Chapter 10
Dasher
Dinner was nice—ish. Raine complimented my parents, asked them about life on a farm and laughed at stories about my childhood.
But while they told tales of my youth, Poppy hung on Raine, literally and figuratively.
When he laughed, she would touch his arm and laugh with him.
When he spoke, she would lean forward to listening, hanging on his every word.
And he wouldn’t brush her off or push her away. He included her in conversation.
My parents didn’t notice, or they didn’t say anything. I hugged them and invited them for breakfast in the morning before my practice and drove home with Poppy.
Once we arrived at the house, she hopped out and I’m just sitting here wondering what about my life choices.
With a sigh, I heave myself out of the truck and head inside. Poppy is sitting on the couch, wine in hand, scrolling on her phone. She doesn’t even look up when I enter.
I set my bag down and flop down on the couch next to her, “want to watch a movie?” She nods but doesn’t say anything. This kind of pisses me off. We used to be so good together, so happy and in love.
Did I do something wrong? Or is she done with me?
Clearing my throat I ask, “Poppy, is something wrong?” This gets her attention. She looks up from her phone, looking annoyed, “what do you mean?”
I shrug, “I mean, ever since we landed here, and you started your job, you’ve been distant. You’re no longer the cow tipping girl I fell in love with.”
She wrinkles her nose, “I haven’t changed. You wanted me to get a job, so I did. I happen to love my job.” No, you love your boss. I don’t say that out loud.
“You still love me?” I ask, sounding like a wounded puppy.
She leans over and kisses my cheek, “of course. We’re just settling into a new normal. Maybe your next bye week we can go horseback riding or something. I’ll look up places to go.”
I smile at her, a weak one, but still a smile, “I’d like that.” I pick up my bag and head upstairs. I put my gross, sweaty towels in the hamper as my uniform gets cleaned by the team and take a quick shower. My head hits the pillow and I’m out. No more thoughts of Raine or Poppy for tonight.