Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
Waylon
“Howdy, Jail Bird.”
“Funny,” I deadpan, walking through my parents’ kitchen.
Noah and Magnolia giggle at my sister’s taunting words. They’re leaning against the counter, helping Gramma Grace bake something for dessert.
“Sheriff Wagner didn’t even cuff me or put me in a cell, so it hardly counts.”
“That’s a nice black eye, son.” Dad smacks me hard on the shoulder, and I wince as he passes around me to get to the fridge. “Knuckles look rough, too.”
I swallow hard, taking my seat at the table next to Wilder. “Barely hurts.”
Jake managed to get one face punch, but I got at least two on him.
“Isn’t this where you say you should see the other guy?” Noah mimics in a deep voice.
Narrowing my eyes at her, I scowl. “Don’t ya have your own child to worry about? Leave me be.”
“Who knew Waylon would kick anyone’s ass, no less his best friend’s?” Wilder taunts, draping his arm around me. “I guess that means he loves me.”
“Or that you’re a huge pain in my ass and since I can’t kick yours, I had to kick his.”
“No cussin’ at the dinner table.” Mom strolls in with an apron around her waist and Mallory behind her, already gloating at my slipup.
“Pay up, cowboys. I’m savin’ up for a big truck,” Mallory muses, holding out her ridiculous swear jar.
“A big what?” Wilder hollers. “Whaddya need that for?”
“Noneya business, that’s what.”
“Here’s a concept: get a job and pay for it yourself.” Wilder pokes her arm when she sits next to him.
“Puttin’ up with you is my job.”
They continue bickering, but I’m just happy I’m no longer the topic of conversation.
The rest of the family filter into the dining area and soon we’re all bowing our heads and saying grace. Mom makes an extra point to peek up at me when she mentions my name.
It’s like I’m ten being scolded all over again, but this time without words. Instead, I get disappointed glares.
Meanwhile, the twin who’s caused trouble since he came out of the womb gets a friendly pat on the back and a smile.
I hate it here.
But I don’t regret it because Jake deserved it.
I’m grateful Sheriff Wagner didn’t make me sit in a cell all night, so I’ll take the small win.
After dessert, I bow out and skip scrapbooking so I can busy myself at the barn. It’s New Year’s Eve, so we didn’t have any tours today and none tomorrow. Normally, I’d enjoy the break, but instead, it gives me more time to sulk.
I’ve spent the past two days signing up for every dating app I could find.
Pathetic, I know.
But I need to find Harlow. I can’t stop thinking about what those men must be saying to her.
Nothing like the conversations we used to have.
I miss her telling me secrets about her romance wish list.
About her day and how she slept.
How my face would light up every time I checked my phone and a message was waiting for me.
God, I sound like a simp.
Maybe it just didn’t mean as much to her, so it’s easier for her to move on to talking to someone else.
Maybe that’s what I’m telling myself so I don’t feel like such a horrible person for what I did.
Would it have been so bad to sit across from her at that table and tell her I was the guy she was speaking to? Would she have freaked out the way I did?
It would’ve had to end either way.
She’s so young and has gone through so much in her short life that it would’ve been wrong to tangle her into my shit when she’s getting hers back on track.
But then why can’t I get it out of my damn head?
So since I’m already at war with myself, why not add to it and see if she’ll notice my profile and DM me on whichever app she’s on. I could message her first…assuming I can figure out what to say and if I can find her.
Wilder’s going out tonight, but I asked Delilah to keep an eye on him since she’s going out too. I’m not going to bed until his drunk ass is home.
The Twisted Bull is having a whole New Year’s bash and is staying open until four in the morning, so thank God we only have barn chores tomorrow. Wilder won’t even be up until noon.
Once I bring in the final horse from the pasture and get them in their stall for the night, I close the barn door and turn off the lights. Then I head home.
When I pull into my driveway, Delilah’s here, picking up Wilder.
“Hey.” I smile weakly when they walk down the duplex stairs toward me.
“You sure you don’t wanna come?” Wilder shouts, already acting tipsy.
They probably pregamed while I was at the barn.
“Oh, I’m positive. They wouldn’t let me in anyway.”
I already paid my citation and apologized to the owner in person when I gave him a check for the damages, but I’m not going to push my luck. Plus, being around hundreds of drunks with loud music blasting and sweaty bodies swarming me sounds like my personal hell.
Wilder jumps into the passenger seat like an excited kid on his way to see Santa Claus. When Delilah walks to the driver’s side, I stop her.
“Thank you again for doing this. You don’t know how much I appreciate it.”
“You owe me big time.” She grins mischievously. “And I’m gonna make it a good favor.”
Snickering, I shake my head. “I have no doubts.”
She gives my chest a little pat before I move out of her way and she hops inside her truck.
“Wilder, please, for the love of God, don’t overdo it,” I warn, holding open the door and peeking inside. “We have work tomorrow.”
“Aye aye, boss.” He gives me a cocky salute, and I roll my eyes.
“Drive safe,” I tell Delilah. “If you need a ride, call me. Please.”
“I will, but I plan to stop drinking at one, so that should be enough time to sober up and drive home.”
I nod and thank her again before closing the door.
After I watch them drive away, I head inside my place and grab a beer to drink alone while I scroll through more dating apps to sign up for and look for the only profile I’m interested in.
My phone blows up with DMs from dozens of women. I ignore all of them and start wondering if this is a lost cause. Even if Harlow saw my profile, there’s no way she’d—
A notification from the CowboyMatch app pops up with a message under her name.
That’s the app she chose? I almost laugh because I shouldn’t be that surprised.
This one allows you to directly message people or respond to their prompt to help break the ice.
And I cringe a little seeing she answered mine.
I didn’t put a lot of effort into mine since I wasn’t looking to chat with strangers.
One way to impress me is—know how to ride a horse.
It’s lame, but I couldn’t think of anything else. However, from the looks of the responses, no one’s taking it seriously because they’re all asking to ride me instead.
Great.
But when I see Harlow’s message, I smile.
Harlow
There’s no way you thought that prompt was a good idea. If the girls are anything like the guys on here, 99% of them made it sexual.
Waylon
You would be correct. I haven’t even bothered to respond to them.
Harlow
Can’t be much worse than the reverse cowgirl comments I’ve gotten.
My jaw clenches.
Waylon
So you’ve not been having much luck on here then?
Harlow
Nope. A couple guys seemed nice but then turned it suggestive and I’m just not experienced enough to know how to play along. They end up ignoring or blocking me.
Waylon
What do you mean not experienced enough? What the hell are they asking?
Harlow
I’ve never had a boyfriend.
Waylon
Okay?
Harlow
Or kissed a guy.
What? I figured she didn’t have an extensive dating history, but I would’ve never guessed she had…none.
It makes sense, though, because most of our texting conversations were genuine and innocent.
Minus the inside joke of her showing me her ass.
But that’s what I liked about her.
Most girls who are interested in me never try to get to know me or engage in normal discussions. They just want me for sex. And because I was looking to block out my chaotic thoughts, I went along with it at the time.
Waylon
Oh. Well then don’t talk to those guys. I’m sure there are ones who aren’t that way.
Except, probably not on dating apps.
Harlow
Ha…yeah right. Even when they come across as nice, they eventually ask for a nude.
Waylon
A nude pic?!
Oh fuck no.
Harlow
Yep…I’m naive sometimes but not enough to send a naked pic of myself.
Waylon
Good. Otherwise I’d have to give you the internet safety talk I just gave Bentley.
She sends me an eye roll emoji.
Harlow
Oh like you’ve never sent a dick pic?
Why does her saying that make mine twitch? Fuck, talking to her like this is a bad idea.
Waylon
We’re not talking about me…we’re talking about you.
Harlow
Classic line of defense.
Waylon
I just want you to be careful. There are a lot of creeps on these apps only looking for sex and some will do whatever it takes to get you into their beds.
Harlow
Speaking of creeps, I’m honestly surprised to see you on here.
Chuckling at her effortless dig, I lean back against the couch, relieved that we’ve seemed to fall back into our easy conversation rhythm. Too bad she’ll never know it was originally me.
Waylon
Wow…you’re funny.
Harlow
I know. It’s why I’m so unlikable.
Waylon
You are not.
Why are you surprised I’m on here?
Harlow
Because I wouldn’t have pegged you as the type who has trouble finding dates in the real world.
She’s not wrong, but I’m not about to confess my sins on why I’m here.
Waylon
I don’t use these apps much. Kinda forgot I had them.
Mostly true.
Harlow
Also surprised you’re not out on New Year’s Eve with your brother. Delilah told me she’s “watching” him for the night.
Waylon
I wasn’t feeling it. Plus, I figured it wasn’t a good idea to show my face in a place I just got kicked out of.
Harlow
Speaking of that, how’s your black eye and knuckles?
I stretch out my fingers, looking at the small cut.
Waylon
Better than Jake’s.
Harlow
Well, I’m glad neither of you ended up in the hospital. Not a fun place to be over the holidays.
No, it ain’t.
Waylon
How’s your dad doing since his fall?
I should’ve asked earlier.
Harlow