Chapter 3
All night I was up stewing over Garrett's actions last night. Part of me knew he'd be there at the diner, but I didn't know he'd act like that.
I called Becca, mostly mad that she was right. She was surprised and wanted to know why I was. I didn't have an answer for her, and that angered me even more.
Knowing I need to talk to him about this, and since I promised to go to his place today, I guess today’s the day. Besides, I want to see the new horse, as I'm a sucker for baby animals.
He knows that, too.
Damn him.
I don't know how I'm going to bring this up, but if I know anything, it won't be the second I step foot on the ranch.
As I drive up to the house that has been like a second home to me, I realize how little it's changed from when we were growing up.
Garrett's kept everything the same from the horns his dad put over the front door to the front porch swing his parents put up for me to read on, when I was over, even if his mom used it more than I did.
It feels like coming home, and I want to enjoy it for at least part of the day.
When Garrett steps onto the front porch, I'm just stepping out of my car. He looks hesitant and knows he's in trouble. I’m sure he thinks I'm here to yell at him. Good.
He's even more shocked, as I walk into his arms and hug him tight.
"We’ll talk later, but I need a day with my best friend first," I mumble. He nods and holds me even tighter.
"Whatever you want to do, I'm yours for the day," he says, as we pull away from each other.
"I want to see the new horse, and then go for a ride."
He nods, and I follow him out to the barn to the birthing stall.
The little horse, the color of warm caramel, is adorable, following his mom around the stall. But he’s got the temper of a wild hornet, which is evident by his anger that his mom won't stand still for him to nurse.
"Is he always like this?" I ask.
"He's stubborn, pushy, and loves to cuddle, once he has a full stomach," Geo says, walking up and giving me a hug.
"Tattletale," I whisper in his ear, which earns a chuckle from him and a glare from Garrett.
"He's a firecracker," I smirk.
Garrett just shakes his head.
"That what you want to name him?" He asks.
"Yep."
"Alright, Firecracker it is."
He pats the stall gate and strides to the other side of the barn, where our horses are, and we silently prep for our ride.
It isn't until we are on the trail that leads to the creek that he breaks the silence.
"How mad are you?" He asks.
"Not as mad as when you put the spider in my hair, but angrier than when you pushed me fully clothed in the creek and killed my phone."
His Adam's apple bobs, as he swallows hard and nods, but looks right ahead.