Page 3

“You didn’t get a second date?” I needle when he hasn’t responded.

“We should talk less,” he says, his smile still missing.

“It’s like you read my mind,” I say, and can’t help adding, “You greeted me first.”

Maverick’s phone rings and he answers, then after giving me a long look that makes my insides feel like a slushy, he turns and walks away.

I feel petty but satisfied. Since he’s way too easy on the eyes, verbal sparring is the best way to keep my wits about me. And unfortunately, I’m human and like the way he looks. And I notice how well he fills out his jeans even though I can’t imagine riding that.

Well…I imagined it once, but it was during a weak moment.

When I return to the pool hall, Stormy is packing her car and getting ready to head back to Lucky River.

She hugs me tightly. “I feel bad leaving you here to do all this by yourself.”

“I’ll be around in the meantime if she needs help,” Emberlynn assures her. “Plus, I know you and your sisters. You’ll probably all be heading back here by the weekend.”

“That’s true,” Stormy says because everyone knows how close we are.

I make shooing motions. “Go and both of you stop worrying. Aunt Kyra said she arranged for someone to pitch in to do the heavy stuff.”

“Fine but call me if something comes up and I’ll come right back.” Stormy pauses halfway out the door and orders, “And sign up for Write a Cowboy. You could use the distraction.”

I nod. “I will.”

Appeased, she leaves with Emberlynn.

The silence that descends when I’m alone instantly bothers me.

Probably because when it’s quiet, my brain jumps to thinking about what I went through with my ex.

I can’t tell my family everything because if I did, my Mama would lose her shit and I don’t want any more drama.

To distract myself, I take out my phone and pull up the site for the sign up for Write a Cowboy. I pay the fee and join, then I’m immediately assigned Midnight Cowboy as my pen pal.

I create the username Sunflower because that’s what my granddaddy always called me, then open the site’s email section.

To: Midnight Cowboy

Subject: Introducing myself.

Hello Midnight Cowboy,

I’m not really sure how to get this exchange going. Telling you my real name is against the rules. So…I’ll just give you three random things about me.

One: I don’t like nights.

Two: I’m a coffee addict.

Three: I have absolutely no idea where my life is going right now.

Okay, your turn. Tell me three things about yourself.

-Sunflower

I hit send, then find a favorite playlist on my phone, crank it up and dance while I set about cleaning the place. The former owner stored a lot of crap in here, and it hasn’t been touched by a broom or mop in years.

I’m dancing like I own the floor, using the mop like a microphone and belting out lyrics when someone starts clapping behind me. I sheepishly turn thinking Emberlynn came back to help.