Chapter 15
Rosie
I stare at my laptop screen, the figures and graphs dancing before my eyes without making any sense. I sigh heavily, running a hand through my hair. It's useless. I can't concentrate. My mind keeps wandering, going back to the night of the barbecue, the swim in the lake, the dance with Alex...
Alex. Why can't I get him out of my head? He's just an arrogant cowboy, I repeat to myself for the umpteenth time. Yet, the memory of his smile, the warmth of his body against mine as we danced, makes my heart race.
I abruptly close the laptop. It's clear I won't accomplish anything productive today. I stand up from the chair, feeling restless and nervous. I need air, to move, to do something to distract myself from these confused thoughts.
As if sensing my discomfort, I hear a knock at the door. "Come in," I say, trying to hide my agitation.
Maria enters, her face lit up by her usual warm smile. "Hey, honey. How about joining us girls for some ranch work? We're going to pick fruit and then make jams and pies."
For a moment, I hesitate. The idea of getting my hands dirty with manual labor makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. But then I think of the alternative: staying here staring at the computer screen and tormenting myself with thoughts about Alex.
"You know what? That sounds like a great idea," I respond, surprising myself.
Maria claps her hands, excited. "Fantastic! Val has already prepared some more suitable clothes for you. Come on, let's get you changed!"
I follow Maria to Val's room, where I find denim overalls, a bright red top, a pair of worn but comfortable boots, and a cowgirl hat. I look at myself in the mirror after changing and barely recognize myself. I look... different. More relaxed, perhaps. Less "city princess" and more... well, ranch girl. I almost wish Alex could see me... damn it, Rosie, can't you go five minutes without thinking about him!
"Wow, Rosie!" Lexy exclaims when she sees me. "You look like a real cowgirl!"
"Careful," Val adds with a smirk. "You might turn a certain cowboy's head..."
I feel my cheeks flush. "I don't know what you're talking about," I mutter, but my heart races at the thought of Alex. He'd probably tease me. Or make one of his comments.
We head out to the orchard, the warm sun on our skin and the air fragrant with ripe fruit. Maria guides us among the trees, showing us which fruits are ready to be picked.
"Okay girls, let's make a bet," Aurora exclaims with a mischievous grin. "Whoever picks the least has to... um... wash Alex's jeep!"
"Oh my," I giggle, "that's practically an archaeological expedition!"
Val raises an eyebrow. "Why, have you inspected it up close, Rosie?"
I feel my cheeks blaze. "N-no, it's just that... you can see it's dirty, can't you?"
"Mhmm," Lexy murmurs with a smirk, "sure, sure..."
Maria intervenes, saving me from embarrassment. "Come on, girls, don't torment poor Rosie. Focus on the fruit!"
As we pick, Val starts humming a terribly off-key country song.
"Hey Val," I interrupt, laughing, "maybe you should leave the singing to Lexy. We wouldn't want the fruit to run away from the tree!"
"Ha-ha, very funny," Val replies, throwing an apple at me that I barely dodge. "At least I don't dance like I have two left feet!"
"Hey!" I protest. "I danced... decently the other night!"
"Oh yes," Aurora chimes in with a smirk, "especially when you were in the arms of a certain cowboy..."
"Aurora!" I exclaim, feeling my face go up in flames.
Maria laughs softly. "Leave her alone, Aurora. I remember how I was when I met Rosie's father..."
"Oh no," I groan, covering my face with my hands. "You're way off... there's nothing between us! And please, no embarrassing stories about Dad!"
They all burst out laughing, and I'm surprised to find myself joining in, feeling strangely light.