“No but I grabbed cider from the store and it’s warming.”
“This is going to be perfect.”
She grabs the bowls and plates and I remove the grilled cheeses. Together, we prepare our food and drinks then sit in the living room and eat in front of the fireplace.
“I pick up the tree Thursday and I’m going to see if I can get somebody to put the lights up outside.”
“We can do it,” she says excitedly.
“We cannot. Neither of us is going on top of this house. I’ll find somebody. When I pick up the tree, I’ll see if Beauden or Yelena can lend me a ranch hand. They can go up in the attic and get the decorations too,” I say, and she’s too excited. “I’m going out for about an hour later, to meet Reece. You gonna be cool here?” I ask and she rolls her eyes.
“I’ll be fine, Wren. I’m not a baby anymore. I’ll lock the doors and windows and stay locked in my room under the bed,” she says sarcastically, and this time, I roll my eyes.
“Alright, smart ass.”
We finish dinner, pack the leftovers, then clean the kitchen together. Then I shower, change into a black oversized sweater, leather pants, and my favorite pair of black, thigh-high boots.When I walk into Amara’s room to check on her, she examines me from head to toe.
“Put your braids down and put on hoops,” she says.
“Anything else, fashionista?”
“Nope. That’s it. Do that and you are tea.”
“Okay. I will. I’m leaving. My ride’ll be here in ten. Answer if?—”
“If and when you call. I know. Go and have fun.”
“I love you.”
“Love you more.”
Because I trust my little critic, I return to my room, take my braids down and finger style them. Then I remove my studs and put on a pair of silver hoops from Reece. I check on Amara one last time before walking out to my iDrive.
Forty Acres is a local staple and chill spot. There’s a long bar that covers the left wall, a digital jukebox connected to big ass speakers, tables and chairs throughout with a few small sofas in a lounge area, and a huge dance floor in the middle of everything. It’s the perfect place for cowboys, strong ass drinks, and dancing. It recently had a few upgrades, thanks to the new owner, Zahara.
I make it there before Reece so I find us a spot at the bar because I prefer sitting there. A few minutes later, she walks in looking super cute with her natural curls. When she approaches the bar, I slide off my stool and we hug.
“You look cute,” she says, then she touches my earrings. “Real cute.”
“Thanks. You look good too. I love your hair.”
“I couldn’t decide what to do with it, so I said natural it is,” she says before sitting on the stool next to me. “Did you order yet?”
“No. I really just got here.”
“Good, let’s start with shots. I’m trying to get lit tonight,” she says and I wave the bartender over.
Reece orders two double shot tequilas. She is deadass about getting lit and I have not one objection. So as soon as we get our drinks, we clink our glasses together then kill the shots.
“Shit!” I hiss as the liquid glides down my throat.
“Just what I needed.”
“I need a chaser in my next one,” I admit and she smiles.
“Not me.”
We order again and this time, I get a tequila sunrise while she gets another shot. As we drink, she gives me the full run down of her day with Ro. They actually did a lot on her ranch. I give her full details on my handsome stranger then tell her about my new peppermint soap. I used it when I showered and I’m already in love. I do think in my next batch I’ll adjust the amount of coconut and peppermint oils.
