Page 100 of Beautiful Distraction

Gone from my life, with no intention of coming back.

Leaving behind memories that I know will hurt for a longtime.

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“Ava!”

Mandy’s screech reaches me through the fog inside my brain.I look up from washing the dishes and flinch at the pain shooting up my back.I’m so not used to working on the farm. My arms ache and my legs feel likethey’re about to fall off.

Kellan left last night.

I was so immersed in my work and dark thoughts that Icompletely forgot the time.

“In here!” I yell.

The door bursts open and Mandy’s head pops in, a huge smileon her lips.

“Howdy!” Dressed in a blue shirt and brown cowboy boots, shelooks like she’s just stepped out of a western movie. Her hair’s curled intowaves, which can only mean one thing: she’s found a hair stylist and shops.

“What are you doing here?” I wipe my wet hands on a towelbefore Mandy engulfs me in a tight hug.

“That’s exactly the question I thought I’d hear.” Mandylaughs and lets go of me. “I can tell you guys had a great time and didn’t missme one bit.”

“No, I’m just surprised. I didn’t expect you back so early.What happened?”

“Plans change,” she says and her cheeks flush.

There’s definitely reason to press her for details, but Idon’t get a chance because her gaze falls on the dishes in the sink. “What areyou doing?”

“House chores.”

“You hardly ever do chores.” She makes it sound like I’vejust committed a major crime. “You must really love the guy.”

I take a deep, shaky breath. “I don’t—”

“Hmm.” As though she doesn’t believe me, she cuts me off andwaves her hand. “Come on, let’s get you dressed.”

I look down at myself. Last time I checked, Iwasn’tnaked. Maybe my brain switchedoff and I forgot to put on some pants?

“I mean something nice and sexy,” Mandy says, as thoughreading my thoughts. “And hurry up. We need to leave.”

“Why?” I eye her, amused. “What’s going on? Is someonechasing you?”

“No.” She rolls her eyes, grinning. “I have good news andgood news. Which one do you want to hear first?”

I close my eyes and groan inwardly. “Please don’t tell meit’s about the concert.”

“It is.” Mandy lets out an excited squeal. “Mile High areperforming tonight.” She jumps up and down like a child. “God. I’m so excited.”

“That part’s obvious. What’s the other good news?”

“I thought you’d never ask.” She pauses for effect. “Getthis. We got first-class tickets. The best of the best view.”

“Swell.” I fight the urge to bail. “How do you know?”

“As soon as Josh drove me to Helena, I called the concertvenue. Josh introduced me to someone who met someone who knows someone who’sfriends with someone—”

“Get to the point,” I cut her off.

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