Page 42 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“And I told you they’d probably say no, that they’re too busy with this gala they have going on.” Her mom put her hands on her hips. “So I figured this was the best way to get to see how you two are really doing.”

“Well, you can see”—Kristy swept her arm in the air—“we’re surviving.”

“Yes, doing the minimal to get by. But at least you’re dating. So who is it? The guy who helped you move in?”

No sense denying it, though Kristy knew what was coming next. “Yes. Rusty Russell.”

“An alliterative name.” Her mother parked herself on a counter stool. “So what’s he like?”

“You’ll meet him in a minute. Just please be nice and don’t interrogate him. This really is our first date.”

“I’ll behave. Aunt Betty and I can stay here, and you two go out on your dates and have a great time. We’ll clean up.”

Leaving her mother alone in the apartment to rustle through everything was not a good idea. Taking her on their date wasn’t either, but at least she would know what her mother was up to. “You can come with us. I don’t know what Rusty has planned, but Mel and Ariel are going country dancing. I don’t think Rusty will mind us joining you guys, if that’s okay, Ariel.”

“Fine with me. I’m happy to see you, Mom. And coming with Aunt Sylvia was a great idea. It’s such a long trip.”

“Um, speaking of, where’s the bathroom?” Aunt Betty asked.

Ariel motioned her to follow.

“Then it’s settled,” Kristy’s mom said. “I can’t wait to meet Rusty.”

Kristyhadbeen looking forward to spending more time with Rusty. Now she wondered how quickly they could make it through the evening.

***

As the music started, Rusty set down the drinks he’d retrieved from the bar for Kristy and her mother. The smell of cooking hamburger meat and French fries filled the air. Two-Step, as the honky-tonk was called, was hopping, and the dancing was in full swing. It was two deep at the bar, and every table within eyesight had been claimed. Dance floor was full, and the DJ was calling the steps. It would be hard to talk over the din.

He handed Kristy her drink. She had on a short and strappy pink dress. Paired with black cowgirl boots, she looked sexy as all get out. He looked over at Kristy’s stylish mother in her black pants, white top, and cowgirl boots, with every blond hair on her head in place. Pretty ironic that on the same day Kristy had met his mother, he had met hers. What were the odds?

Mel was at the table directly behind them and looking after Kristy’s aunt and Ariel.

“Here you go, Mrs. Winslow.” He lifted up the wineglass, filled with red wine, from the tray he’d used and set it before her.

Dinners were on order, though it was just burgers for him and Kristy, and a salad for Kristy’s mom. Two-Step was not known for its food.

Hopefully, Sylvia would warm to him more than his mother had warmed to Kristy. His mother meant well, but whom he dated was his decision. He knew the consequences. His philosophy where women were concerned could be summed up in the old adage “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” He wasn’t going to live on the sidelines of life for fear of getting hurt, no matter if it was physical or emotional pain.

“Thank you, Rusty. And call me Sylvia.” She took a sip and set it on the table as he settled next to Kristy. This wasn’t exactly the evening he’d planned for their first official date, but at least they were on a date, even if chaperoned.

“Kristy tells me that you’re waiting to hear from the township police about a position and that you recently left the air force.”

Apparently Sylvia was going to do the mama interview. It’d been some time since he been through one but he had nothing to hide. “That’s right.”

“Admirable field. Any particular reason?” She leaned in like she really wanted to know.

“I like the idea of being the good guy.” That sounded lame even to him. He’d try again. “A lot of guys go into the police force after getting discharged. Seems like the logical move.” Was that all it was, a logical move?

“Well, it’s also dangerous, but from what Kristy told me, you’re no stranger to danger.”

“I’ve seen my share.” And not something he wanted to talk about.

Sylvia tapped her toe when “Suds in the Bucket” started up.

“Should we give it a go? The caller is pretty good here.” He reached out a hand to Sylvia.

Kristy was up in a flash. “Come on, Mom. You love to dance.”

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