Luke picks up on the first ring. “Hey, Wild.”
“How is everything?” I ask him.
“Status quo.”
Status quo’s never sounded so good. It just further highlights the clusterfuck of a situation that I’m in.
“Are you coming down here for the Hunt County Fair?” I ask him. “I’m competing.”
“On Prince?”
“No one else.” I pause. “I’d love to have you here if you can make the trip.”
“I could use a break,” he says. “Cooper and Chase can run things for a few days. Maybe I’ll bring Brayden with me.”
Luke’s brother, Brayden, runs his own ranch a town over from Luke.
“He’s more than welcome. You can both stay at the ranch. How are Brayden’s wife and daughters?”
“They’re doing great,” Luke says and I can hear the affection in his voice. “Leleila keeps my brother in line. They’re good for each other.”
That sounds nice. It sounds stable.
“You’re burning a hole through the phone line with your fucking anxiety, Logan.” Luke’s tone changes to concern. “What’s up?”
“I’ve got a few things going on here that I can’t talk about yet.” I stare out at the moving river in front of me. “But I need advice anyway.”
“Okay.” I can practically hear him try to figure out a solution. “Give it to me in pieces.”
I think. “If you’re helping a person you care about, but that person can’t know, and because of that everything is all fucked up, what do you do?”
“Ride it out.” Luke’s voice is confident. “You know you’re doing the right thing, right?”
“Yeah.” That’s the only thing I know at this point.
“So all you can do is trust that this person believes in your relationship enough to not let go of you.”
“I’ve had to push…” I cut off.
“I understand what you’re saying. Macey will be there, Logan. From what you’ve told me about her—and from what I’ve seen with you two—she’s not going anywhere.”
“I didn’t say…”
“You didn’t have to.” He chuckles. “You think I don’t pay attention? Macey isallyou ever talk about. She’s everything to you. I’m envious. I can’t imagine that kind of love.”
“You will. Someday, you’ll find the woman who will turn your world.”
He lets out a short laugh. “Doubtful. I’m nobody’s romance hero.”
“Just wait,” I say. “You will be.” I stare out at the darkening sky. “Thanks for the advice, Luke. I know what I’m gonna do.”
“Good.”
* * *
Macey
I can’t sleep. I’m sunburned from being at the river all day, and I’m burning up on the inside, too.
