Page 11 of Space Cowgirl: Houston, All Systems Go
“Jules?” She blinks a few times before I see recognition light up her eyes. The shotgun aims skyward. “Oh, I’m so sorry, sugar. I was sleeping.” She gestures to the sleep shorts and tank she’s wearing. “Heard your bike, thought someone was trying to sneak up on me.”
It seems Trish is one of those girls who remains pretty even with tumbleweed bedhead and mismatched, rumpled pjs. Hell, she even manages to look adorable holding a shotgun that’s almost as tall as she is.
I wince, rubbing my jaw, which is sure to have a nasty bruise in a few hours, and take in the petite brunette. “Why thehellwould you think someone was going to sneak up on you?”
There’s a moment of silence that seems to say more than Trish intended. Finally she just lets out a breath. “I— never mind. It’s nothing.” She rubs one eye with her free hand. “I’m just tired.”
I let the lie slide, ’cause if there’s one thing I know I’m not good at, it’s girly girlfriend shit like emotions and gossip. I’m probably no good at the other type of girlfriend shit either, like romance, but I don’t really know because I’ve never tried. Anyway, Trish is more Jackie’s friend than mine. Lord knows I’m probably too tapped out on sensitive feelings/friendship crap after agreeing to be Jackie’s maid of honor to be of any use to Trish and her secrets.
Which is one of the reasons I’d been so shocked when Jackie askedmeto be her maid of honor. I mean, I know I was her only friend before my last stint in space, but by the time I got back to Earth she’d managed to make a bunch more (thanks to yours truly and my handy dandy blackmailing scheme). When she got engaged, I figured one of her new girlfriends would land the maid of honor gig, since they definitely seem more in tune with that girly nonsense.
Trish looks my ride over. “Nice bike.”
“I know, right?” This gets me a laugh, so I think I’ve handled the awkward moment well.
She picks up the shotgun, breaks it open and takes out the shells. “Well, you better come on in before the mosquitos get us.” She turns with the gun in the crook of her arm and walks though her trailer door.
Once inside, Trish puts her gun away in a case that she slides under her bed at the end of the trailer. My tall frame makes it a bit awkward to stand without hitting my head, but I’ve dealt with worse in the small confines of the ISS.
“So what can I do for you, Jules?”
“I need a flash drive Jackie gave you.”
“Flash drive?” She picks up the jean skirt I remember her wearing at Big Texas and throws it in the corner laundry basket.
“Yeah, Jackie said she gave it to you a while ago. Has wedding shit on it?”
“Oh yeah. I almost forgot about this.” She takes two steps to the side where a shallow shelf holds a set of books and two mugs. One mug is full of pens and highlighters. Trish dips her hand in the other and pulls out a flash drive. “What does she need this for now? Last I heard, the information on this was research for a future fail-safe, or something equally Jackie-esque.”
I laugh. “Yeah, she said you weren’t answering your phone, so she left it to me to tell you.”
“Shit! I left my phone… uh, somewhere.” She turns bright red, and I really want to press for more info, or even tease her.
But that would be a lot of pot calling kettle after my night, so I don’t.
Holding the thumb drive out, Trish clears her throat. “Anyway. What are you supposed to tell me?”
“Jackie went and got engaged last night.” I pluck the thumb drive out of her French manicured hands and slide it into my front pocket, while Trish stands there with her mouth wide open. “Flynn kidnapped Jackie to take her somewhere for the day. Probably to get all romantic and celebrate their engagement and stuff.”
“This is amazing!” Trish bounces on her toes and I can’t help but smile at the woman. She’s tiny enough to jump where I can barely stand, is the epitome of femininity, and her hair, when not resembling a tumbleweed, is smooth and manageable. You’d think her being everything I’m not would annoy me, but it doesn’t. She’s smart, she’s fun, and she knows how to handle a shotgun. That’s okay by me.
“By the way, as maid of honor, I’m going to need my fellow bridesmaids to pony up some time and opinions. So start a Pinterest board or some shit, okay? I don’t do that.”
“Wait, what? I’m a bridesmaid?” The surprised look on her face has me smiling more than her little bunny hop a minute ago. Leave it to Jackie to spread joy unknowingly. Trish lowers herself down on the edge of the bed. “I’ve never been anyone’s bridesmaid before.” Her eyes tear up.
Fuck. This is why I’ma horrible friend. I have no clue what to do right now. I should probably sit down next to her. Make her tea or coffee or some other sort of warm beverage that soothes people. You know, Hallmark stuff.
I don’t know how to Hallmark.
“Well, man-up, buttercup, ’cause I haven’t got a clue either.” I turn toward the door but stop once it’s open. “Get dressed, short stack.” She looks up at me, blinking away the moisture. “I’m taking you for a ride.”
“A ride?” She tilts her head to the side. “On your bike?”
“No, on the space shuttle.” I roll my eyes. “Yes, on my bike.” I step through the door and call over my shoulder, “I’ll take you to lunch and we can figure this bridesmaid shit out.”
Four
Round-up
