Page 18 of What the Cowboy Wants
Rose caught her breath.She shouldn’t be surprised.As she’d learned over past few months, nothing stays private in this group of women.
“Why didn’t I know that?”Janice called out before Rose could say anything.“I’m so happy for you, Rose.Cooper’s one of the good guys.”
“When did this happen?”Annie asked, her eyes wide.
“I didn’t even know you’d talked to one another,” Vivian chuckled.“Now you’re kissing.”
“It’s news to me too,” Riley said.“But I’m so happy for you, Rose.”
Rose held up her hand.“There is nothing between us.Cooper was just being nice.Anyway, it wasn’t really a kiss, it was merely a friendly peck.He was just sorry for me and was quick to tell me he wasn’t in the market for a relationship of any kind.I don’t have time at the moment for relationships, either.Maybe someday.For now, I’m concentrating on getting back on my feet, on focusing on my career.”
Ellie leaned forward.“You know, while you were telling us what happened to you, something Mr.Knightly, the hero inEmmasays, came to mind.I don’t remember every word, but like he says,everything that has happened to you also proves the beauty of what is true and sincere in our dealings with each other.”
Rose nodded.“Thank you for that, Ellie.Understanding Emma’s flaws also showed me how ridiculous I was, thinking I was so important.”
Arlene shook her head.“You’re way too hard on yourself, Rose.You’re a very brave woman and don’t let anyone else tell you any differently.I for one, am very glad you’ve decided to stay here in Marietta.I like my new neighbor.And please, my living room needs an upgrade.”
Everyone laughed.
Janice leaned forward.“You know, Rose, while you were talking, I was wondering if you would think about talking to the students at school about your experience with social media.Of course, not the personal stuff, but the pitfalls you’ve experienced.I really worry about the kids.Most of them are glued to their devices most of the time and measure their own worth in the number of followers they have.No pressure, but will you think about it?”
Startled, Rose nodded.“Wow.I’m not sure if I’m brave enough!”
Janice smiled.“You’re one of the bravest people I know.”
Chewing her lip, Rose looked at Janice.“Let me think about it?”
“Of course.”Janice nodded.
“You’ve also given me an idea, Janice,” Vivian said.“Rose, you’ve probably heard my husband, Aiden is a reporter.This is the kind of thing he loves to write about.I’m sure there are more similar stories out there.I’ll see what he says.”
As everyone nodded, Willow jumped up.“What about more wine?”
While Willow refilled the glasses, Rose exhaled slowly.She felt so much lighter.
What Cooper was thinking about the whole mess, she could only guess.Not that she knew him, but from what she’d seen and heard about him, he was very private, very down to earth.He wouldn’t be back after hearing how she’d chosen to live her life.Maybe it was for the best.She really had to stop thinking about the big cowboy and she couldn’t do that if he kept showing up on her doorstep.
“Ooh, before I forget, Rose,” Janice said.“The school is organizing a Fall Festival around Homecoming.I hope you’ll join us.There’ll be all sort of activities, starting Friday evening.We’re getting local, regional, and national performers Saturday morning, there are activities for the kids…”
“…and there is a dance on the Saturday night in the Graff Hotel!”Riley called out.
Vivian smiled.“We need dresses!I have been thinking about going shopping in Bozeman, this gives me a good excuse.I’m sure Aiden won’t mind having his daughter all to himself for the morning.I’ll drive.What about tomorrow morning?”
“I won’t be going to the dance,” Rose said quickly, “but I’d love to go shopping with you.What clothes I have, I’ve bought online, but I’m ready for actual shopping.When is the festival?I may attend some of the other events.”
“In two weeks,” Annie said.“The B & B is already fully booked, I’m happy to say.I love meeting new people.”
“I’ll also drive,” said Willow.“We won’t all fit into one car.Laura, Ellie, and I will meet you all at the gate of the ranch.”
It took a while to finalize all the arrangements for the shopping trip.By the time the women left, the last of the wine had disappeared and the plates were empty.
Arlene waited until everyone had left before she turned to Rose again.“When Cooper was little, he’d often disappeared for long hours.Eventually we figured out we’ll find him near the horses.It took him years before he was willing to tell me how it upsets him when someone has been hurt or mistreated.”She gave Rose a hug.“I’m right next door, anytime you need an ear.And sweetie, I have to tell you, Cooper has never looked at anyone the way he looks at you.”
Rose couldn’t talk, a huge lump in her throat prevented her, but she returned Arlene’s hug.
Rose waved and watched as the older woman walked toward her house.Only after Arlene was safely inside, did she turn around.She exhaled slowly.It was such a relief to have been able to tell her friends what had happened.
What had become clear tonight was that before she could put her past behind her, she needed to go to Seattle.As soon as Ellie found help for the shop, she would buy a ticket to fly back.
