Chapter 2
Kaylee
I'm sitting at my desk working when Becca walks up and sits on the edge of my desk. "You do realize that Garrett is in love with you, right?"
"Don't be crazy, Becca. We’re friends, and he loves me like a friend, just like I love him like a friend. That's all it is."
"You really don't see it?" She sighs.
I save what I’m working on and turn to face her. "See what?"
"He uses that playboy thing to keep you and everyone else away, while the time ticks down on that weird arrangement you two have. He drops everything to be there when you need him. I've seen how he looks at you, too."
Did she come to work drunk? I don't know where this is coming from. Maybe, she’s more upset about me canceling the date last night than I realized.
"That's not true. He drops everything, because we are best friends, and it's what friends do."
"Not like that, but okay, let's test it. You’re going home to see your dad this weekend, right?"
"Yes," I say.
It's just me and my dad now. I go home to visit him every other weekend, and on the weekends I don't go, he comes here and spends time with me. He even has his own room at my place, though it's supposed to be a guest room.
"So, let's reschedule your date. I know Jason won't mind meeting you in Whiskey Run. You can have dinner at that diner you love so much. Just make sure Garrett knows the details about your date, and then, let's see what happens."
"Fine." I agree just to prove her wrong. "But when this doesn't go the way you’re planning, you’ll drop it and leave it alone, right?"
"I will, but when Garrett proves me right, you need to admit to yourself you have feelings for him," she says.
"That’s easy because my feelings don't go beyond friendship."
"Yeah. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there." She smiles and goes on, "I will schedule the date and text you the details."
I roll my eyes and get back to work, so I can leave a bit early and pick up dinner on my way home for my dad and me.
As I drive from Jasper to Whiskey Run, Becca's words keep rolling around in my head. What if she's right? I want to believe them, but I can't let my head go there, because if she isn't, I can't lose Garrett's friendship.
After my mom died, my dad never remarried. It was Garrett's mom that did all the girlie things with me, and my dad tagged along. Bra shopping, prom dress shopping, and everything in between, we did together. I know it's his mom who will be there on my wedding day, when I have babies, and all the big life events. I can't lose her, too.
My dad never remarried, but he’s happy with his life the way it is, and it works for him. But for him to find someone new, they would have to fit into his life, because he's too set in his ways.
I pull into the Red's Diner parking lot and take a minute to gather my thoughts. Judging by the cars in the lot, there will be enough people in there to pull off Becca's plan.
Here goes nothing.
I walk in, and everyone glances my way. Most smile and wave, while others give me the once over, before going back to their meals.
At the counter is Geo, Garrett's ranch manager. I remember when he started to insist we call him Geo. His name is George, but he said that name made him feel old. He's been Geo ever since.
"Kaylee!" Violet greets me from behind the counter.
"Hey, Violet. My dad should have called in an order," I tell her.
"He did!" She turns to check on it, and I glance around.
I see Drew Colson, who owns Colson Ranch. He's sitting with a young woman, who I assume is his wife, Jordyn. Garrett told me about them. I can't help but wonder if they are another one of Violet's matches. In this town, she has a reputation for setting couples up.
"It will just be a few more minutes. Sit and tell me what’s new with you?" Violet says, pouring me a glass of sweet tea.