Page 72 of Saddles

Get back on your feet where you’re protected.

You make me wish I was a better man, so I could give you what you’re worth, and keep you for myself.

I’ll be forever grateful for getting a glimpse at the stars.

Droplets fall on the page, smearing the last word.

Is he fucking kidding me?

I can’t stop the sobs shuddering through me.

Everything in here screams that he wants me too. Is he just too scared?

Damn him, making me wait to read this.

He knew this would wreck me.

Coward.

It pisses me off. Maybe I should just hop back on that helicopter and toss this in his face.

Then I’d make him kiss me again.

A soft knock jerks me out of my scheming.

“April? Are you okay?” Char’s voice is tentative.

I sniffle back my tears. “Yea, I’ll be right there.”

Shit, I’ve been hiding longer than I thought.

After grabbing some tissues, then folding the note up, I do my best to smooth my wind-tussled hair and take a deep breath.

I can do this.

He has given me a place, and people that I can trust.

I can give him some time to think about how stupid he is for pushing me away.

Somewhat composed, I plaster a smile on, and meet Char in the hall.

“Sorry, I just needed a minute.” Damn it, I missed a stray tear tickling my nose.

“Girl, you’re totally fine. Just know you can ask if you need anything.” Her palm brushes my arm reassuringly, then she leads me back into the dining room.

Steaming piles of noodles, with two different bowls of sauces fill the center of the table. Salads, breads, and an array of dressings sit in a spinning dias next to them.

“This looks amazing, thank you.” I feel guilty if Lori did all of this for me.

She drops a pile of napkins next to Mason. “Oh, don’t worry, I love cooking! It’s so much fun having everyone over.” Her fingers trail on his shoulder before she moves towards the opposite corridor. “I’ll go get Sophia. She’s been babysitting.”

When she reappears, she’s carrying a grinning baby followed by a shorter dark haired woman holding the hand of a reluctant toddler.

So many people.

“Come here, baby girl.” Char calls to the shy child. “I want you to meet a new friend.”

Sophia tugs the little girl closer. “She’s shy. It took her a while to get used to me, too.” With a broad smile, she takes the seat on the other side of me. “I’m Sophia. My brother, Sawyer, just left to go to his buddy’s house and start packing.”

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