Page 59 of Rough Ride with the Grumpy Cowboy
“That’s simple enough. I don’t mind taking all the credit. That in-love, puppy look is very good on you,” she teases.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” I mumble as I ruffle her hair, walking away from her.
She hates it when I do that, but this time she doesn’t comment, too entranced by the card in her hand.
I want Ava to have an awesome birthday, and since I’m terrible at planning anything, I’ll leave that to Ella. Now I just have to think of what gift to give her. It has to be an awesome one for an amazing girl. Time to get thinking.
23
AVA
Waking up alone in Zane’s bed is not unusual. His foreman duties demand early mornings, so he’s always up before me since I like sleeping in. Today, however, I thought he would make an exception as it’s my special day, but I guess not.
I flip around to his side of the bed, bring his pillow closer, and bury my face in it, letting myself soak in his scent for a few minutes before I have to get on with my day. A satisfied sigh escapes my lips. So this is what it feels like to be content with life.
My whole body is relaxed, I’m sleeping better, eating habits have improved, and I finally fixed things with Zane.
This is exactly what I wanted when I left LA, and I’m finally getting it. Things are looking up for me after struggling for so long. Besides the whole fucked-up family thing, everything else is perfect.
After twenty more minutes, I drag myself out of his bed and into the bathroom. I freshen up, appreciating the slight tint of color in my cheeks and lack of dark circles around my eyes.
I rummage through Zane’s closet to steal more of his clothes—this time a tank top and a flannel shirt—before I leave his cabin headed for the main house. The kitchen is void of any humans, which isn’t strange since the morning is already half over. Knowing that Zane will ask about it later, for breakfast I enjoy a bowl of granola and a cup of yogurt.
If I had to trade my music career for days like this, I feel like I wouldn’t hesitate much. But at the same time, I like making music, traveling all over the world to perform and meet my fans. Lou was right—Zane and I need to sit down and talk about the future of our relationship since it will determine the direction my music career takes from here on out.
When I’m done, I rinse my bowl, fill a mug with a cup of coffee before heading upstairs. I pass by Ella’s room, but she’s not in there, which is strange as she’s always either in her room or the common areas. She’s also always one of the first ones to make a big deal of my birthday, so this is unusually strange.
It’s okay though—it’s not like I’m a fan of celebrating my birthdays. Another joy my mother was successfully able to take from me.
In my room, I engross myself in working on a few last songs for my upcoming album. Just as the afternoon rolls around, I receive a call from Lou.
“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Happy birthday to you.”
“Thank you, Lou,” I giggle, glad that at least someone has remembered to wish me a happy birthday.
“Of course, dear. How could I forget the day my most important client was born?”
“Lou, I’m your only client.”
“So you keep telling yourself.”
We fall silent for a moment before we burst out laughing. This is nice. Even if no one else remembers, Lou has, and I appreciate that.
A knock on the door pulls my attention away from the call. “There’s someone at the door. I’ve got to go. Thank you for the wishes, Lou.”
“You’re welcome, darling. Enjoy your special day.”
How, if no one but you remembers?
“Yes, ma’am.”
I hang up and drag myself out of bed to answer the door. The hopeful smile on my face drops when instead of Ella or Zane on the other side is one of the maids carrying a tray with my lunch on it.
I step aside to let her in, a disappointed look on my face. She sets it down on the little nook by my window where I like having all my meals. She leaves with a polite bow, closing the door behind her.
The food looks good, but I’m not in the mood to eat or enjoy it. If I don’t though, word will get back to Zane and he will be mad, so I force myself to eat at least half of it.
My mind is so boggled with how none of the Morgans have remembered my birthday that I’m unable to keep writing. To relax myself, I decide to soak in the tub for a bit, and it partially helps. When the water turns cold and my hands start pruning, I drag myself out of the tub. I dry off and change into a sundress, deciding to leave the cocoon of my bedroom and get some fresh air. Maybe I will be lucky enough to run into Zane or Ella.
