Page 79 of Your Love is Enough

“What? This is my house.” Stacey gestured around the room. “My kitchen.”

Kristen shook her head. “I know, but it’s seven a.m., and you’re awake. I thought you’d be sleeping.” She took her travel cup to the counter and sat next to Stacey.

“I usually would be, but I was planning on going to see Tristan this morning.”

Kristen’s eyebrow shot up.

“But.” Stacey held up her hand. “His trip to Texas was moved up, and he’s already there. He left late last night. We’ll have to wait till he gets back Wednesday to talk.”

“That sucks. But I’m glad you decided to talk with him. I hope everything turns out.” She grabbed a banana and put the lid on her coffee mug. “Sorry to change the subject, but are you still able to meet me at my house later? Jacob’s gonna pick up sandwiches. We’ll finish painting, then we just need to start moving in furniture.”

Stacey nodded. “Yep. I’ll see you there around five.”

“Great. Later gator.” Kristen blew her a kiss and left.

Stacey cleaned the kitchen, did her laundry, and became bored very quickly. Grabbing a book, she headed outside to read and checked her phone. Maybe Tristan messaged her.

Nope. Damn.Call him. If he can’t talk, he won’t answer.

She dialed and waited as it rang. Her heart thumped hard in her chest.I really need to fix things. I acted so stupid.

There was a click. “Stacey?”

Her heart stopped. It took her a second to find her voice. “Tristan. Umm. Hi.”

“I’m sorry.” He didn’t sound like he was in Texas. That’s the cool thing about phones. It brings those faraway close. “I left unexpectantly. Did you get my message?”

“Yes, when I woke up.” She let out a breath. “When would be a good time to talk?”

“Not now. I’m on my way into the training. I’ll text you when I can.” He must have turned the phone away because she heard him talking with someone. His voice was muffled. “I gotta go, Stace. I’ll talk to you later.”

There was a click, and the call was terminated.

She held the phone away from her ear and just looked at it. He didn’t even wait for her to say bye. “I don’t know what I was expecting. Endearments of love, words of joy.” She talked out loud. “He’s probably done waiting for me. I screwed up one too many times.” She puffed out air and sat there for a while, ignoring her book. “I can’t be here all day. I’ll go crazy.” She called Kristen. Painting would be the perfect activity to keep her busy, so she asked Kristen if she could get started. She got the okay and a text of instructions, put on some paint clothes, and left her house.

Kristen lived on the other side of town. It wasn’t far, but it still wasn’t like she would be able to run over for a cup of sugar if she ran out. Her friends’ lives were moving on, like they should be. Careers and marriage.I never wanted more than my career—until Tristan. I’d like more with him. “Great time to realize that.”

She pulled up in front of Kristen’s house. She lived in the town where they grew up, in her mom and grandma’s house. Her grandmother had gone into an assisted living facility in Florida a few years ago, and her mother moved down there to get away from the Tennessee winters and be closer to her mother.

Stacey did a quick walk around before she got started. Kristen had done a lot of work. The two full bathrooms had both been gutted and updated. And the same with the kitchen. The rest of the house had the carpet pulled up, wood floors put down, and now they were just finishing the painting. It looked brand new, and Stacey almost didn’t recognize it from the house, which was like a second home to her since middle school. Now Kristen and Jacob would get to fill the walls with their own memories and children.

Wow. That is a strange thought. Her best friend and her brother are going to have babies together.

Stacey laughed, remembering a conversation she and Kristen had when they were in college, after Stacey’s breakup. They were both bad-mouthing guys until Kristen came clean and told Stacey that she had a crush on Jacob and would one day have his babies. Stacey remembered saying that that ship had sailed. Jacob no longer had a crush on her. He had moved on.

Little did she know then that one day, she would be here, painting their house so they could start their life together.I’m glad they’re both happy. They deserve it.

She picked up the paint roller, put on music, and got started.

Texas in April was perfect. Tristan always loved coming here. There was something different about this ranch. It felt real. Maybe it was because Texas and cattle just went together. He always thought he wouldn’t mind moving here if ever it came up. The older he got, the better it looked.

The training was interesting. They were learning about new advancements in environmental conservation and sustainability and how this can increase the bottom line. By the time five o’clock came. He was starving. It was a long day with a short break for lunch, which consisted only of sandwiches. He needed something big and hearty. Lots of carbs and protein, and maybe a beer or two. Texas barbeque would be perfect. His mouth started watering.

“Tristan.”

He knew who the voice belonged to before he turned around. It was Janet. His lungs deflated. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to talk to her. Janet was a beautiful brunette with a to-die-for body. She loved all things Texas. Rodeos, country music, and cowboys. He was none of the above, but she was his last relationship. They lasted about five months and ended over two years ago. He came here to work one summer season—May through August—to learn the business. The business wasn’t the only thing he learned about.

He also learned all about Janet.

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