Nick: You better get me that money, or I’m taking the security footage to the cops.
Rowan: I told you I was working on it. I don’t have a million-dollar trust fund like you to just write a check.
Nick: Should’ve thought about that before you took a crowbar to my car, you bitch.
Rowan: Wow, do you feel like a man calling me that?
Nick: Better watch that filthy mouth of yours, unless you want me to report you for vandalism? I wonder how your hick family would take that kind of news?
Rowan: Kiss my ass, you dickless cocksucker. I said I’d get you the money, and I will.
Nick: You better.
I’m on the verge of tears by the time I read his final text, then toss my phone aside.
God, what I ever saw in him is beyond me. He’s such an arrogant tool bag, and I wish I’d never given him the time of day. I know he’s probably already gotten the stupid car repaired and is just using this opportunity to have something to hold over me and piss me off. He didn’t like that I broke up with him after he cheated.
Instead of eating my feelings like I want to, I take a thirty-minute hot shower. Though it feels good, it doesn’t stop my anger from brewing over. Knowing Maize is probably working at the B&B, I decide to head over there after I get dressed and ready for the day.
“Oh my God! We should’ve cut him when we had the chance!” she squeals after I read her the texts.
I snort at her dramatics. “You and me both.”
“Who are we cutting?” Elle walks into the kitchen with a perched brow.
“My stupid ex-boyfriend. Look what he sent me this morning.”
She looks over my shoulder as I show her the screen and scroll down.
“Wow. Douchebag needs to get the stick out of his ass.” She leans down and grabs a muffin, then stuffs it into her mouth. Maize doesn’t say a word surprisingly.
“Tell me about it. Why did I date him?” I groan, collapsing on top of the counter with my head in my hands.
“You don’t always see someone’s true colors until it’s too late,” she tells me, rubbing my back. “The important thing is that you learned before you got in too deep.”
“And even that was too long. I want that time back.” I growl.
“You very well coulda married the dickwad. Yikes! Thank the Lord ya didn’t,” Maize says.
They both chuckle, and we end up hanging out for the next hour before Elle has to go back to work. She stops in from time to time like most of my family does. The B&B’s a social spot for us to eat and gossip.
After saying goodbye and walking out of the kitchen, I head through the main sitting area and wave at the guests. Most are regulars who come every year, but some are new and just driving through, needing a place to stay for the night. Some love the atmosphere so much that they book a room to stay every few months. Can’t say I blame them, though. The ranch offers horseback riding, four-wheeling adventures, trail walking, and true Southern meals. We host weddings and honeymoons here too.
Diesel: You okay? Grayson said he saw you at the B&B looking like someone kicked your dog.
I snort. We have lots of dogs on the ranch, but none that stay in the house.
Rowan: You two always gossip about me?
Diesel: Only every day of my existence. Don’t you know by now my world revolves around you?
Rowan: Stop being overly sweet.
Diesel: Can’t help it, baby. Charming is my middle name.
Rowan: It’s Christopher, but close enough.
I giggle because our conversation easily puts me in a good mood again.
Diesel: So c’mon, tell me. What’s going on?
I get into my car, then text him back.
Rowan: I woke up to a very nice message from my ex who reminded me that I’m under the gun to pay him back, and that if I don’t soon, he’ll report me for vandalism. I told him I was working on it, but he was being his normal asshole self.
Diesel: Let me take care of him and pay your debt so he goes away for good.
Rowan: No and definitely not! I’m not allowing you to get involved any more than you already have. I’m saving up and will give it to him.
Rowan: But thank you for offering. I do appreciate you wanting to help.
Diesel: Should let me punch his face in again to send him a not-so-nice message in return.
Rowan: Then he’d probably sue you for wrecking his pretty boy face.
Diesel: It’d be worth every penny to smash it in, though. ;)
Rowan: Okay, Cowboy. Hold back before you get arrested for assault. We can’t sneak around when you’re behind bars.
Diesel: You’re right. I’ll just have to be smug in the fact that I have you now, and he doesn’t.