Page 55 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
“No, just me. Sorry to disappoint.”
He clicks his tongue. “Not a disappointment at all. One tall, dark, and handsome is better than none.” He points to the corner. “Riley is who you’re meeting, I presume?”
“You presume right. Could you —”
“Bring you an Americano with hazelnut and a slice of apple crumble?”
Diamond smiles because he knows my weakness is apple anything and it sounds perfect.
“Oh, man…you have crumble today?”
“Sure do, sugar. Go sit and I’ll get that to you in a jiff.”
Riley stands when I reach him in the cozy corner at the back, and we share a long hug. Summer was busy for us both, and we didn’t get together as much as I hoped.
“Still not liking cold weather, I see.” Riley laughs as he returns to his seat, and I remove a few layers.
“It’s the fucking worst. And the dryness! Static and dry skin.” I flop onto the couch next to him. “Sometimes I wonder why I live in Canada. Then I remember I don’t like poisonous animals, and I feel better about it.”
Seriously. I’d rather deal with dry skin and a wardrobe of sweaters than worry about the spider in my bathroom trying to kill me.
“Do you have plans for Christmas?” Riley asks.
“Shit. I haven’t thought about it much. What are you doing?”
Riley and I have spent many holidays together, often with his Aunt Agnes. We missed a few years when I worked, but since my sisters died, Christmas was just another day. I like the food and, of course, I loved giving gifts to Riley and Agnes, but other than that, it was never top of mind.
Riley bites at his lip, and I pat his knee.
“Say it, Rye. I get it if you and Jackson want to be on your own.”
“Are you sure, Gabe? I hate not being with you over the holidays.”
“I’m an adult. Maybe I’ll see what Agnes is up to.”
“Yeah… she’s got plans, too. Me and Jackson are going to his parents’ in Arizona this year. The dogs are coming, too, and Aunt Agnes has a ‘friend.’” He uses air quotes and rolls his eyes. “She’s spending Christmas Day with this friend. They met at the retirement home, and there’s some kind of party going on.”
I laugh, thinking of the party at the old folks’ home, but happy Agnes has found someone to fill that void for her.
“I’ll be okay, Riley. Honestly.”
“Hunter doesn’t have family either…”
I meet Riley’s gaze and just as I’m about to open my mouth, Diamond shows up with my coffee and apple crumble and perches on the arm of the couch.
“So, tell me, Mr. Handsome, have you and the husband been back to the Happy Badger since you set the place on fire?”
Riley smacks my arm as I chuckle. “You two went dancing? Shit, we are long overdue to catch up.”
“No, we haven’t been back. We were supposed to, but then one of the horses got sick and…yeah. Not yet.”
“They’re having a big New Year’s Eve Party. With dancing. You two should go. From what I hear, you’re a natural.” Diamond pushes off the sofa with a sigh. “I also want to watch.” Laughing, he struts away, and I shake my head.
“Gabe…you clearly have a lot to tell me. Are things working with you and Hunter more than you thought?”
Scooping a mouthful of crumble into my mouth to delay answering his question, I think about how to reply. There are nosecrets between me and Riley, and it’s why I wanted to meet with him today. I need an outside perspective. One I can trust.
“A lot has happened, Riley. We went dancing because I learned his grandmother used to take him. It was the most incredible evening, but I went to bed alone. When we planned to go again, Mack got sick. We’ve…” I trail off, thinking about how it’s been me avoiding Hunter lately instead of the other way around because I’m too afraid to hear bad news.
