“I think my hair froze,” he says randomly.
“No,” I shake my head and roll my eyes.
“I swear.” He runs a hand through it. “Look…” I stare at it and laugh. Well damn, there are small crystals mixed with the moisture.
“I told you to dry it.”
“Whatever, asshole. I’m sure you parked this far on purpose.”
“No way, I don’t want to freeze either, but Sundays seem to be busy around here.” I open the door to Cowboy’s Place, and Camden sneaks inside, blowing on his hands.
I look around the place, noticing that nothing has changed. The wooden structure stands the same as it did all those years ago. The same old sign that reads the Cowboy Ten Commandments hangs by the entrance, and the red vinyl seats still squeak as people shift on them.
“Does everyone wear cowboy hats here?” Camden whispers.
“Yup.” I nod, feeling out of sorts. Do I even belong here anymore? Yes. I might be rusty, but like riding a bike, I’ll get right back into this lifestyle. It’s in my blood.
We take a seat in a booth and look at the menu. Thankfully the lunch rush is over, leaving space for us to sit right away. The two coffees I drank aren’t doing anything for my hunger at the moment.
“I feel like we’re in a Western movie,” Camden says, his wide eyes looking around the place.
I chuckle. “Yeah, it feels like it at times.”
“What do you recommend?” He scans the menu. “Is the buffalo burger any good?”
“Everything here is good.” I lean back on my seat and smile at a few people looking my way.
We place our order and eat. I tell Camden more about my life here, the friends I had, and the perks of growing up in a small town. With each word I speak, the more certain I am that I made the right decision to move back here.
“Hey, Locke,” a deep voice sounds loud and clear, causing heads to turn and curious eyes to light up, ready for the next episode of Easton’s Move to Everton. I feel like I’m on a reality show in this town.
I look up and see Faith’s older brothers. “Heard you were out with our little sister earlier.” Will is Faith’s oldest brother, and Brett is the middle child.
“Hey, guys.” I stand and shake their hands. “How you been?”
“So, were you?” Will’s eyebrows lift, ignoring my hand and greeting.
I nod. “I saw her earlier, and we had a cup of coffee to catch up.” I’m not afraid of these two, despite them being a few inches taller than my six-foot frame and a few years older than me.
“You two gonna pick up and date again?” Brett asks as he smiles mischievously. “‘Cause she was out with another guy on Friday.”
My face falls, and Brett laughs, slapping my shoulder.
“Oh damn, guess you may not have a girl to get,” Camden speaks up. I narrow my eyes at him and shake my head, releasing a deep breath and scratching my jaw.
“Who was she out with?”
“Don’t know,” Brett shrugs.
“Bullshit.” Everyone in town probably knows who Faith was out with, including her two overprotective older brothers.
“Some loser from Wellington,” Will responds, putting me at ease. Although, Will and Brett were always tough to impress, so for all I know, a loser to them is a winner to Faith.
After I introduce them to Camden, Will and Brett pull some more big brother intimidation before leaving the diner.
“Damn, those two are scary. I bet they’d kick your ass if you hurt their sister,” Camden sighs.
“You have no idea. They were rowdy as kids, and it seems like not much has changed.”
“Who do you think Faith went out with?” Camden leans on his elbows.
“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”
“How?” His eyebrows shoot up.
“Everything in Everton has ears.” We pay for our meal and leave the diner. I’m on a mission to figure this out. If Faith is happy with someone, then… Who am I kidding? I’m not gonna let her go without a fight. One date with a guy doesn’t beat her first love.
Faith
I make a quick stop at the grocery store on the way home from work. It’s only Tuesday, and it already feels like a never-ending week. It’s no fun when half a class has lice. Cringe. I’ve been scratching my head non-stop since I found out.
Not only was it a mission to organize each child in the school to be checked for lice, I had to call every parent whose child came back positive and ask that they get picked up from school.
It doesn’t make it any easier that Paxton, the guy I went out with on Friday, kept sending me messages asking when I wanted to get together again. I had to let him down gently…via text message like an asshole. We had only gone on one date, and I wasn’t expecting him to be so eager for a second one.
I pocket my phone after reading Paxton’s message, saying he understands and wishes me luck. I may have indirectly blamed Easton’s return to Everton as a reason why I’m not ready to date.
“Whoa,” a deep voice calls out as I come to a halt. I look up and come face to face with the man of the hour. “Sorry, almost crashed into you.” Easton stands before me, holding a can of tomato sauce.
“It’s okay,” I purse my lips.
“How are you?” His words come out rushed.
“Good. How are you settling in?”
“Good, I bought some more furniture today, and I’m going to a dealership tomorrow to look at trucks.”
“Ah,” I nod.
“What?” His eyebrows bunch together.
“That makes sense. I didn’t peg you for a Porsche guy, but then again, we all change,” I shrug.
Easton tilts his head and watches me with cautious eyes. “I prefer trucks…”
“But you drive a Porsche,” I state.
“It impressed clients at the firm more than a Ford pickup.” He looks down, shuffling his feet.
“I guess that makes sense,” I smile.
“I’m ready to trade it in.” He rocks back on his heels.
“I’m sure you’ll find something you like.” I’m unsure of how to go on with my shopping without seeming rude, but all I want is a glass of wine, mac and cheese, and maybe a donut. Comfort food or I’m eating my feelings—same thing.
“Camden left today. Maybe we can…”
“Maybe,” I interrupt him. “We’ll see.”
“You didn’t even let me finish what I was going to say.” He drops the can in his basket and crosses his arms over his chest, lifting an eyebrow.
“It’s been a long day, plus it was a crazy weekend seeing you. I just want to go home,” I admit, my shoulders sagging as my confession escapes me.
“Is this because of that guy?”
“What guy?” It’s my turn to stare at him.
Easton’s eyes briefly widen before he stands tall again. “Your brothers told me you had gone out with someone.”
“I’m going to kill them,” I growl. Who are they to meddle in my love life?
Easton attempts to hide his chuckle by biting his lips, but it’s no use. His eyes are full of humor.