"Just got to meet the right guy then?" she says. “Maybe a cowboy.”
“Speaking of cowboys... what do you know about Ledger Starborn?”
Her eyebrows rise. "What about him?" she asks.
I break off a piece of bacon and take a bite. “I think I was the one asking you about him.”
She twists her lip. “I think, well, he's...”
“What aren't you saying?”
“He's from a very particular family.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means his family is pretty intense. They're hard on him, have a lot of expectations, and that makes me feel a little bad for the kid.”
“Kid? He seems like a grownup.”
“He is. I think he's 23, maybe 24. He graduated college a year ago or so. I'm pretty sure he got a degree in agricultural studies.”
“Why is he working as a ranch hand for you? I mean, no offense, but if he went to college…”
"I think he needed some real-world experience. That's what he was after," Louisa says, "but I can't be sure. I do know he's a hard worker and he's very respectable and he's very funny and kind. I just know his family isn't the most easygoing.”
"Is that a bad thing?" I ask.
"It depends on what you're looking for," Aunt Louisa says.
"Well, my family is not the most easygoing either," I say.
She scoffs, "What are you trying to say about me?"
I laugh. “Not you. I mean, my parents.”
Aunt Louisa frowns. “I don't know. Don't be so hard on them, Liv. After all, they knew you were suffering and thought the country might be a good place for you to heal. They saw that for you, and they've been supporting your dreams for the last ten years.”
"That's true," I say. “Maybe I'm the one who's been hard on them.”
“Maybe so,” Aunt Louisa says, giving me a soft smile. “Now, why don't you finish eating and then go get some fresh air. You probably shouldn't be inside all day when you're out in the country. Isn't that part of the healing process, fresh air?”
I laugh. “Fair enough.”
After I've cleaned up and I'm ready for the day, I do as my Aunt Louisa suggested and go out for a walk. I pause, leaning against a big willow tree, watching cowboys lasso their horses, and I realize I have the most delicious view.
Ledger has his sleeves rolled up, half the buttons of his shirt undone, and his ass? It looks incredible. I might be staring, but I also don't care. He looks good.
My phone buzzes in my pocket as I'm stalking the man who had me all hot and bothered last night. It’s Catherine, so I answer right away.
"Hey," she says, "so glad you answered. I miss you."
"I miss you too," I say. It’s been a few days since I’ve spoken to my best friend. “How are you doing?”
“Incredible," she says. “I had to call because I have the best news.”
“Really, what's going on?”
“Well, I just got first place at the Daisy Open. Challenger and I did it. I can't believe it, but it was incredible!”
"Oh my God," I gasp, hating that I forgot her event was today. I’ve been so self-absorbed. "That's amazing."
Heat rushes to my face and my chest begins to pound, tears pricking my eyes.
"I wish you could have seen it," she says. “I'm texting you pictures right now. It was amazing. Everybody was there. Courtney and Giana were asking all about you, of course, and you should have seen what Savannah was wearing after the competition. It was ridiculous. It was this gold jumpsuit that was like riding up her ass. It looked absurd, but my description won’t do it justice. You have to see the photo.”
"Okay," I say, trying hard to laugh, when really what I want to do is cry.
"I miss you," she says.
"I miss you too," I say. “I can't believe you won. I mean, I can believe you won. You're amazing. It's just…”
"I know," she says. There's a tenderness in her voice that makes my heart break. I love her and I'm proud of her, but God, I'm also sad and heartbroken and envious and all sorts of things.
"I love you," I say again.
“I love you more. And I hope this doesn't upset you too much, me calling. I just, it was a big deal and you're my best friend.”
"No, no. I'm so glad you called," I tell her, meaning it. “I'm so glad. I love hearing your voice and I love you, and I'll look at the pictures and I'll call you later. Just go have fun and celebrate and I love you, Catherine.”
“I love you more. Talk soon, love. Bye.”
“Bye," I say, ending the call.
Ten photos pop up on my phone, one right after the other, and I scroll through them, gold jumpsuit and all, letting the tears fall freely. I wipe them away and try to hold back a sob, but I can't.