I was partnered with Cinnamon again, which I had been hoping for. I like to think she remembered me, since she nuzzled my neck immediately.
We had an early lunch and then went to the cuddle barn, where my pheromones had some serious foreplay with Cam’s. There’s something about him that’s a little familiar, especially with the cowboy hat. Who knew I had a thing for cowboys? Because clearly I do.
That doesn’t mean I need to act on it.
My phone vibrates on my lap, and I look down to see that my mom is FaceTiming me. I step outside and take the call.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hi, sweetheart. I thought you might want to see what the boys are up to!”
She’s been so great about keeping me connected with the twins. I get pictures and updates throughout the day. She flips the camera to reveal both my boys sitting in a pile of mud, patting the surface and making mud balls.
“Hi, boys! Are you having fun?”
They don’t even notice my voice. They are enthralled with their muddy fun. My mom flips the camera back around, her eyes bright. “What about you? Enjoying the trip?”
“I am, actually. I know you’re not surprised, but I am.”
We both laugh and chat for a few minutes about the day’s events.
“So tell me more about the lightbulb guy.”
I am going to toss Kate into the nearest swimming pool.
“Don’t be mad at your sister. She just said there was a super-hot guy at the calf barn today. She said his eyes never left you.”
Did that actually happen? How could he when all the ladies in that barn couldn’t stop asking him for help or batting their eyes at him? Not that I noticed.
“I don’t think that’s accurate.”
“But you know who I’m talking about.”
“There were three employees there, Mom, so it’s not too hard to figure out.”
A knowing look crosses her features. “It’s good to be noticed, even if nothing comes of it.”
Frustrated, I twist the end of my ponytail. “I need you and Kate to stop trying to set me up with someone. I don’t need a man to complete my life. I am happy. I am fulfilled. And I don’t see either of you having a regular Friday night date.”
“Ouch.” My mom’s word signifies that I pushed too far, but her lack of follow-up lets me know that I hit home.
Another silence, this one softer. Then she says, almost to herself, “Your dad noticed me, you know. Before I ever noticed him. He waited six months before I gave him the time of day.” I go very still. She smiles at the camera, and it reaches her eyes in that specific way it does when she’s thinking about him. “Just something to consider.” She flips the camera back to the boys before I can respond, which I suspect is entirely on purpose.
My dad died while my sister and I were still in high school. Even though it seems a lifetime ago, it also seems like yesterday.
Before I can figure out how to respond, Kate’s torso leans into the doorway of our cabin, shoes already on, sunglasses pushed up on her head. “Mallory. Ziplining. Five minutes.”
I hold up the phone. “I’m on with Mom.”
“Hi, Mom! Love you! Bye, Mom!” Kate disappears.
My mother laughs, shaking her head. “Go. We’ll talk later.”
“Mom, I’m sorry.”
“Me too, sweetheart. Go get your zipline on.” Then she pauses just long enough to land. “And maybe notice who’s watching.” She hangs up before I can object.
The zipline was actually fun. I’ll never tell Kate that. Hanging from wires over a creek bed isn’t usually my idea of a good time, but hanging forty feet in the air is something that took me a long time to be able to do on purpose.
