Me: Are you awake? And more importantly, do you think Rita would make a good rodeo clown? Because she’s got the whole ‘cause chaos and run away’ thing down to an art form.
I hit send before I can chicken out, then immediately regret it. What if they don’t respond? What if they’ve realized this whole thing is a bad idea and decided to cut their losses? What if they’re asleep and I wake them up just to ramble about my goat’s career prospects?
My phone buzzes almost immediately.
Jesse: Rita would be the best rodeo clown in the state. Also, yes, I’m awake.
Then another buzz.
Wyatt: Awake. Thinking about you.
And another.
Boone: Wide awake. Want company?
My heart does something acrobatic in my chest. They’re all awake. They’re all responding. They all want to see me.
But doubt creeps in almost immediately. What if Dad’s right? What if this is all some elaborate plan to get back at my family? What if I’m being naive and setting myself up for heartbreak?
I start typing:
Me: I don’t know if this is a good idea.
Then I delete it and type more.
Me: My dad thinks you’re using me.
Delete.
Me: What if we get caught?
Delete.
Finally, I settle.
Me: Meet me at the property line in ten minutes?
The responses come back rapid-fire:
Jesse: Already heading out.
Wyatt: On my way.
Boone: Race you there.
I slip out of bed and grab jeans and a hoodie. My bare feet are silent on the hardwood floors as I creep downstairs, carefully avoiding the spots that creak.
The back door opens with the softest whisper, and I step out into the night.
The night air is sharp and cool. There’s no moon, which makes the darkness complete except for the stars. The silence is profound, broken only by the distant sound of cattle.
I make my way to my truck, my heart pounding withanticipation. Every step takes me farther from the safety of home and closer to whatever this... thing is.
The guys are there when I arrive, three shadows leaning against the fence. In the darkness, I can barely make out their faces, but I can feel their presence, and that their attentions are focused entirely on me.
“Hey,” I say softly.
“Hey yourself,” Jesse replies, his voice warm in the darkness.
