Page 70 of Country Charm

I lean against the bed of my truck and pull my phone out.

Nothing.

I haven’t heard a word from Cassidy since our fight last night. In true Cassidy fashion, she is avoiding whatever she doesn’t like. Which is currently me. I immediately tried tocall her back after she hung up, but that went without an answer. I called twice more after giving her some time to cool, and nothing. The texts have been read, but she hasn’t responded to one.

I shouldn’t get my boxers in a bunch since she has an entire weekend with her girls planned down to the minute.

Looking through our shared pictures I see the snap of her notebook with a rough itinerary written down. I look up into the corner of my phone screen and see it’s a quarter after ten, so she should be getting brunch right now.

I roll my eyes at how pathetic I am. I look over my unanswered texts.

Me: Really?

Me: Answer the damn phone, Cassidy.

Me: Okay, sorry, please answer.

Me: Morning. I’m sorry about yesterday. I hope you have fun with the girls.

Me: Please text me when you get back from the bars tonight.

All read. Not one response.

“Stop.” I look up and see Harrison with his arms crossed across his chest. “Enough. It was a stupid fight. You guys will talk tomorrow when she’s not busy. So, stop your sulking.” He throws me an unopened bottle of water and I take a heavy drink.

“This woman drives me crazy.”

“That’s what they do brother, but you didn’t want an easy one. So that’s on you.”

I mumble to myself about what a fucking joke I am, andI get mad thinking about Cassidy calling me a joke last night all over again.

I try to busy myself with the stand, but it’s no use. I am barely able to be civil to each patron as they come. I look around and see people walking around the market and envy the couples who get to walk hand in hand without a worry in the world.

They have the security of knowing they’re in a relationship to hold them together. They get to talk about things like the future without a fight-or-flight response. They get to laugh and go to sleep in the same bed.

Just a month ago I didn’t envy anyone other than my parents on occasion. A few weeks of talking with Cassidy has me twisted into knots.

The stand is about empty, and I start to load up early. It’s almost one and that’s when most of the other vendors wrap everything up. Harrison picks up on my cue and starts to break things down with me.

“Closing up early?” I hear a shrill voice call from over my shoulder. I am in no mood for Franny today. I couldn’t play nice if I tried.

“Yup.” Harrison decides to take the reins on holding a conversation with her, and I’m suddenly grateful he came.

“It sure was a busy day today. A lot of out-of-towners.” She presses on.

“We always have out-of-towners, Fran.” Harrison is trying to end the conversation and continues to break down without looking over at her. I continue to just pack up on my side of the tent.

“Hunter, you got a minute?” She walks right in front of me until I see her boots in front of mine. I force myself to look up at her and give her a quick nod.

“What can I do for ya’?” I regret asking, but it’s the right thing to say.

“I know you’re talking to that out-of-towner, and I’m not tryin’ to butt in. I just want to speak my piece. I can tell you’re all out of sorts today, and I think part of that may be due to her.”

My nostrils flare, but my mouth won’t open to tell her to stop yapping.

“I don’t know the details, but I do know that a lot of people don’t get the way we do things ‘round here. But the thing is… I do, Hunter. I get how you do things. I can’t help but think if you would just give me a chance, I could make your life a hell of a lot easier.”

She goes to put her hand on my bicep, and I jerk it away, taking a step back.

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