Page 87 of Knot Your Problem, Cowboy
Him: “Yeah, okay, that was pretty bad.”
I hid behind a barn wall, giggling. The thing is… it was adorable. When did I start finding terrible pickup lines endearing? This place is doing something to my brain.
Today’s Omega Advice Corner:Based on the approximately forty-seven messages asking about maintaining boundaries…
Here’s the truth: Boundaries are like diet plans. Great in theory, total disaster when someone waves chocolate cake in your face. Or in this case, when three cowboys walk around looking like snacks.
The key is being honest with yourself. Are you avoiding them because you genuinely need space? Or because you’re scared of how much you want them?Both are valid, but knowing which one helps you make better choices.
Stay strong out there, dearest Omegas. Or don’t. I’m not your mom.
City Omega out.(Still not a ranch girl. Still pretending I might be.)
Iclose my laptop just as my phone rings. Meredith’s face fills the screen, already looking suspicious. So I quickly answer.
“Finally! I was starting to think the cowboys had murdered you and buried you under a cactus.”
“We don’t have those kinds of cacti in Montana,” I inform her, heading to the bathroom. “And they wouldn’t murder me. They need me alive to sign papers.”
“Uh-huh. So everything’s totally normal? You’re being good?”
I prop the phone against the mirror, grabbing my toothbrush. “Definegood.”
“Really?”
“I’m trying! But my body has developed its own agenda that involves very detailed dreams and morning… situations.”
Her eyes light up. “Are we talking about what I think we’re talking about?”
“I plead theFifth.”
“Oh my God, you’re having wet dreams about cowboys! This is better than Netflix!”
“Can we focus on the actual reason you called?” I beg. “Please?”
“Fine, spoilsport. I can help you move your stuff this weekend, as my brother has a van from work we can use.”
“Yeah, no,” I say quickly, pausing my brushing. “I’m worried about anyone seeing me leave the ranch. Someone might use it against me with the will stuff. I really need this inheritance money, Mer.”
“And the cowboys?” Her voice gentles. “You planning to just leave them behind after the three months?”
The question sits heavily between us. I quickly fill my mouth with water to rinse it out. “I don’t know,” I admit finally, cleaning my toothbrush. “I’m trying not to think about it.”
“Very healthy. Denial always works great.”
“Says the woman who pretended she wasn’t in love with her boss for two years.”
“We don’t talk about that.” But she’s smiling. “Seriously, though, maybe see how things play out? You’ve got time.”
“Yeah. And honestly, I don’t have much stuff. Can you store my boxes in your garage?”
“Of course! What are friends for if not enabling questionable life choices and storing your crap?”
“You are amazing, and you know I love you.”
“And don’t forget, you owe me big,” she states.
I laugh. “Always. Anyway, I’d better get ready.”
