Page 88 of Space Cowgirl: Houston, All Systems Go
Rose shrugs. “I have no idea. When Jules starts barking questions at you that sound more like commands, you say yes and move the fuck on.”
I’m too tired to call her on her language. And honestly, why? She’s an adult. I thought I’d accepted that, but now that my anger at Jules has dissipated, leaving the sour taste of regret in my mouth, I’ve realized a few things.
All this time I thought that redecorating the house, helping to celebrate my brother’s new chapter in his life and Rose’s upcoming graduation was proof of me moving on, but Jules was right. I’d still been safe and secure in my role as the responsible one, fighting to hold on to something that wasn’t there anymore.
Unusually dressed down in jeans and sneakers, Rose plops down on the next hay bale I need to move. “I did wait a while thinking one of you would come to your senses, but as of this morning, Jules is still slumming it in Trish’s trailer.” She pats the space beside her. “So here I am, cow suppler and kicker of asses.”
I strip my gloves off and stretch out my back, metal and physically preparing.
“So?” Rose draws out in a sing-song voice. “Tell me all about it.”
I drop my backside down beside her, my body screaming with instant relief. “Do you think I’m happy, Rose?”
Rose blinks in surprise. “Um, what?”
Shaking my head, I laugh uncomfortably. “Never mind.”
“No, no. Sorry.” She readjusts on the bale, angling her legs to face me. “You just surprised me.”
“Huh. That’s a first.”
“Are you kidding?” She laughs. “Holt, you’ve been surprising me left and right lately.”
Scratching my jaw, I think over recent events. “I don’t think it was too surprising that the house needed an update.”
“Pfft.” Rose waves her hand. “Notthat.”
“Then what?”
Leaning forward, she shoves my arm. “Well to start, I never thought you had it in you to sleep with Flynn’s ex.”
My body shifts uncomfortably on the hay bale. “I was trying—”
“Yeah, yeah.” She rolls her eyes. “You did it with a dick of gold. Blah, blah. I know.”
“Jesus, Rose.” I rub my hand across my face, probably smearing dirt in along with the sweat.
“Sorry.” Her blond hair swings as she ducks her head. “I know you hate me cursing.”
“Eh.” Rubbing the sweat off my hands, I shrug. “What do I know? Say what you want.”
Thrusting her finger in my face, she exclaims, “See, that.” Another finger thrust. “That right there.That’ssurprising.”
The incredulity on her face gets me laughing. “Good to know.”
She laughs with me before nudging my shoulder with hers. “It also surprised me that you fell in love with Jules.”
My chest pinches. “Everyone loves Jules. She’s very lovable.” My lips twist, thinking of all the news articles and pictures. “They call her NASA’s Starr after all.”
“That’s bullshit. Even I know that girl is a tough pill to swallow on the regular.”
Straightening, I glare at my little sister. “What the heck are you talking about? She’s amazing. One of the most loyal people I know, why would you—”
I pause at Rose’s knowing smirk. “Ahhh.” I relax again, huffing out a laugh. “Well played.” I nod. “Well played.”
Smugness isn’t my sister’s best look.
And though she’s right that I can’t deny I care for Jules, Rose has me wondering that if Ididlove Jules, why would I throw such hateful words at her? “I’m not sure I’m very good at this love thing.”
