“What’s your problem?”
“Nothin’,” he said before he walked outside and slammed the door behind him. He still hadn’t heard from her, even though he’d called and texted. It was a little after seven, which meant it was what…eight…nine in New York? He could not keep track of that kind of shit. He went inside to ask Lyric, but she was head-to-head with Gram about something.
He’d just taken a seat at the kitchen table when he heard a rap on the back door.
Bullet stood and opened it. “Hey, King. Sorry, but I’ve got some other things to take care of this morning. You can head to the barn and see if anyone else needs help.”
“I already did. And Bill told me to take the day off. Said we’d be damn busy the next few weeks so I should enjoy today.”
“Then why are you here?”
“I’m not here for you, Bullet; I’m here to see your sister.”
Lyric pushed Bullet out of the way and invited King inside. “Why didn’t you call?”
King waved his cell phone. “Didn’t get your number last night.”
“Let’s fix that right now.”
Bullet walked back outside and closed the door behind him. He didn’t want to hear his sister’s conversation with his soon-to-be traveling partner. And he didn’t want to witness what was likely the start of a new relationship, not when he was so sure the one he wanted so badly didn’t seem to be going anywhere.
Someone knocking on the bedroom door woke Tristan from a deep sleep. She propped herself up on her elbows, wondering what time it was. Whoever it was knocked again.
“Sorry,” she answered. “Come in.”
Liv stuck her head in the door. “I’m sorry to wake you, but—”
Tristan waved her hand. “It’s okay. What time is it?”
“A little after ten.”
Tristan flew out of bed. “Oh my God. I can’t believe how late I slept.”
“You were exhausted, sweetheart.”
She picked up her phone, but there were no messages. “My dad. He’s supposed to have tests this morning.”
Liv came in and sat on the edge of the bed, patting it for Tristan to sit back down. “Ben took your grandfather to the hospital a little after seven this morning. Your dad hasn’t been alone; he’s been with him the whole time.”
Tristan laid back on the bed and covered her eyes with her arm. “I was just so tired.”
“Your dad would’ve wanted you to sleep. You know that.”
Tristan nodded. Liv was right. She still felt terrible that she’d slept as late as she had.
“Whenever you’re ready, we’ll drive over together. How’s that?” Liv offered.
Tristan moved her arm and looked at Liv. “That would be great, but I feel so bad. Don’t you need to get back?”
“We do, but we aren’t going anywhere until after your father’s surgery.”
“Are you sure? I mean…if you need to go, I understand.”
Liv smiled. “I guess you didn’t hear me.”
Tristan smiled back. “Thank you.”
Liv stood. “You’re welcome. When you’re ready, there’s coffee and a couple out-of-this-world homemade blueberry scones waiting for you.”