Page 35 of Unforgettable Cowboy
Bailey had not expected an immediate answer to her text, so she was surprised when her phone chimed a few seconds later.
Yes!I can’t wait to see you!It’s been forever.
Bailey hesitated, then tapped out:
I saw Chance today.
My condolences *extreme sad face emoji*.
Bailey smiled a little at the instant reply, then started typing.
I’m looking forward to big sales at the Copper Mountain Rodeo and even bigger sales when I move on to Laughlin.
I wish I could be on the road with you again.Good memories.I’ll be chained to my desk earning a living.
Can you give me some coded reassurance?
Bailey was glad that Jenna was doing okay, but she really wanted to know if her friend would be picking up Dakota Sunshine on schedule so that she was free to travel to Laughlin.She’d done her best to help her friend out of a jam, but she couldn’t in good conscience leave Marietta if Dakota Sunshine was still on the Tree Fork.And it wasn’t like she could take the mare with her.
She set down her phone, then jumped when it rang.She did not recognize the number but answered anyway.
“Bailey?”
“Jenna.”Bailey pushed her hair back from her forehead, studying her reflection in the dark window over her small worktable.The face that stared back at her was both relieved and concerned.
“Sorry I haven’t been in touch, but I’m still working out next steps, where to live, et cetera.”Bailey understood that her friend was talking about the mare rather than herself.“The first place I looked at isn’t going to work out, but I’ll find something.”
She sounded determined.
“How are you holding up?”
“Now that I’m not in contact with Chance, much better.Did he say anything when you saw him?”
“Just asked if I’d heard from you, which I haven’t.”
Does he suspect?
Jenna didn’t ask the question, but Bailey knew she was thinking it.She also remembered Pinto’s scanner that picked up cell phone calls.If Pinto had such a device, anyone could.
“I may not make the events leading up to the rodeo, but I will be there, and we can catch up on old times.”Jenna gave a soft snort.“I’ll tell you a cautionary tale about the aftermath of whirlwind romances.”
“I don’t think you need to worry about me.”
“Trust me, I’ve been giving that some thought.”She was silent for a moment, and Bailey realized how lonely her friend must be with only her alcoholic father to see her through the rough times.
“Looking forward to seeing you.We have a lot to catch up on.”
“Yes, we do,” Jenna agreed.“And don’t worry about me.I’ll have a firmer life plan in place by the time I see you.”
“I’m glad.It’s hard starting over.”
“You have no idea.”
They said their goodbyes and hung up, but Bailey couldn’t focus on her engraving.Instead, she sat on the sofa bed and replayed the conversation in her head, wondering if they’d given any clues to anyone who might be listening.
And the fact that she was thinking that way told her just how distrustful and imaginative she’d become.Texts and emails could be subpoenaed, but to think that live phone calls were being monitored… This wasn’t espionage.
Bailey drew the curtain across the portal window, blocking out her reflection.
