Thanks a lot,Evan.
But to be fair, it’s my fault for staying with Evan for so long after he wouldn’t fully commit. Nor,ahem, take care of business like a man should. But I’m trying to let that era of my life go.
And sure, it’s mildly flattering that a gorgeous cowboy stranger just looked at me like I was the main course. But that kind of attention doesn’t touch the ache lodged somewhere deeper. The part of me still grieving what I thought I had.
Then again, maybe this is all in my head, and he did just want me to get the ketchup off my face.
My phone buzzes.
Avery:You better be having a GREAT time. Any hot guys there for you??
I snort and type back.
Cassie:No guys for me! I’m on a break. I told you. But I did see a hot cowboy.
Avery:Girl, a “break” doesn’t mean you have to join a convent. It just means no more emotionally unavailable losers. Big difference.
Cassie:Well, this one was emotionally available…to three different women at once.
Avery:Fair. You’re scarred from that. Still. I say let your body have a little fun. Your brain’s done enough heavy lifting this year. Plus, you can learn discretion. Something you’re going to have to learn now that you’re back in the dating pool. That requires experience. And wisdom.
Cassie:That’s what therapy is for. And wine. And this hot dog.
Avery:Tell me more about the hot cowboy please.
Cassie:No cowboy. Just a guy who handed me a napkin and walked away like he knew he was the plot twist I didn’t ask for.
Avery:So he was hot.
Cassie:He looked like sin in a flannel. But it’s fine. I’m totally immune.
Avery:You literally sent me a picture of your outfit with cleavage and boots. You are not immune, ma’am. You’re subconsciously putting out “the vibe” you just don’t want to admit it.
Cassie:Okay, but I didn’t wear this for him. I wore it for me. And also for the Dust Devils.
Avery:Sure, sure. Just don’t come crying to me when you end up riding a cowboy instead of your emotional healing plan. And for the record, I think that could help you quantum-leap years of therapy.
I stifle a grin as I pocket my phone and finish the rest of my beer.
Looking out at the crowd, I exhale slowly. The sun’s dipping low, casting golden light across the crowd, and for a second, it all feels…good.
I’ve come a long way in the past three months. Healing isn’t some glamorous, candlelit path. It’s messy, gut-wrenching, and often lonely.
And moving? Even harder.
Leaving Dallas—my home, my friends, my whole rhythm—to come to Riverbend, Iowa? That wasn’t just a change of scenery. It was a leap of faith.
But I did it.
I’m doing it.
Tonight is the last night of my in-between, staying at a hotel in a town an hour or so away fromthe bend.As we affectionately call Riverbend.
Tomorrow, I officially move into my new house.
Hopefully embarking on a whole new chapter, and a new town.
A new me.
