Page 43 of Till The Cows Come Home
Talking to Sage was therapeutic, but morning chores weregoing to hit me like a ton of bricks if I didn’t get to sleep, so I said goodnight anyway, and as I made my way inside, sinking into my own bed, I couldn’t help the calmness humming through my body. I hadn’t talked about my parents to anyone since moving to Lox, and I felt a little lighter now that I let her coax it out of me. Sage Baker had a hold on me and I drifted off to sleep knowing damn well that I didn’t want her to let go.
After walking laps around the florists for about twenty minutes, no closer to choosing what I wanted, my senses were completely overwhelmed. The small shop was flooded with a large variety of florals, and I felt like I needed to walk outside between each bouquet to cleanse my nose before moving to the next. The florist hovered, clocking my clear need for help by my indecisive loitering. She looped around every so often, asking me if I needed anything, and each time I politely declined, even though I was no closer to making a decision.
“Flowers for someone special? Maybe your mom?” she interjected, a tinge of hope lining her voice. She was a beautiful woman, and normally this would be one of those times I turned on the charm, but all I felt was the urge to make it clear I was unavailable.
“Girlfriend, actually,” I corrected.
A slight fabrication, but I’m sure the florist with googly eyes was not the appropriate person to hash out the logistics of Sage and I’s relationship with.
“Ah,” she added, her tone becoming slightly less enthusiastic. “Again, let me know if you need anything!”
I smiled, excusing myself before turning around to escape back into the complicated foliage. Roses seemed cliche and everything else looked so delicate. Lost in thought, I turnedthe corner down another aisle of choices, bumping directly into a woman pushing a stroller.
“I’m so sorry, ma’am. I was lost in my own head.”
I squatted slightly, waving at the baby cooing in the stroller.
“Ready, honey?” another woman asked from behind me, and as her face came into view, I couldn’t help but feel it was vaguely familiar.
“Miles?”
Staring at her blankly, I imagine she could sense my confusion.
“Ruby,” she said, extending her hand, “Sage’s best friend. I know you were a little busy the last time I saw you.”
A smirk settled on her face as she watched the gears in my brain turn, all too slowly connecting the dots.
The kiss crasher.
Ruby had been the woman at the market, hissing at Sage in an attempt to save us from the embarrassment of being caught like teenagers under the bleachers.
“Nice to see you again. I’m sorry I didn’t remember. The smell in here is hurting my brain.” I chuckled.
“No worries, this is my wife Ali and my son Asher. I’m sure if you stick around Sage for any length of time, you’ll become familiar with us.”
“I hope to. I’ve spent so much time with cows, it’s about time I mingled with humans.”
“You and Sage are two peas in a pod. I remember having to drag her from the barn just to hang out.” Ruby laughed. “Also, if you don’t mind a suggestion? I assume you’re here for Sage. I hope you are anyway, but tulips are her favorite.”
“Thank god,” I mumbled. “I’ve been doing circles for about an hour, trying to make the right choice.”
“Glad I could be of assistance.” She smiled.
“If you don’t mind,” I added, pulling out the pad and penI kept in my flannel pocket for times just like these, “could I ask you a couple more favorites?”
She laughed, quickly nodding in agreement. “Ask away.”
After about a hundred questions, I felt like I was equipped to romance Sage the way she deserved. Ruby practically told me every like and dislike Sage had, and I could tell by the way she steered me into success that she was a good friend. Apologizing again, I said my goodbyes, following the signage to the section of tulips. It didn’t take me long to pick out the perfect yellow bouquet, which I now knew to be her favorite color. I checked out, ignoring the florist's critique of my choice, strolling out to my truck with newfound confidence as I mulled over my plan.
When I got home, I put the flowers in a vase before heading out to do the evening chores, and as I hopped down into the parlor, I couldn’t help but crank the radio, relishing in my optimism as I lifted the gate for the girls to flood in. Even after sweet talking each and every cow, I finished milking in record time, clearly motivated by the evening’s potential.
There were a couple hours of daylight left, which meant if I was going to make my plan work, I needed to leave soon. I had fully committed to being over the top, answering Sage’s taunts with the grandest of gestures. That being said, I now fully intended on driving my tractor to an apartment complex, which took a bit of planning. I had already packed a spare gas can, which meant all I had left to do was get dressed.
I couldn’t help the audible laugh that escaped me as I gazed at myself in the mirror. This suit hadn’t made a debut since senior prom, and although it was a little tight, the baby blue was as bright as the day I bought it. My mother had tried to talk me out of this tragic choice, pleading with me to rent, butI insisted on purchasing. After assuring her that I would get my money's worth, I promptly wore it for four hours before hanging it in my closet. That is, until now.
I plucked the flowers from their vase along with the envelope beside it before heading to my chariot. It took me about seven minutes to drive to Sage’s apartment in my truck, and I’d predicted it would take about twenty on the tractor. Without allowing myself enough time to change my mind, I slid into gear, rolling steadily down the road.
People often waved as they passed me on the road, veering over to give me space, but this was different. There was honking and whistling, and multiple people took pictures. Others slowed, rolling their window to ask questions, but I just shrugged, explaining politely that I was merely a man on a mission. Even with these interruptions, though, I was able to complete the trip in just over twenty-five minutes, which meant it was time for the fun to start.
