Page 135 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
My sister’s freak out.
The guys freak out.
Who knew one sentence could rev up this old group of enemies like a race car at the starting line?
It’s as surprising as realizing I’m not angry at the Wildes anymore. Turns out, I never really was. I didn’t grow up participating in the feud. I just needed someone to blame after Hart wrecked me. But my heart’s not broken now, and I see they’re not the enemy.
“Water between rounds.” Hannah dumps the last of the chips from the bowl into the original bag. “We have to remember to hydrate. I can’t have another hangover like Jade’s celebration.”
Bronx tries to chug back the rest of his beer before Wyatt snatches it and tosses it in the recycle bin with the other cans he collects from the table.
“And don’t accept drinks from strangers.” Josie scoops her hand under the chips while our sister shakes them out of the bag. “If someone’s being too pushy or creepy, just come find me.”
“What are you going to do, kid?” Bronx snaps the top of another beer. “Twirl around like you’re at a playground?”
Josie flips him the middle finger, and he chuckles.
I don’t even notice Hart storm off until one of his brothers calls after him. And even then, I barely notice.
But I do, because I’ll never not notice him, and I’m done letting anger hold the reins.
“Let’s get ready, bitches.” Josie’s fingers tighten around my wrist, and she hauls me from the table.
My body instinctively starts to object. I guess comfortably stepping out of my comfort zone might take more than a day.
The open space inside the RV is like a mini loft on wheels, featuring light wood finishes, sleek surfaces, and ample room to move around.
A hallway leads to the bathroom and main bedroom, tucked in the back, while the lounge area boasts a sectional that doublesas a pull-out bed, and the dining booth has a sleek setup that converts into another sleeper.
That rush of excitement hits me again when Daisy syncs her phone to the RV speakers and Miranda Lambert blasts through the air.
“Little red wagon!” Josie takes the lead with a little shimmy, her hips swaying to get everyone’s attention.
I’m not as quick to sway my hips, let alone shimmy, but even Hannah joins, spinning and striking a playful pose.
Mind you, the move looks like her daughter taught it to her, but who am I to judge?
And then I realize I don’t want to judge.
Not her.
Not Hart.
Not me.
“You only love me for my big sunglasses—” They belt out the lyrics, totally off-key and laughing between every note.
I don’t flinch or ask them to turn it down like I would usually grumble. I don’t try to slip free when they grab my arm and pull me into the music.
We bounce to the beat, taking turns to spin in the tight space, laughing every time we bump into each other.
“You said, I’ll be Johnny and you be June and I’ll ride with you to the moon. But guess what?” A tiny beat of silence passes. “You can’t ride in my little red wagon!”
They’ve always been louder and more fearless than me, but tonight, it’s inside me—thatfire. The kind that makes you feel like nothing can hold you back. My heart’s racing to the beat, and for once, I’m not just watching them; I’m in their moment.
All the noise.
All the chaos.
