Page 100 of Sawyer
“You don’t like the jeans or…?”I look down at the blue denim adorning my legs, wondering what I’ve done wrong.The bright-blue shirt is a little loud, the jeans a little tight, but this is what the local shop had in stock, so I just had to go with it.
“You look like a rich rancher who has never ranched before in his life.”Sutton grins at me, holding back a laugh.
“Tanner said jeans and these more casual shirts are what I need to be wearing.”
“Yeah, well, Tanner should probably stick to making whiskey and less on fashion advice.You can’t wear dress shoes.You need boots at least and a Stetson,” Sutton says, and it’s my turn to look at him like he’s crazy.
“A Stetson?Tanner doesn’t even wear one of those.”
When his smirk widens, I realize he’s deliberately trying to encourage me to go all out.
“I’m home…” Annabelle singsongs from the front door, the sound fast becoming one of my favorites of the day.It’s been a few months now since the incident and she and the kids are doing great.Their resilience has really shown through, as has the town's heart, all coming together to offer support in one way or another.I think I’ve put on at least ten pounds due to the cooking the local ladies have done for us.
“In here!”I call out to her as I wiggle the buckle of my new belt, wondering how cowboys wear these large metal things around their waist all day long.
“Speaking of home, what the fuck are you doing still hiding out here?When are you going to leave?”I ask my brother.He’s been lying low for months now, only doing small trips into the diner and the bar a few days of the week, and while I love having him here, now that Annabelle and the boys live here with me, I wouldn’t mind some space.
“Bobby has been contacting me flat out, so I want to lie low for a while longer.But then he said he has a Hallmark movie for me.”
“Hallmark?”I frown, knowing that’s the complete opposite of what his brand is.
“Yeah, apparently I need to show a good side.All those fighting monster movies are making me too siloed.After being away from LA, he thinks I need to do something totally left field to get people really talking.”He doesn’t look convinced and neither am I.
“Sounds like shit advice, if you ask me,” I tell him honestly.
He sighs.“Doesn’t matter.This is the game if I want to play it.”
“And do you?”
“What?”
“Want to play it?”
“What are you two talking about?”Annabelle breezes in, looking like the other half of my heart that she is.My grin is instant.But then she stops short when she sees me.“Oh, what are you wearing?”
“That's what I said.”Sutton stands by her side, the two of them ganging up on me, and I roll my eyes.
“I’m wearing Whispers fashion.Besides, we’re talking about when he’s moving out.”I nod to Sutton.
“Oh, you going back to LA?”Annabelle asks him.
“I kinda like it here.Bought a plot of land just next door, actually,” he says, so nonchalant.
My eyes nearly bug out of my head.“What?”I ask, totally blindsided.
“Thought you would like me around some more.Plus, I love the boys, and I’m still hoping Connor will give me a new whiskey to promote.I put the paperwork on your desk for you to look over and settle for me.”I rub my eyes but smile, loving that he’s going to stick around.
“Kevin and Noah will love having you here permanently.”Annabelle smiles brightly, and if she’s happy, I’m happy.
“Great.Okay, I’m going to the diner.”He’s already walking away, slipping on his baseball cap.
“You’re going there a lot lately.Sure it’s safe?”I ask him, knowing that as soon as the paparazzi finds him, he’ll be eaten alive since he has been gone so long.
“Yeah, Rochelle puts me in the back.I keep my hat on, and the locals are the perfect bodyguards.They shield me and lie if anyone comes sniffing.”He grins, and I know what he’s talking about, because I’ve seen it in action.I love Whispers; it’s like one big family.
“You can take my truck.It’s out front,” Annabelle offers and passes him the keys, another safety privacy method for him.Always in different cars so no one ever knows it’s him.Good thing I purchased her a new truck.
“Thanks.Later.”He swings the keys in his hands as he walks out the door.
