Page 9 of Country Contract

Our server takes our orders before grabbing our menus and taking her leave. The table setting has an oil lamp between us and a single pink carnation in a small jar. Oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and parmesan sit next to the trinkets.

Fiddling with the carnation, I look up at Meg as she pours oil and parmesan onto the small dish in front of her.

“What if I went on a girls’ trip alone?” I ask, waiting to see if she’s hurt.

She doesn’t flinch. Instead, a smile plays on her lips. “If you need me to take Cleo, I will.” This girl is my lifeline. No guilt, no shame, just support.

“Where will you go?” she asks just as the server brings us our drinks and a bowl of warm bread. Meg wastes no time before taking out a piece and dipping it in the oil on her plate.

“I will tell my parents we’re doing something like Bali, or an island, but I’m considering something like Salem, Portland, or somewhere in Colorado.”

She nods excitedly with her hand over her mouth as she swallows. “Great fall vibes.”

“Exactly. I want to sit and get through all the manuscripts I have and lay out my next quarter. Doing that somewhere with overcast skies, tall trees, and a fat cup of coffee or tea sounds great.”

“It sounds like you.”

We sit and talk through our meal, and I continue to ponder if I should go where I know I’ll be comfortable or if I should step outside my comfort zone. Is there a halfway point? Secluded yet not so dreary? I know once I get home, I’ll start researching right away.

Me: I’m thinking of taking a girls’ trip. Don’t worry, I’m not backing out of dinner. I’ll still see you guys then but after that.

Father: Where to?

Me: Possibly St. Thomas. Meg and I think it would be good for me to wrap up all my editing and relax if things with Heath really do take off. Not that I’m promising anything.

Father: How long?

Me: I don’t know, but I’ll be back before the holidays.

Father: That seems like an awfully long time to be in St. Thomas.

Me: It won’t be. I’ll even exchange information with Heath before I leave.

I know I’m leading my dad to believe I’m going to give this thing a real go, but maybe I am. I can imagine how disappointed they would all be if I didn’t go through with it. It’s not the end of the world; it’s not like I was waiting for a big love story, just that right person at the right time.

Father: I’ll tell your mother. She’ll be delighted.

And just like that, I’ll be on my way to a secluded somewhere to let myself be me one last time before my parents sell me off like a prize pig.

Chapter 4

Harrison

It’s been about a week since I’ve had my dating profile up. The matches have seemed to be on point online, but in person, the two dates I’ve had were flops. The compatibilities for both of them were greater than 86 percent.

It’s exhausting trying to meet new people. I’ll give Cassidy credit; I do feel like I’m increasing my chances and getting to meet more people by using the app.

It’s cooler today, and everyone around here seems ready for fall. I’m riding for the first time in a while since the cattle are farther out in the pastures. They get comfortable wandering once the temps drop a little. The sound of trees rustling in the wind and the occasional clop of hooves is meditative. I feel at ease out here.

My phone buzzes in my back pocket, but I don’t want to give it any attention right now. If it’s an emergency from my brother or parents, they’ll continue to bug me until I answer.

I ride out to the southwest lot and see the line of trees that hold precious memories from my childhood. Runningout here with my brother with our first set of airsoft guns, tying up targets to shoot with our BB guns and archery sets. Being here with our friends, playing tag at dusk when our dad would drive us out here on the bed of his truck. Nothing like cops and robbers in the safety of a family-owned forest.

Pulling out my phone, I take a picture, but not before I see the message I missed.

97% match! Jenna wants to message you!

Ninety-seven, that’s pretty good. It can’t be as bad as the others. That’s damn near perfect. I open her profile to find a lovely blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl with a small but charming gap between her two front teeth. She has a wide smile full on display and a light tan cowgirl hat atop her head. Our compatibility is through the roof; I don’t see how our match isn’t one hundred.

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