I could hear her warring thoughts. Not even she knew about Kayden’s father, and the one time she’d asked, I’d flat out told her I didn’t want to talk about it. I figured most people thought I’d gotten my heart broken, but the truth was, I’d barely even caught his name.
It was the circumstances that had driven me to it that still lingered like old wounds.
“You know the only thing I want is for you to be happy, and I’d leave you alone about it if I didn’t know you really well. And I know you’re missing something.”
Before I could respond, she cracked, “Like some of the good D.”
“Did you actually call because you wanted something?” I tossed the question out like I was actually mad.
She chuckled. “Oh, right yes.”
She lowered her voice to keep her words a secret. “I want to plan a big surprise birthday party here at the ranch for Caleb. He’s been showering me with so much love and attention, and I want to make sure he knows how much he’s loved, too.”
She hesitated before she asked, “I was hoping you’d cater it?”
Warmth spread through me. “Like you even have to ask. Of course, I’ll do it. It’d be an honor.”
“How do I have the bestest bestie in all the land? My Doodle-Boo always has my back.”
“Like I’d leave my Paisley-Cakes hanging?”
We’d started with the ridiculous nicknames in second grade and they’d forever stuck, neither of us outgrowing them, even in the time we’d been separated with her living out of state.
Her tone softened. “Seriously, thank you so much. I really want it to be special for him.”
“We’ll make sure it is. When are you thinking?”
“The third Saturday of next month?”
I glanced around like I actually had a calendar to check. “I think I’m free. I’ll get a couple staff on hand to help with service and all of that.”
Paisley squealed. “Seriously the best. I cannot wait. I’ll stop by soon so we can go over details, if that’s okay?”
“Absolutely. Any time.”
“You’re grade-A amazing, Dakota. Don’t you ever forget it.”
“How could I when you won’t let me?” I teased.
“Crap, Caleb is calling from the other room to come to bed. I better go before he gets suspicious. Thank you again.”
“Go on and get yourself some of that deliciousness.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” She suddenly squealed, and I was pretty sure Caleb had sneak attacked her from behind. “Bye, Doodle-Boo. And don’t you dare put on one of those true crime podcasts the way you like to do. I don’t want you to be having any nightmares.”
She barely got it out before the line went dead, and I sat there, grinning at my phone like I was actually looking at my best friend.
She was wild and reckless and fun, and I loved every crazy thing about her.
Silence washed in behind it.
A hint of loneliness that crept into the recesses.
A quiet hum that reminded me I was alone.
I sipped at my wine while I fiddled with my phone, heart a little heavy, then I breathed out a short breath when a text buzzed through.
I fought the flutter in my chest when I saw who it was.
I’m moving on. I’m moving on. I’m moving on.
I had to remind myself of it when he got to acting all concerned, which was really often. But he’d always been concerned, ever since I was a little girl. I needed to remember that was because he would forever look at me like a sister.
Ryder
What’s up, Cookie? You get home safe?
I tapped out a quick response, refusing to make it weird. This man was a constant in my life, and I didn’t want it to bring me pain any longer.
Me
I did, and a whole lot earlier, thanks to you.
It didn’t take long for another text to come through.
Ryder
See, you did want me riding in like the cavalry after all. Admit it.
I could almost see the smirk lighting on his face.
Me
Pssh. I just didn’t want to make you feel like a lazy prick. I would have done fine without you.
Ryder
Ouch. Way to stab at a man’s ego.
Me
I thought I was feeding your ego by letting you play white knight? Besides, I think your ego is plenty big. I’ve seen you in action.
It took a second for him to respond.
Ryder
You watching me?
My stomach tightened. Sometimes, I swore he was flirting with me.
Me
Just to keep an eye on you to make sure you’re not making a fool out of yourself.