesterday for the rehearsal dinner, only today, it was lit up with rows and rows of string fairy lights and adorned with pink roses.
“Uh, motels.I used to clean motel rooms.”Riley’s grip on her orange juice glass tightened.It was easier to talk to Bella than Wade, but that didn’t mean she still wasn’t scoping out the nearest exit.
“Awesome.So, you’ve always been a domestic goddess, huh?Maybe you can give me a few pointers.Mr.OCD over there—” she nodded her head in the direction of her boyfriend, Luke, who was currently at the bar with Wade, fetching them drinks, “is a bit of a neat-freak.But ever since I’ve moved in, the house has gone from chic tohurricane damaged hoarder homereal fast.”Bella winked.
Why was this woman being so nice to her?Riley was giving her nothing.Not even coherent sentences.Yet, here she was, joking with her like they went way back.
“Uh, well, if you ever need a cleaner, I’m off on Mondays and Wednesdays.”
Bella’s cheerful smile disappeared in an instant, making Riley question herself.
Did I say something wrong?
This was why it was better that she didn’t speak to people.She was always saying something wrong.Missing social cues.And was just really damn horrible at small talk, no matter how many books with embarrassing titles she read.
“You know I’m not trying to book your services, right?”Bella’s serious silver eyes locked with hers.“Not that I don’t think you’re great at what you do, I’m sure you are, but I was sort of hoping we could be friends.”
Friends.So she did want friendship.She started to panic again at the confirmation.Riley had never really had any friends.She’d tried a few times.But most people didn’t have the patience to stick around for very long.
Riley gave the woman a small nod, trying her best not to look petrified as she answered.“Okay.Yes.I’d like that.”
Back was that smile.Beaming and everything.“Cool.Me, too.So, Monday’s and Wednesday’s, huh?Let’s do lunch on Monday, where’s your phone?”
This time Riley didn’t answer, instead, she pulled out her phone.And in no time at all Bella took it from her hands.
“I’m adding my number and saving yours.If I’m running late, I’ll be able to call you and vice versa.How does one sound at Molly’s diner?”
Riley had no idea who Molly was or where her diner was, but she nodded anyway.
Like Wade, Bella seemed perfectly comfortable with Riley’s lack of actual words and continued to speak.“Amazing.I can’t wait to introduce you to the other women, too.They’re gonna love you.”
Other women?What?
Before she had a chance to ask, Wade and Luke were back.
The men came bearing drinks.But Riley had no use for yet another orange juice.There was enough acid making its way up her throat as it was, it didn’t need any more encouraging.
The drinks in Luke’s hands went straight to the tall table they were all congregated around.He was far more interested in wrapping his arms around Bella and pulling her into him than his beverage.Riley watched on, transfixed, as he whispered sweet nothings in her ear.Causing Bella to giggle.
The couple’s easy intimacy was leaving a mark.Making Riley feel some kind of way.It wasn’t jealousy so much, well, at least she didn’t think it was.No.It was something like longing.She wanted that.Wanted it so bad, but she knew deep down she’d never have it.And that sucked.Maybe she would take a swig of that orange juice after all.
Living life on the edge as always, Riley.
“We’re going to go dance,” Bella announced through more giggles before being dragged away by Luke.
