“Right. That makes sense. I’m going to grab my stuff and do the same.” Her usual fire and pep are gone, and my instincts are telling me something is off.
“You okay, Oaks? Did something happen last night?”
“What? No. Just tired is all. Didn’t get much sleep if you know what I mean.” She tries to add a little innuendo in her tone, but it doesn't come across. “I need to help Landry with dinner prep, so I really need to get a move on.”
“Okay. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”
“I know. Thanks.” She gives me a half smile and disappears into her room.
I make a note to check in on Oakley later. We’ve only knowneach other for a month, but she’s becoming a friend. She likes to plop onto my bed and tell me all about her day, then demand I tell her about mine. She doesn't accept my grumpiness as an excuse not to engage in conversation, and I like that about her. I like that she’s stubborn and demanding.
I finish getting dressed and twist my hair into two braids before heading downstairs. The smell of biscuits and coffee permeates the air. My stomach grumbles. Mrs. Calhoun’s biscuits are the best I’ve ever had, and she always has a full spread to go with them.
When I make it to the dining room, I find Juniper and Mrs. Calhoun engaged in a hushed conversation. There’s a furrow between Juniper’s brows, and her mom looks equally as troubled. I wish I could tell what they’re saying, but I don’t want to be rude and eavesdrop.
Mr. Calhoun’s footsteps sound behind me, and he squeezes past me, getting his wife and daughter’s attention. “Mornin’, Addison. Ready for Landry’s famous brisket later today?”
Mrs. Calhoun squeezes Juniper’s shoulder before she turns to her husband and rolls her eyes. “Sullivan, let the girl eat breakfast before you start talking about dinner. And no work talk at my breakfast table, you know the rules.”
Mr. Calhoun wraps his arms around his wife in a hug and presses a kiss to her cheek. “I know your rules, my love. But I sure do like what happens when I break them.”
“Ew.” Juniper groans. “Please, Daddy, I’d like to keep my breakfast down.”
“Now, June-bug, you’re old enough to know how you and your sister were made?—”
Mrs. Calhoun teasingly slaps his shoulder. “That’s enough out of you, mister. Sit down and eat. I think Oakley’s in the shower, so it’s just us right now.”
We all dish up our food and sit at the table. Juniper and her mom are across from me, and her dad is at the head of the table.
“How was The Mule last night?” Mr. Calhoun asks. “Anything interesting happen?”
Juniper and I lock eyes across the table before she looks back down at her plate and shrugs. “Nothing much. Shiloh said Bea still hasn’t called, and her mama’s getting worried. Clay’s going to San Antonio this fall for the rodeo and will check on her then, but she’s all but cut everyone off.”
Mrs. Calhoun shakes her head. “Poor girl. I never did like that boy she brought home from college. What was his name? Preston?”
“Prescott. And I didn’t like him either.”
“Clayton still got it bad for her?” Mr. Calhoun asks.
“Yeah, I think so. Poor guy’s heart left with her the day she moved to Texas, and who knows if he’ll get it back?”
Mrs. Calhoun says, “If they’re meant to be, they’ll find their way to each other.”
The words shouldn’t invoke such a reaction in me, but they hit me right in the chest. They aren’t inherently profound or deep, but for some reason, they make me wish I had someone to find my way to.
Someone with sapphire eyes and a beaming smile. Someone who talks to animals like they’re human and paints to calm her mind.
I can’t be falling for her after only a month, and I can’t fall for her when we only have a few months together.
Now I just need to get my heart and brain on the same page.
Chapter 16
The summer kick-offbarbecue is always a source of anxiety for me. Even though I know most of the people coming, having everyone here always has my nerves high and my body ready to flee at any moment.
As the person who helps Daddy run the ranch, it’s important for me to make connections, to show we’re a united front. There’s no way to get out of it, even if I’d rather be home.
After waking up to Addison in my art studio, having her run out like she couldn’t get away from me fast enough, and Mama updating me on Briar’s situation, I don’t want to socialize with anyone. I want to lie in bed and not think for a while.
