Page 79 of Lone Star Longing
“Well, to be fair, he’s got a lot of work this time of year, so there’s that. But yeah, he was a definite no when I mentioned you’d be here.”
Britt shook her head. “How are we ever going to make peace if he avoids me?”
“Well, you’ve been avoiding him for twelve years, so...” Poppy said.
Britt’s expression hardened, her lips pressed together, but she didn't respond to Poppy’s remark.
“Twelve years is a long time. You’d think he’d move on. I did.”
“Maybe he has, and maybe that’s why it’s not that important to him to see you. And I’d say maybe you haven't moved on if you’re this upset about him not coming down to see you,” Poppy continued.
Britt narrowed her eyes but again remained quiet.
“Come on,” Beck said, tapping Britt’s shoulder. “I’ll buy you dinner.” He motioned to the order counter built into the old bar.
“Maybe she won’t stay if Con’s not coming,” Poppy said when they walked off. “Clearly he’s the only one she’s interested in seeing. She’s been watching the entrance the whole time we’ve been here.”
“You’re not being very fair to her,” Javi said. “They were together a long time. Of course she wants some closure.”
“You’re just saying that because she’s pretty,” Sofia said. “And she’s been talking to you the whole time, barely saying anything to us.”
“Just like high school,” Lacey said. “She never hung out with the girls, just the guys.”
“You’re judging, and you don't know her,” Javi said. “Be kind. She’s not here long.”
“I like when Con comes with us, and gets out of his own head,” Sofia said. “And she’s keeping that from happening.”
Lacey was pretty sure Sofia had a crush on Con, but she was right. Con needed to get away from the ranch.
“She’ll be gone soon, and he’ll come back.”
Beck and Britt returned with a number for the table.
“What’d you get?” Lacey asked, just to make conversation. She felt like she had to be the one to make the effort because Sofia wouldn’t, and Poppy could be a little caustic. Lacey remembered that Britt hadn’t been particularly kind in high school but she was a different person now.
Wasn't she?
“Oh, you know, they didn't have brisket, so I ordered a quesadilla.”
Lacey wouldn't be deterred. “Beck, what did you get?”
“Wings. I saw you had the ribs already.”
She felt her face heat. “I’m actually almost full.”
“Ha. I haven’t known that to be true since I’ve been back.”
“She also had fried mushrooms. I think she would have poured the ranch dressing down her throat,” Poppy laughed.
Beck lifted his eyebrows as he looked at her. “Ranch dressing now?”
“On everything. Ev. Ry. Thing.”
“Noted.” He gave her that half-grin that gave her belly flutters.
No. Wait. That wasn't what that was. That was...she sat up and pressed her hand to her side, but no, she couldn't feel anything against her hand. But that was...
“What’s wrong?” Beck was halfway out of his seat, leaning toward her.
