Page 104 of Stay With Me
He lifts his shoulder. “So which one is Tripp?”
Instead of trying to describe him, I find a photo of him on my phone from Noah’s wedding.
“Nice-lookin’ fella. He treatin’ ya right?”
“Better than any man could, Dad. Literally the sweetest guy I’ve ever met.”
He nods once. “Good. I’d like to meet him, then.”
“I’m sure you will. I haven’t told Noah since she’s on her honeymoon, but as soon as we’re public, we can plan a lunch.”
Once I grab my things and hug him, he walks me to the door. “Take care, sweetie. Come back soon, okay?”
I lean up and kiss his cheek. “I will, Dad. Love you.”
After I get to my car, I check my phone and see several unread messages.
Tripp
Sydney’s in surgery. Landen’s a mess. Maybe you should try texting him because he won’t talk to me.
My heart drops at the thought of Landen losing her. I know how much he loves that horse, even if he acts too big and tough to have feelings.
Magnolia
I’m leaving my parents’ right now and can come over. How are you doing?
Tripp
Keeping busy.
Magnolia
Where is he?
Tripp
Sitting at our parents’ house with Mom.
Magnolia
Okay, I’ll drive right over.
It’s a fifteen-minute drive out to the ranch, and once I park in front of the main house, I hop out and knock on the front door. The Hollises live in a Southern dream. A wraparound porch, flowers on the windowsills, and rustic vibes all through their home. I loved visiting every weekend and daydreaming of having a home like this when I got married and had kids.
“Hi, sweetie. Come in.” Dena opens the door for me, and I enter, then give her a hug.
“Hey. I heard Landen was here.”
“In the kitchen with Gramma Grace and Mallory.”
I follow her until I see a sad Landen chugging a beer.
“Want some sweet tea, dear?” Dena asks.
“Yes, please. Thank you.”
I set down my bag and then pull out the chair next to Landen. Instead of pressing him to talk, I curl my arm through his and lean my forehead on his bicep. There’s no denying we love giving each other shit and messing around, but he’s also one of my closest friends. Seeing him hurt makes me hurt, too.
