“You turned it off, and I guess I fell out of love, so we’re done.”
“I don’t believe that. I’m not leaving this time.” She looked close to tears.
“Just go, Kirsty. I don’t want you. You had your chance; there will be no second one.”
“I’m not giving up!” She kissed him before he could stop her, and then ran to her car. Seconds later she’d gone.
“Why is my life so complicated suddenly?”
“You’re peopling, bro. It’s what happens when you start interacting with actual humans and not animals,” Ford said, reappearing. “What’s the deal with you and her?”
“We had a thing, she found someone else she liked more because his bank balance was bigger. Now it turns out she doesn’t like him and likes me again.”
“How come you didn’t tell me she broke your heart?” He saw Ford was pissed off.
“It’s rude to listen to other people’s conversations.”
“Whatever. Why didn’t you tell me you were hurting? That’s what brothers do, you know.”
“What was I gonna say? Hey bro, my heart’s broken, I need a hug?”
“We could have talked it though. Jesus, Nash. You got to open yourself up more. No one can tell what’s going on with you. You’ve been like that for years. It’s not healthy.”
“Like you spill your innards constantly,” Nash said.
“I talk when I need to talk. You, however, don’t.”
“I’ll tell you one thing, Ford. I don’t get women.”
“Amen to that. You come to me next time you have a major life event. Okay?”
“Will do. I have a duck and a pony I’m not sure what to do with. Are they life events?”
“No. They’re your family.” Ford had a wide grin on his face. “You better leave now before someone else tries to get you all emotional. Plus, Monica is tired.”
“Been a week for it,” Nash said. “See you tomorrow.”
“The hands asked if you could bring Monica back. Mom too, and Dad. He reckons she’s the closest thing to a grandchild he’s getting anytime soon.”
“She’s not staying.”
“You keep telling yourself that, little bro,” Ford said, punching his arm.
Nash opened his door, and Monica jumped in. He followed.
“You’re a suck up,” he said, opening the window. She rested her little head on it, and he drove home. It was as he was pulling up in front of the cabin that he remembered tonight was the opening of the chocolate shop.
“I could just not go, Monica. It’s not like they expect it of me.”
But she did. Luna McKinley. He’d promised, and for some reason he didn’t want to renege on that. Resigned, he fed the pony—and her duck, who was still lying in the hay. He then locked her in the small pen.
“You’re not coming into town. I’d never live that down.” She looked at him with soulful eyes. “No.” He walked away. “I’m the boss here, not you.”
Her whinny told him she thought different.