Page 57 of Rough Cowboy
“I’ll get the plates and cutlery. You two might want to change and shower first.” Lena heads to the kitchen.
“She doesn’t like me, does she?” Silver offers a hand and helps me to my feet.
“She likes you more than you know. It’s me she’s mad at right now.”
We wrap extra drop cloths around our feet and hobble down the hallway.
“I’ll use the shitty shower.” Silver points down the hallway. “It’s like being at home.”
After a quick shower, I still have paint in my hair and on my skin.
I find Lena slicing pies and arranging them on paper plates.
“I can help.” I dig a pie out of one of the bags.
“It’s a full house out there.” She nods outside.
I swear more people have arrived, and an outdoor party has ensued. They mill around, and lounge on picnic blankets as the sun paints a blaze of color in the sky.
Silver stands with his brothers, flipping sizzling meat on the barbecue. He’s freshly showered and dressed in a crisp white T-shirt and tight-fitting jeans. They hug his muscular frame and tight ass. I appreciate silver’s tight ass. His hair is still damp from the shower and swept back from his forehead in a carefree style.
“It seems the town uses any excuse to get together.” The pie is still warm as I slice into it.
“It’s true. They party like teenagers in the city.”
“They’re worse than city teenagers.”
We both laugh then silence chases us until I can’t handle it anymore.
I drop the knife. “Lena, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have given you an ultimatum. I take it back. I don’t care if you lecture me every second of every day. I just can’t go another day without you.”
Lena grins at me. “I’m sorry, too. I was trying to help you, but instead it came out bossy and—”
I throw my arms around my sister. “I don’t care. None of it matters. Just don’t leave me again.”
Lena leans back and grasps my shoulders. “Elsie, I would never leave you.” She bends down and cups my baby bump. “Little cowboy or cowgirl, did you miss Auntie Lena.” Her voice is low and sweet, like honey. “Your mama is going to be a great mama.”
Tears fill my eyes.
“And I’m going to be the best auntie ever. We’ll have so much fun together, lil’ one.”
I touch my sister’s hands. “Thank you.”
She rises. “I support whatever decision you make.”
I bite the inside of my cheeks. The weight of my decision weighs heavily on me.
“You slept with Silver, didn’t you?”
I nod. “I think I love him.”
She nods.
“He thinks he loves me.”
She nods again.
“Wilma and Faye have been working on our quilt.”
