Page 51 of Rough Cowboy
He stares at me, stunned for a second. “Elsie?”
“Sorry, it’s fine. They’re fine to come over; I’d love to have them. Thank you.”
“I’ll see you in a week.”
I nod, unable to find the words.
The door closes behind him, and I’m still trying to assemble the pieces.
“Elsie?” Silver is behind me.
I whip around. “You’re leaving?”
“It’s not like that, Els.”
“What the hell is it like?” I try to keep my voice down. “What the hell was last night? I miss you. I like you.” I run my hands through my hair. “I’m an idiot.”
“You’re not an idiot.” He reaches for me, but I stalk in the opposite direction.
“I keep thinking you’re this other person. I see this person when we’re alone or even in public. But not the asshole you act like, but this fun-loving, caring guy. I keep fooling myself that I see him. But deep down, you’re just the asshole you act like.”
“Els-”
“No.” I yank away from him. “No. This was a mistake.”
“It wasn’t a mistake. Yes, I was leaving.”
“At least you’ll admit it.”
“You have his side. Why don’t you stop for five seconds to listen to mine?”
“Because your actions always contradict your promises.”
“Sweetheart, look in the mirror. You’ve been pussy-footing around Sammy for weeks. This is the first time you’ve stood your ground. The first time you’ve been you.”
“It’s complicated.”
“So was my leaving.”
“Was? Oh no, you can leave. Pack your bags and get out because it was inevitable.”
The nursery door flies open, and Wilma and Faye stand in the doorway.
“What’s all the shouting?” Wilma’s hands are planted on her hips, and she glares us both down.
“Shit, ladies.” Silver grabs the closest pieces of material to cover himself.
“Nothing we haven’t seen.” Faye strolls into my bedroom, playing with the fancy scissors hung around her neck.
“Can we get some privacy?” I yank my pillow out of Faye’s hands. “Don’t you dare cut a single thing in my room?”
“It’s about time you two realized this was the plan all along,” Wilma says behind me.
My eyes land on Silver. “No, no, no. You, ladies, are not serious?”
“We waited for Sammy to leave to come and to push you two together, but clearly, you didn’t need us.” I hear Faye sniping behind me.
Silver chuckles. “You ladies makin’ me and Els a love quilt.”
