Competitiveness flashed in her expression. “Is that so? I guess I’ll have to be the judge of that.”
Satisfaction bloomed inside me knowing there was still some of the fire I recognized inside her. Time may have changed us, but she still had a sliver of the girl I met all those years ago, and perhaps a small part of her still loved me as much as I loved her.
“You’re on.” I flashed her a wide smile as I dished up and joined her at the counter. “We’ll have plenty of time to play games and eat fair food.” We were all competing in the rodeo, but since we weren’t traveling far, we didn’t have to get back on the road right away to our next competition. We’d have plenty of time to have some fun.
She finished eating quickly, taking her plate over to the dishwasher to load it before whistling for Pancho.
“Thank you for making breakfast. You don’t have to do that, you know?”
I nodded but shrugged. “I don’t mind. You know I like cooking. What’s making food for one more?”
“Right. Well, thank you. I’m going to take a shower and get ready for the day.” She excused herself then headed down the hall toward her room with Pancho.
My phone started buzzing on the counter, so I tapped it to find that it was blowing up with notifications from our group chat.
The Silver Creek Cowboys (and Ellison)
(plus Isa and June)
Mikey
Juniper’s going to be in town this weekend so you all knowwhat that means
Colter
A chill night at home?
Ellison
That sounds nice actually. Can we do that instead of whatever Mikey’s about to suggest?
Mikey
Don’t steal my thunder!
And we all know a night at home would be the opposite of chill, am I right, Peach?
June
Excited to see you all!
Jake
Notice how she ignored what Mikey said?
Isa
ugh this isn’t fair! i wish i could be in town too
Ellison
Hop on a plane
Impromptu trip
Isa
i wish
