CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“You better thank me,”
Wendy shot Hallie an incredulous look. The way she’d said that with a hint of a snicker stirred some curiosity. “Why? Because you finally wore me down enough to get me on this date? I told you before we left that I still wasn’t sure I’m ready for this.”
Her friend waved a flippant hand through the air and tugged on Wendy a little harder. “No. You’re going to thank me because I convinced Jacob to bring your blind date to the rodeo.”
“Andthat’ssomething to be grateful for… because…” Wendy drawled. “A blind date is a blind date. I’m going to meet this person and we’ll do the usual awkward first date conversations. Then we’ll try to keep talking until one or both of us realizes we’re not really suited for each other. Then he’ll see some friends and say goodbye, leaving me to?—”
Hallie groaned. “You’re so cynical. What if this guy is perfect for you? What if you get one look at him and you realize that he’s the one?”
Wendy snorted.
“I’m serious!” Hallie laughed, pulling Wendy to a stop and facing her. “I think it’s time you get yourself out there. You stay cooped up all day in that shop which isn’t the worst thing, but Serenity even thinks it’d be good for you to find someone who can make you smile.”
Someone like Tripp.
That thought entered Wendy’s mind far too quickly and she blushed. Thankfully the heat of the afternoon and the speed at which they’d been rushing through the rodeo grounds covered up her embarrassment.
Hallie had both of her hands on Wendy’s shoulders. She gave her a gentle shake. “Think about it. Everyone needs someone. Serenity was it for you for a while. Now that she’s married, you’re not spending as much time with her. And you duck out every time I invite you out to something I plan.”
Like that bonfire.
Wendy chewed on the inside of her cheek and glanced away. Hallie wasn’t exactly aware of how often Tripp had managed to drag Wendy out of her home. Sure, she knew they’d spent some time together and she’d started to suspect that something ran deeper. And of course, she knew now that Tripp had worked his magic on her and she’d crashed hard when it didn’t work out. But even now, she didn’t have all the details.
Like how Tripp had listened to what interested her and chosen to take her out to estate sales and other antique shops. He knew she enjoyed riding horses and managed to make time for her to visit so they could go riding together. And he even knew she wasn’t into the fancy restaurants in town but preferred a good old-fashioned cheeseburger.
She released a sad laugh to herself.
And the tea. She’d never forget how he’d make sure to bring his special sweet, iced tea to any gathering she’d been to.
Wendy’s heart cracked wide open.
She’d been pushing all her memories aside so she could attempt to get over him and it wasn’t working. Now was not the time to go on a date with some stranger. There would be no getting Tripp out of her system.
Tugging backward didn’t make any difference.
Hallie was either in her own little world or she wasn’t going to let Wendy bail this time.
And where would Wendy go? She couldn’t exactly take off running through a crowd of cowboys and not look like a complete lunatic.
Breathe.
It’s a superficial date. It’s not like she’d come face to face with Tripp here and have to explain herself. It’s not like she’d have to witness him on a date with another girl. Even if she did, she’d be with someone else.
The turmoil in her stomach grew to excessive levels.
Her breathing quickened and dizziness accosted her. Steps slowed.
“Wendy?”
At some point, they’d come to a stop. They were in the middle of a slew of food trucks. Wendy blinked as she glanced around the area. But then Hallie’s concerned face came into view.
“Are you okay?” She pressed a hand to Wendy’s forehead. “Are you sick?”
“Maybe just a little overheated.” It was a lie. She wasn’t even breaking a sweat yet.
Hallie’s brows furrowed and she searched Wendy’s face—probably for signs of a lie. Several passersby glanced at them with concern as well and Wendy shifted. It was moments like this one where she hated herself for allowing Tripp to get past her defenses like he had. To be fair, he had experience doing so. She shouldn’t be surprised.
