Page 32 of Revelry
I shook my head. “I didn’t want any and it made the process much quicker so I didn’t ask for any,” I admitted, tensing in case she thought I was stupid for not taking anything from him. I should have known my best friend better.
“Fair enough. Well, there’s nothing wrong with starting over in your thirties. You know more now than you did ten years ago. You know what your boundaries are and that’s a big win all on its own. I feel like I’ve just started again too,” she said quietly.
I glanced at her soft features, her blonde hair shining under her pink Stetson, hanging over one shoulder in a long braid. “You do?”
“Sure. I’ve got the ranch now and I’m trying to figure out what to do with it. It’s been hard, I had such a block, but I feel like now the ideas are coming through. We’ve got plans and it’s exciting.”
I smiled at her, nudging her shoulder with mine. “I’m super proud of you and can’t wait to see how you transform this place.”
She nudged me back. “I’m proud of you too. But stop pressuring yourself, you can work at the ranch until you figure out what it is you want to do. You can think ofloadsof things you could do. Life is too short to try just one thing. And I know you’ll figure it out.”
“When did you get so wise?” I teased.
“Ah, wisdom comes after a great fall, young grasshopper,” Kat laughed.
“I see. Well, I don’t think I can fall much further.”
Kat slung an arm around my shoulder, resting our heads together. “If you do, I’ll be there to catch you. I’m pretty strong from all this ranch work.”
I chuckled. “Thanks Kitty Kat.”
“Anytime, Flirty Gertie.”
We watched the current rushing through the stream, taking debris with it, and listened to the horses snuffling in the fallen leaves.
I glanced around, seeing the green trees fading to amber and bronze. I loved the colors of fall, it was so magical, and I was glad I was home for it this year with my friends. I had missed them all so much; I was so lonely in Montana. I didn’t know how I’d coped without them. Hopefully I’d never have to find out again.
My mind drifted back to Tate and his lack of social life or friendships which was bothering me more than I wanted it to.
“You ever seen Tate out with friends?” I asked.
“That’s a random question,” Kat said, she tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t think so.”
“Hmm.”
“Whhhy?”
I turned back to the water staring back and forth between the trees and their reflection on the surface of the lake. “No reason.”
Kat snorted. “Bullshit, Gerts.”
“He just seems so lonely. I haven’t seen anyone come to the house since I moved in almost two months ago. He seems to just go to work and go home.”
“Something wrong with that? Tate’s always kept to himself.”
“I guess,” I answered. “But why?”
“Does Gertie want a newfriendto play with now she’s newly divorced?” Kat waggled her eyebrows at me, and I shoved her playfully.
“That would be the worst thing right now,” I replied but I couldn’t deny how much he intrigued me. “Besides, in my new life, I’ve sworn off men.”
Kat shot me a sly smirk. “That’s usually when they all come sniffing around. Maybe you should get to know Tate a little better?”
I leapt up from the rock and shoved my feet back into my lilac boots, forgetting the soreness, and untied Chester. “Come on, cowgirl, race you back!” I shouted, to change the subject and also conscious August needed the horses.
The journey back was full of cheating by both parties. It was exactly what I needed and I found myself once again supremely happy I’d come home to Redemption Ranch and Kat.
Chapter Eight
