Chapter 8 #2
“Worse. Stacey texted me that he was over at Lindsey’s house last night. You know, they’re neighbors, and she heard he was with me on Friday. So she texted me to make sure I knew.”
God, I hate this shit, I think, taking a breath and trying to figure out what to say.
Instead, Amelia just keeps talking. “I know Stacey’s kind of a bitch and she’s always in everyone’s business, but I drove by after she texted me and she was right.
His truck was there like everyone in town couldn’t see it. ”
She and Mitch started dating almost three years ago, and ever since, it’s been a series of makeups, breakups, and the most toxic behavior I’ve ever seen out of my best friend.
At first, I thought they were cute together, but over time, it’s become obvious that they bring out the worst in each other.
But every time I think they’re done for good, he finds a way to reel her back in before he stomps on her heart again.
“I’m sorry, babes. I wish he didn’t treat you this way. You already know what I’m going to say.”
“Yeah, yeah. I deserve better. He isn’t worth my time. Dump him and never look back. Block his number. I feel like I’ve heard you say something like that before,” she says, a touch of sarcasm in her voice. “I know I should, but it’s so hard. I just love him so much, you know?”
Instead of arguing, I just nod, knowing pushing the topic won’t do me any good. We’re quiet for a minute before she asks, “Sorry, enough about me. Tell me more about this guy. You never have one night stands!”
“Not for lack of trying,” I mumble. “It’s just a slim dating pool around here.
But anyway, I met a guy at the bar, and we hit it off immediately.
Mel, I’ve never experienced anything like it.
We were so in sync, and the chemistry was wild.
So after a while, we went outside and made out in the parking lot. ”
“Lucy, you little wild thing,” my best friend teases. “Then what happened?”
“Well, he was just about to take things further when my phone rang.”
“Why the hell did you answer it?” she yells, her wine sloshing around in her glass as she shakes her hand at me in frustration.
“I didn’t the first few times. Turns out Mama fell and was headed to the hospital,” I explain, and Amelia freezes.
“Oh my God, is she okay? Why didn’t you call me? I would have gone with you!”
“She’s fine,” I reassure her. “But anyway, Colton and I were texting, and we had plans for tonight… Until he showed up at the house last night as my brother's best friend from the rodeo. And since his house is under construction, my mom and brother offered for him to move in with us.”
“Wait. Colton? Like Colton Harris? One of the most famous bull riders in the world. Colton Harris?”
“Uh, I guess,” I answer, cringing at the loud scream Amelia lets out.
“Holy shit, Lucy, I cannot believe you let me sit here and ramble about my boy trouble when you’re hooking up with Colton Harris!”
I stare at my best friend like she has three heads. “I did not know you were this into the rodeo, babes.”
“Okay, first of all, everyone loves a cowboy, Lucy. And remember, I told you I went with Mitch to see his stepbrother ride last year. He competed in the same circuit as Colton.”
“Oh, yeah,” I say, vaguely remembering her being excited that Mitch had asked her to go with them.
“Girl, that man was one of the hottest men I’ve ever seen. Promise me the next time you see him, you’re going to save a horse and ride that mustache!”
I laugh, shaking my head at her, before blushing at the memory of Colton telling me when he likes to take his hat off.
“I need more details, like yesterday, Lucy Lu. Come on, how was it? When are y’all seeing each other again?”
“Well, I’ll pretty much be seeing him every day,” I remind her, causing her to roll her eyes at me.
“Not what I meant. I mean, when are you seeing him, seeing him?”
“I’m not. I told you. We agreed to just be friends. He’s almost ten years older than me, and he’s my brother’s best friend. And we both know how overly protective my brother’s become since Dad’s been gone.”
Amelia cringes. “Okay, I didn’t think about that. The age thing isn’t a big deal. But I can see your brother being an issue, though.”
“Yeah, but it’s fine. There’s not going to be an issue, because again, we agreed to be just friends,” I remind her, and she shakes her head.
“I call bullshit. A man that hot told you how bad he wanted you, and all of a sudden, he’s okay with keeping you at arm’s length.
I hate to tell you, but that man is used to getting what he wants, Lucy.
You don’t become a six-time world champion with good looks and a prayer. And something tells me he wants you.”
I think about what she’s saying, but quickly remind myself not to get my hopes up.
“I don’t know,” I tell her. “But enough of my drama. We have reality TV to watch.”
“Fine.” Amelia concedes, reaching for the remote to turn on our favorite dating show. “But when he breaks and decides to give in to what he really wants, I’ll be here to tell you I told you so.”