Page 53 of Heart & Hope

My gut sinks. I know Mack leaving for tour is hard for Reed. “How long this time?”

“Should be around six weeks. Be back for the county New Year’s Rodeo, hopefully.”

“That’s still a thing?”

“Of course, you should come...” But his words fade out as he realizes that I won’t be here.

“You live in another world entirely out here. I wish I could stay.”

“If you don’t like the city, you don’t have to be there. At least, from what Ma tells me about your type of work, you can move around.”

“Leaving New York isn’t part of my plan.”

“Never is.”

He’s quiet the rest of the way. I know he’s talking about Addy and Hudson. It worked out for them. Really well.

But I’m not a vet or an animal person. My options would be limited around here, even if I was an honorary member of Louisa’s clan. I focus my attention out the window. Not wanting Mack to see the grief I carry for my lousy family. And the jealousy that flares every time I’m at Rosewood, knowing I will never have what the Rawlins boys have.

Love and belonging.

Real, loving, raw, emotional—and sometimes messy—family.

“Ah, shit!”

The curling iron burns my finger as I tuck it under the last thick strand of blonde.

“You okay?” Addy calls from the bedroom of my tiny motel room. It didn’t make sense to go all the way back to Great Falls when the event is over and they don’t need me back until the opening night.

It’s been so long since we went out together. And I am beyond excited for tonight. I’ve never been around the small-town pub scene. My expectations are pretty low, but still, it’s been an age since I let my hair down.

Makeup—check.

Gucci heels—check.

My favorite sheer black Chanel top and ebony Tommy Hilfiger dress pants—check.

I flip the power switch off and twirl for the mirror. I know it’s kind of silly, but because I never had the chance to show off my outfits for anyone as a little girl, I like to do it for myself.

“Rubes!” Addy calls from downstairs. “Let’s go, cowgirl!”

I chuckle, double-checking my makeup and blotting my lipstick one last time. I glide down the stairs in my favorite red stilettos. The color is a stark contrast to the black pants and sheer top with the shadow of my black Victoria’s secret lingerie underneath. I do love fancy clothes. Always have.

Lewistown is small, and it doesn’t take us long to walk the few blocks to one of the only bars open on a weeknight. My last hoorah before I am expected back in the city. No bouncers or doormen here. Addy pushes through, leading me into a quaint bar.

The inside is well-kept, and the decor screams country town. I kind of like it.

“Booth, table, or bar?” I ask Addy.

She scans the room. I’m sure her idiot old boss sits at the bar with two guys around his age. I steer her to a table toward the back. The last thing we need is company. Both of us have been too busy for each other the past few weeks—hell, the past few months. And I want to talk to her.

“How’s Huddo?” I say, sitting at one side of the table, placing my clutch purse on the polished wood.

She beams at me.

I lean in. “That good, hey?”

“He’s brilliant, as usual. Busy. What have you and Reed been scheming this week? There appears to be a fundamental shift in the Rawlinses’ universe. I take it you have something to do with that?”

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