Page 60 of Freeing the Wild
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”I answer coyly.
Haden leans forward and smiles—no guard up—as more mischief fills his stunning blue eyes.He’s so goddamn gorgeous it hurts.
“Hope it’s not a how-to guide on spying.”He lets out a low chuckle.“Cause you sucked at that.”
I kick at him with my boot-covered foot.“Shut up.How dare you, Cowboy?Using my moment of weakness against me.”
“Well, now we’re even at least,” Haden retorts, swirling his bourbon in his glass.His eyes connect with mine and I can see something lurking below the surface.But I don’t press.We agreed we’re past that.Friends.
“It’s what inspires me,” I say.“In my notebook.”
“This place inspires you?”he asks, looking out at the snow-covered trees.The moonlight makes everything more ominous, as it gives the trees their shadows, which look like they continuefor miles through the woods and pasture.There is a quiet stillness.The calm before the storm.
I follow his gaze.“Yeah.It really does.It feels like I’m supposed to be here.Some things can be just so beautiful they evoke this awakening in you, a reminder that there’s so much more out there than you’ve seen.That’s what this place is.It’s reminding me what beauty looks like again.What life is about, ya know?”
“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean, Princess,” Haden answers, his voice low and resolute.A beat of silence passes as we stare out at the trees, but when I pull my eyes from the woods and look back at him, I’m surprised to see he isn’t looking at the peaceful forest with me.He’s looking at me with an understanding in his eyes that touches me somewhere deep in my soul.
FIONA
I just wanted to check in with you, make sure you’re healing up alright.You’ve been on my mind, Cass.
Thank you.I’m writing again and I think I’m feeling better.I feel like this place might be good for my soul.
FIONA
Ranches in the middle of nowhere seem to have that sort of effect on people.My dad was a cattle rancher in Colorado.So trust me when I say I get it.
It’s just peaceful here.And talking with the grief therapist is helping too.Thank you for recommending her.
FIONA
I’m glad!She is excellent.And Cassie, do me a favor?
Don’t rush anything.Enjoy your time there.You’re gonna do great things very soon, but your peace of mind and your wellbeing are always worth putting anything you need to on hold.
Thank you.
FIONA
Don’t mention it.And a cowboy like the one in your video doesn’t hurt when you’re mending a sad heart alsoWinking Face
Remember what I said.I’m not in the habit of poaching, but if you ever need anything I’m here.Even just as a friend.All you have to do is call.
Classic James Taylor
FIONA
The one and only.Take care, hun.
I set my phone down.I genuinely like Fiona and I feel like she actually cares about my wellbeing, rather than seeing me as someone to gain from.In this line of work, finding someone like that is a rarity.
My phone buzzes again.Only this time I don’t read the messages with a smile on my face as they come through.
DAX
I was able to swing you some studio time this week at The Chapel to record the album.
I look up to the ceiling and take a breath before responding.Unbelievable.
