Page 99 of Space Cowgirl: Houston, All Systems Go
“Yeah, sorry about the confusion. Cops still have my phone.”
“Is that why you’re calling? I can ask when you can have it back.”
“No. I mean yes, that would be cool, but I’m calling for something else.”
“What?”
There’s a shuffle at the door and I’m pretty sure Rose’s ear is butted up against it.
“Listen, I need you to stick close to Trish.”
Ian coughs. “Uh, Trish? What do you me—”
“You’re not fooling anyone, Casanova. We all know you’ve got a thing for her.”
Silence.
“So if you do me this solid, and get over here and make sure Trish doesn’t go anywhere by herself until I sort some shit out, I’ll help you out.”
“Help me out how?”
“Who do you think is in charge of the seating arrangement for Jackie’s wedding? Do you or do you not wanna sit next to the sexiest Southern belle this side of the Mississippi for two hours while surrounded by all that wedding-love-happily-ever-after mojo?”
“Uh… the mojo choice?”
“Smart man. Now get your ass over here and lock that Southern midget down.”
I hear the front door open and close, and pray it’s Trish, back with dinner. One, I didn’t like her going off on her own, and two, I may have lost oxygen for a few minutes, but I’ve apparently gained a large appetite.
“Already on my way.”
Bang. I start as the door flies open, Rose tumbles to the floor and Holt steps over her, striding into the room, a food container in his hands.
“Uh… cool, see you in a few.” I disconnect from Ian just as I’m engulfed in Holt’s arms, the smell of baked goods in the air.
“Jules.” He squeezes tight, his soft flannel shirt tickling my nose. “I’m so glad you’re okay, babe.”
The warmth of his embrace settles the ache I’ve gotten used to in my chest. My eyes close as I let the warm feeling sink in.
Every one of my friends has stepped up and shown me in their own way how much they care. But I didn’t realize until this moment what was missing. How much I really needed Holt at my side.
I appreciate him being here. I do. Really.
But as my stomach growls, I can’t help but home in on something else entirely.
“Are those cookies?”
Twenty-Five
All Systems GO
Holt
After Rose righted herself,flipped me the bird, blew Jules a kiss, and closed the door behind her, Jules and I settled back onto the bed. Her in my lap, the cookie container in hers.
Jules is three cookies in before I break the comfortable silence.
I kiss the top of her head. “I’m sorry for all the things I said that night.”
