“That confirms it.” Tripp smirks. “Who is it?”
“It’s a group chat my friend Jake added me into. They just talk about random horse or ranch stuff, mostly,” I explain.
“So Jake’s makin’ you all flustered like that?” Wilder taunts, kicking my boots underneath the table, and I kick him back.
“Fuck off. There’s a handful of people in there, and I don’t even know any of ’em besides him.”
“So why’re you in there then?” Magnolia asks.
“I read through it from time to time and sometimes reply to messages.” I shrug, hoping they don’t push for more.
“Hm…I dunno. You’re actin’ weird, which means it’s way more than that.” Magnolia narrows her eyes skeptically, and I grab my fork to continue eating.
“Anyway, what did you want?” I ask, hopefully changing the subject.
“Just that we were leavin’ and your niece wanted a hug goodbye.”
I look over at Willow and then pick her up so she can wrap her little arms around me. “Be good for your mommy and daddy, okay? Make sure to get a sticker and a sucker from the doctor.”
“A sucker!” Her eyes light up like the Fourth of July.
“Thanks, man…” Tripp deadpans.
I grin. “Anytime.”
Once the three of them leave, Wilder and I finish eating, then head to the retreat barn to get the horses ready for the first tour of the day.
It takes everything in me not to textheras soon as I get home and clean up. I like talking to her even though I can’t explain why. There’s this…energy. This pull has me checking my phone way more than I ever have before.
Not wanting to come off weird or creepy is what stops me from randomly messaging her, but then she’s the one who texts me first the following day.
Poison Ivy Girl: So I mentioned the vitamin K thing to my mom and she says she bets you’re correct based on my previous health issues. If that’s the case, you’re basically my hero.
Waylon: I like the sound of that. What do I win if I’m right?
Poison Ivy Girl: Win? Is saving my life not enough of a prize?
Waylon: Of course, assuming you’re not some seventy-year-old grandma who’s knitting a voodoo doll of me.
Poison Ivy Girl: Dammit, you caught me.
Waylon: Nice ass for your age, then.
I smack my forehead as soon as my brain catches up to what I’ve typed out. But it’s too late because I already hit send.Real smooth.
Poison Ivy Girl: Why thank you. Lots of anti-aging and firm cream. But now you gotta show me yours.
Waylon: My ass?
Poison Ivy Girl: Fair is fair.
Waylon: I didn’t ask to see yours in the first place.
Poison Ivy Girl: But you still looked.
Waylon: Not on purpose.
Poison Ivy Girl: The bruising looks much better now, in case you wondered.
