Page 53 of Take Me Please, Cowboy
After the gallery party ended, they walked to a restaurant one block over and were able to secure a table.From the moment they left the gallery, Josie and Ansley were deep in conversation, laughing and talking, frequently interrupting the other, which just made them laugh more and talk faster.
He’d never seen Josie out with others, and it pleased him that Josie and Ansley had hit it off so quickly.By the time food arrived, they seemed like old friends, while Rye felt like the stranger.It wasn’t a conversation he could contribute to, as they were discussing life and art, and how beauty was essential, and art had the ability to heal hearts and minds.
Ansley was beautiful as always, but it was Josie that moved him.She was so animated, so sure of herself, so passionate about her beliefs.He felt guilty all over again that he’d been the one to insist she wait one more year to move away.He’d been the one to crush her in June.She’d never blamed him, but she could have.For years now, he was the hard one, the practical one.Rye couldn’t afford to wear rose-colored glasses and talk about how transformative art was.He also wouldn’t because he didn’t believe it.
What changed lives was money.Money created opportunities.Money opened doors.Money meant one had the ability to see the best doctors, get the best care.The lack of money meant one was always dependent on lists and referrals, and then waiting for answers, and waiting for treatment and Jasper didn’t have time to wait.He was getting weaker.His body was under attack.There were newer treatments and better doctors, if only they could get him in to see those doctors.
But Jasper wasn’t here.Josie was, and Ansley was, and Rye was, too.And even though he was overwhelmed by guilt, it was also wonderful to see Josie in her element, to realize she was finally getting her moment.He was proud of her.He was proud of Ansley.He was glad they were both working to fulfill their dreams.
“So, when do you move here permanently?”Ansley asked as the waiter cleared her wineglass, and the other little plates.
“Probably the first week of January,” Josie answered.“They want me to start working by the seventh.”
“So, just after the new year.”
Josie nodded.“I wish it was sooner, but this will give me time to save up a little more money and figure out what to take.”
Ansley smiled at her.“You know I’m not far away, so if you need anything, call me.”
Josie nodded again.“I will.”
“And once you’re settled, if you have time, it’d be fun to get together,” Ansley added.
“I’d love that,” Josie said warmly.“You’d be my first friend.”
Rye tried to ignore the tightness in his chest.He was jealous.Jealous that they could be friends and he wouldn’t be part of the future.He stepped away to quietly pay the bill only to discover she’d already paid.How had she already paid?He didn’t see her slip anyone her credit card.
Outside on the street he thanked Ansley, before adding, “We were taking you out to celebrate.Dinner tonight was supposed to be our treat.”
“You two barely ate anything, and I wanted to treat.If Josie hadn’t insisted you come tonight, I wouldn’t be celebrating with anyone.”
He glanced away, embarrassed, exposed.She was right.This was all Josie’s doing.She’d forced him to the gallery, and then suggested dinner, smoothing the awkwardness with her quick smile and sense of fun.And yet, he’d wanted to be here.He’d wanted to see Ansley.He’d wanted—
He couldn’t let himself go there.“Josie has ideas of her own,” he said flatly, “but tonight she made the right call.I did want to be there.I loved seeing how your hard work is paying off.It’s remarkable.”
“Glad your sister dragged you here.”
He let the jab slide.“I still owe you a celebratory dinner, and it will be on me.I insist.”
Ansley’s blue eyes met his and held, a challenging light in them.“So not necessary, Rye.”
“Maybe not, but I’d like to have dinner with you.”
She didn’t blink or break eye contact.“Perhaps in January, when you move Josie into her apartment, we can put something together.”
How indifferent she sounded.But what did he expect?He’d been ruthless in his rejection.She shouldn’t trust him.He didn’t trust himself, not when she was so close, and he still wanted her so much.“Sounds good.”
Ansley never lost her smile as she turned to Josie.“I’m going to give you my number and please do call when you’re back in the area.I want to see you and we will plan something fun.”
“I’d like that,” Josie said, pulling out her phone, and exchanging numbers with Ansley.
They walked Ansley to her car before heading the opposite direction to Rye’s truck.For a long moment neither Josie nor Rye spoke, but Rye could tell his sister was dying to say something.
Once in the truck he looked at his sister.“What?Say it.”
His sister’s shoulders lifted and fell.“You know what I’m going to say.”
“That she’s too good for me?”
