I shrug as I take a cold Coors from him. “She’s in that big reading group I joined a few months ago.”
“That sounds boring.” His mouth flattens.
“Well, I’m boring, so it works.” I try not to smile too broadly.
If he only knew some of the things she’s told me she wants to do.
He’d be cracking the spine in a novel before he even finishes his beer.
RacingQueen: Don’t threaten me with a good time.
My heart beats faster thinking of all the things I’d do to her.
“Dude. You better not fall off your horse tomorrow daydreaming so hard about a girl you’ve never met.” He clicks his tongue against his teeth.
Some days I’d swear he’s the older one.
“You should know better,” I grunt, then stand. “I’m heading to bed, are you going with the O’Shea’s?” I don’t feel like trolling the bars tonight.
Weeks ago? Sure.
Now?
All I can think about is the mystery girl.
“Yea, we’re supposed to meet them when you got here. Lemme guess? You’d rather stay here and beat your meat to some random guy living in his mom’s basement pretending to be some hot chick?” His lopsided grin has a tinge of worry at the edges.
“Yea. I’ve always wanted to be catfished. Wasn’t bad enough that Paige fucked half of Montana, now I need the final check mark on my loser list.” I swat at him with my hat as I pass. “Get the hell out and go have fun. I need to get a hold of Denny anyways and give him the run down on the demo.”
“Fine, fine.” Brent holds up his palms in surrender, then tucks his shirt tight behind his broad silver buckle.
I have one that matches. Second place.
This year, it’ll be gold.
The camper rocks as he hops down the steps and pushes the door shut.
My first thought is to pull my phone back up.
TheBigO: So you made it safe to…Missouri?
RacingQueen: I did, but a little farther west than that. Were you worried?
Damn her.
TheBigO: I was.
How would I have even known if anything happened to her along the way?
She would just…disappear.
And I’d be left wondering.
It makes my guts sour to think of it.
But why am I concerned about someone I don’t know? I’ve never met?
Hell, I still don’t even know her name.
