Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Once we’ve seen most of the activities, I check the time.
“We need to go get your other painting,” I remind her and we walk hand in hand down the path to my truck.
“Has Aspen always treated Levi that way?” she asks.
“Yeah. I was stupid to ignore it and should’ve noticed all her red flags.”
Oakley squeezes my fingers. “At least he can give it as good as she tries to.”
“Levi’s not one to back down. He’s too nice most of the time, but when it comes to her passive aggressive comments, he always put her in her place.”
“Must’ve been uncomfortable for your girlfriend and best friend not to get along.”
“It was. Honestly, I should’ve put a stop to it a long time ago, but it's not my problem anymore.”
Once I unlock the truck, she grabs the inn painting, and I set the tiny heart canvas on the dash. When we return to the celebration, we find hay bales in front of the stage and wait.
The band warms up and opens with a Beatles cover. I check my watch, realizing we have a little under an hour before it’s showtime.
“I really like Levi. He seems like a nice guy,” Oakley tells me, sitting so damn close, I can feel her body warmth.
“He’s always been one of the friendliest, kindest people I’ve ever known. The man wouldn’t harm a fly and would give anyone the shirt off his back in the middle of a snow storm if they needed it. That’s just how he’s always been.”
“Hard to believe he’s not married.”
Just as I’m about to speak, my cousin Jessa plops down on the other side of me. I nearly knock Oakley off the edge then hurry and catch her while keeping hold of the canvas.
“Jessa!” I growl, turning toward her.
“Oops, sorry,” Jessa hurries to help Oakley, who’s laughing at her antics. “I didn’t realize I had so much oomph in my trunk.”
“It’s fine. I think I need to find a bathroom though,” Oakley admits and I can tell she’s growing more nervous.
“The inn will be your best bet,” I tell her. “Do you want me to walk you?”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll be right back.”
I watch as she walks away, then when I turn to Jessa, she’s grinning like a fool.
“You’re in love with her.”
I make a face. “What?”
“Dude, it’s so ridiculously obvious. Tell me… is this girlfriend act real or fake?”
“Shush,” I say, looking around, making sure no one is within earshot because she’s being loud as fuck. “It’s whatever you want it to be since you’re apparently the expert.”
“I knew it.”
I groan. “Sometimes you’re overly annoying.”
“And sometimes you’re extremely transparent. I need the real story. Did you set this fake dating scheme up on purpose?”
“If I could pull that off, I’d have already won the lottery or robbed a diamond shaft. Come on, Jessa. Give me a break. None of this was planned. I didn’t know Aspen’s spaceship was invading the farm this week.”
She snorts at my comment, then gets all serious. “And they say you’ll meet the love of your life when you least expect it.”
“It’s not like those books you read. Trust me.” Then I remember Oakley’s audiobook and almost take it back. It’s exactly like that.
“We’ll see. I’d almost be willing to make a bet you two end up together,” she singsongs.
“A bet?”
“Yeah. When is Oakley leaving again?”
“Monday,” I confirm.
“Well, I’m betting she doesn’t,” Jessa states with confidence rolling off her, and I can’t stand it when she acts like a know-it-all.
“She already has her plane ticket booked, Jessa. Don’t shake on things you won’t pay up on.”
“If you’re so confident, then let’s shake on it. Two hundred bucks.”
“Two hundred? Pfft. Double it and you have a deal.”
“Double that and then it’s a deal. Unless you’re too scared, of course.” Jessa holds out her hand and waits for me to take it.
“You’re being way too cocky. She’s not staying,” I say, grabbing it and shaking hard.
“You better pay up when you lose.” Jessa grins confidently. I see Silas waving her over and she nods.
“I should feel guilty for taking your money, but I’ll be too busy swimming in fifties,” I say before she walks away.
She snorts. “We’ll see.”
A few minutes later, Oakley returns. “Sometimes when I get super nervous, my bladder rebels.”
I grab her hand. “Good to know. Hey, what time does your flight leave on Monday? Don’t think you’ve told me.”
She frowns. “Seven. I’m supposed to be there at five. I’m sorry.”
“Nah, it’s fine. Happy to take you.” I smile, knowing Jessa is fucked and will have to pay up.
Oakley looks around as more people take the empty seats. I hand her the painting she made for my grandmother and wrap my arm around her shoulder.
Fifteen minutes later, the band finishes their first set and my aunt and uncle, parents, and grandparents walk up on stage. My mother taps the microphone.