Chapter 48 Lucy
Whatever Reese said to Brent made him turn so red I wondered if he had forgotten to breathe. He stormed out after throwing a few twenties on the counter, and Reese looked more satisfied with himself than I’ve ever seen.
“He won’t be botherin’ you again,” he says and walks back to the table, joining the rest of his team as if nothing happened.
Deciding to trust whatever he did, I forget it and move on. I know he’s protecting me, and I am grateful to have him do just that. Today’s a busy day, and I’ve got plans for tonight. They all finish and Reese makes sure to leave a nice tip, even though he didn’t have to.
I’m just happy to see him. He’s been busy and despite knowing that, I still selfishly want him all to myself. His wink as he walks out the door sends butterflies shooting through my belly.
After the lunch rush, I escape to the kitchen to work on some more sweets for the diner, as well as the carnival. I’m determined to make this happen for Indy and her family. They deserve it.
As the day goes, I’m elbow deep in flour and sugar by the time dinner’s come and gone. I’ve gotten a lot finished, and even more ready to be baked tomorrow. As long as Briar can follow the baking instructions, they’ll be perfect to serve.
We all clean up the diner. Anticipation’s high for tonight’s rodeo.
It’s just the junior and youth league for now, but still our town’s happy to host. The big boys won’t be here until closer to the end of July.
That’s when I’m hoping to get the carnival worked out, that way all the out of towners can partake and fill our goal.
Back at the house, Mawmaw stops me on my way out.
“Lucy,” her voice is comforting, always has been and I hope it always will be. “I overheard a bit of your conversation the other day, you’re plannin’ on bringin’ that handsome fella back here after the events aren’t ya?”
I laugh and nod, “I’ll try not to wake you.”
She waves her hand with a pft, and says, “Darlin’ you ain’t gonna wake this ol’ bag a bones. I could sleep through a tornada.”
We both laugh and she stands, walking over to where I’m standing against the post of the porch. She lays her hand on my cheek and smiles, “He’s a good one, I can feel it.”
I roll my lips in and let them out with a nod, “I think so too.”
“I want you to know, I don’t expect you to take over the diner. There’s plenty of us Tritt’s to manage, you just be happy, alright?”
Confusion dances through my brain and I wonder what the hell she’s talking about. “Mawmaw–”
“Now listen, it might not be today, it might not be for months, but when you know, I expect you to follow your heart, alright Loo?” She’s looking at me with a mixture of emotions I can’t decipher. “Promise me.”
I nod, my brows dipping in further confusion. “I promise.”
“I am so happy for you, Lucy. Go on now, and get your man,” she swats my ass and laughs before heading inside. She won’t be asleep for a few hours yet, so she doesn’t shut the door.
Driving into town, I’m focused on Reese.
Seeing him at his ranch, with his friends and the respect they all have for him.
How he’s helping Jarrett through whatever it is he’s had on his plate, and seeing the change it’s making in him.
Watching him coach and seeing how happy he is when they succeed are all things I love about him.
Love…
My phone chimes as I park beside Spencer’s truck and step out. The group chat I share with my brother and Heath pings.
Spence: Isle 4 front row…
Heath: These seats are killer!
Spence: I might be a little worried about Heath’s obsession with your boyfriend
Heath: Don’t worry, Daddy, you’ll always be my number one
Me: Bless the Lord…Can y’all keep it to yourselves for the love of my sanity
Walking into the rodeo, there’s people milling about, friends meeting up with each other as they join the rest of the crowd at the main gate.
Reese: Come see me before you sit, Goldie
His text is followed by the smiley face with its tongue out and I’m not sure it means what I think it means, but a girl can hope.
Turning around, I bump into a man standing so close I’m kind of worried about my sensory radar. He places his hands on my arms to steady me and I immediately step back.
“Sorry ‘bout that,” his deep voice holds an accent I hardly hear around here. It’s plain, flat almost, there’s no twang so he’s got to be from out of town.
It’s already starting to get dark, and his hat’s so low over his face I don’t get a good look at him before he’s rushing around me headed for the ticket box.
I brush it off, excited to see my man. The trailers are packed, there’s hardly any room to maneuver between them. Looking down the rows with R&M trailers, I don’t see him, but his truck sits in front of the one furthest down and I head in that direction.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” Colt’s voice catches my attention and I stop, peaking around the trailer where I think I heard it. He’s standing between two of the R&M trailers along with another tall slender figure. “You need to back up.”
“I just want to explain. I’m so tired of all the fightin’, I just want–” The other voice sounds familiar, but I can’t quite put a name to it. “Please. Colt, you were my best friend.”
Jarrett’s pleading words ring in my ears. I should not be listening, yet I can’t stop myself.
“I don’t think this is a good idea, I’m goin’ to get Mason,” Colt tries walking around him, but the trailers are too slim and Jarrett puts his arm up, stopping him from doing that.
“If you want someone else here, I’ll get Reese.” He sounds desperate, and my heart breaks for him. “Just– Stay here? Please? I need to set things right.”
Jarrett backs away, never taking his eyes off Colt who–to his credit–doesn’t move, only rests his back against the trailer and tilts his head toward the sky. I should really go, eavesdropping isn’t nice and I’ll feel like a total asshole later.
Just as I resign myself to moving on, Reese and Jarrett come around the corner, and now I’m sort of stuck. I could pretend to find Reese, but the way Jarrett sounded, I think he needs this moment to happen, so I stay where I am and keep quiet.
Colt visibly relaxes when he sees Reese, who looks between the two boys and puts his hands in his pockets, simply there to witness.
“Colt, I’m sorry,” Jarrett starts, looking at Colt and I wish I could see his face. “I’ve been an asshat, and I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, or whatever, but I’m still gonna ask for it anyways.”
Colt uncrosses his arms and stands a little straighter.
It takes a minute, but Jarrett starts again. “I’ve only told like two people this, and before I tell you, this isn’t me excusing my behavior, I just–” His hands are shaking, and his voice is trembling. He’s terrified, but after looking toward Reese and getting a reassuring nod, he continues.
“I just need you to know why.” His shoulders lift and there’s another beat.
“I–I’ve loved you for years, Colt. Not as a best friend, but really truly loved you.
So when you started showing interest in Briar, spending more time with her, and less with me, I hated her for it.
I thought you were fucking with me. Now I know you weren’t because you clearly still haven’t figured it out but–”
“You loved me?” Colt interrupts.
“Yes,” Jare says, looking into Colt’s eyes. “And I took it out on you both, and I’m sorry.”
“You’re gay? So all this time…” He trails off seeming to put the pieces together
Jarrett looks down at his boots and scrapes them across the dirt before looking at Reese who’s shocked to say the least. I can see him perfectly, the way the security lights hit his face.
There’s no denying that he was not prepared for this conversation, but he looks proud of Jarrett for finally having it.
“Uh… Yeah, I am,” Jarrett huffs, there’s something in his tone though and the way his hands flex by his sides that I worry he’s regretting his decision to tell Colt the truth.
I’m a little shell shocked myself, but I’ve also never given Jarrett a chance.
“But I’m painfully aware that you aren’t, and you and Briar are happy. This isn’t–”
“Well fuck me sideways, Jare,” Colt laughs “I’m flattered I was your first love.”
They both laugh at the comment and Colt slaps Jarrett’s back. “So does this mean you’re gonna stop being a prick to my girl?”
“I’m so sorry, Colt. I should’a been honest with you. Briar is the nicest girl I know, and I’ve been hateful.”
“Yeah dude,” Colt nods his head, “I’m not tryin’ to be an asshole, but it’s the truth.”
“I know. I need to apologize to her too,” he starts and looks up at Colt who nods and brings Jarrett in for a hug.
“Well, since I’m off the market, I guess I could put in a good word with a certain frosty cowboy,” Colt offers, then covers his mouth as laughter bubbles out of him.
Jarrett shakes his head, “Absolutely not, I ain’t lookin’ for a wing man.”
“Oh c’mon! I’d be great,” Colt laughs.
Jarrett pushes his shoulder and makes a noise as if to tell Colt to knock it off. He does, and then wraps his arm around Jarrett’s shoulders as they both walk off toward the arena. The whole thing makes me wanna cry. Jarrett’s doing so much better, and he trusts Reese to help him.
“Goldie, you can come out now,” Reese’s chuckle makes me gasp and I hide further in front of the trailer.
Shit.