Page 60 of Out of Place

Later that evening, we spend hours getting ready, just like we used to, only this time there’s no alcohol involved because of Aunt Dottie’s no alcohol rule. Although I don’t really feel like I want a drink. I’m having fun laughing and getting ready with my best friend. There’s nothing I need to feel numb from, and that’s a humbling experience.

It’s really nice. I would share my revelations with my parents if they ever called me directly instead of getting updates from Aunt Dottie.

After dinner, Aunt Dottie drives us to Cowboy’s. She agreed to drop us off as long as Landon brought us home. Of course, he agreed.

The look on Serena’s face when we walk into Cowboy’s is priceless, and I wish I would’ve taken a picture.

The bar is nothing special, especially considering what we’re used to in New York. Still, it has a quaintness I’ve come to appreciate. The floors are sticky, the chairs and tables are all mismatched, and there are dead animal heads on the walls. A jukebox sits in the corner and gets a lot of use on nights when a band isn’t playing on the stage. The actual bar is surrounded by barstools that are almost always occupied by the locals. Most of them even have assigned seats that are common knowledge. And if someone accidentally sits in one of them, they’ll be asked to get up as soon as the owner of the chair walks in. It’s insane, but awesome.

Serena turns to me. “Ok, first impression is a little jarring.”

“Is it the animal heads?” I ask.

“It’s the animal heads,” she confirms. “But, after a second look, it’s cute in a small-town charm kinda way.”

“Ok, we can work with that,” I say, nodding. Serena is a romantic at heart. She looks for the fairy tale ending in every situation.

“We can definitely work with that. And maybe I’ll even find my very own cowboy tonight.”

I laugh as we push our way to the bar, where she orders a cocktail, and I order sparkling water, which the bartender puts in a wine glass for me.

We’re heading to a booth when I see Landon walk in with Bennett. Landon stops in his tracks when he sees me, and his eyes slowly move up my body. Serena bought me very short, cut-off denim shorts and a brown belt with a big-ass belt buckle similar to one I’ve seen Landon wear. I also got a big T-shirt with the football team logo from one of Landon’s hats that I tucked loosely into my shorts. I cut off the sleeves of the shirt, making extra large armholes like Landon’s. I’m wearing a bralette under mine though, so I’m covered. I’ve seen a few girls wear outfits like this since I got here, but I never really understood it until now. I feel cute.The best part of the outfit is the cowboy boots that come halfway up my calf and are covered in silver rhinestones. Serena got similar ones with rainbow rhinestones. They’re obnoxious and perfect at the same time.

Thanks to whatever Serena used, my hair is curled and more voluminous than usual. She also put strings of glitter into the curls for some flare. We went really heavy for our makeup, like what we used to do in New York. I almost didn’t recognize myself when I looked in the mirror before we left.

Landon walks directly to me, grips my waist, pulls me close, and groans, “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you? How am I supposed to do anything with you walking around looking this fucking good?”

I giggle and reach between us to feel the bulge in his pants. “Don’t fucking tempt me, woman,” he growls. “I’ll march you right out of here and fuck you senseless in my truck. Don’t think I won’t.”

“We might actually get arrested if we do that again,” I tell him with a laugh.

“I know my girl is hot,” Serena interrupts us. “But please keep it in your pants tonight.”

We pull away from each other, but I don’t miss that Landon has to readjust his pants. I love that I get this reaction from him. The best part is he thinks I’m attractive when I’m all dressed up like this and when I’m covered in dirt in baggy clothes at the farm. It’s a win-win.

Landon clears his throat. “Serena, this is my best friend, Benny.”

As Serena introduces herself, I see the look in her eyes. Bennett walked in here wearing a cowboy hat, fitting the only criteria for Serena’s cowboy fantasy.

Bennett wears a cowboy hat every day at work, and when I think about it, the few times he’s come out with us, he usually has one on. Maybe Bennett is a real-life cowboy, but I don’t think he’s Serena’s type. Landon has told me that his daughter is his number one priority, and Serena needs a man who makes her his number one priority.

But she’s only here for tonight, so I’ll let her have her fun.

The four of us go to a table in the back of the room. Landon and I sit on one side, and he pulls me as close as possible without us actually sitting on the same chair. That leaves Bennett and Serena sitting next to each other. Serena doesn’t seem to mind one bit. I bite back a smile when she finally looks at me and winks before turning to her prey.

“So, Benny, tell me all about what you do at the farm,” she says.

“Well, I work in the stables. Keep the horses trained and healthy. I also teach riding lessons a few times a week,” he responds. His voice is so quiet I can barely hear him. It’s also the most I’ve heard him speak, like ever.

“Wow,” Serena says in her full-on flirty voice. I almost roll my eyes because poor Bennett doesn’t stand a chance. She puts her arm on his bicep. “That’s really awesome. I’ve never ridden a horse, but I am pretty good at riding other things.”

“We should get some chicken wings,” I blurt out to stop her from going into detail about exactly what she’s good at riding. Although, by the look on Bennett’s face, he already knows.

“Chicken wings?” Serena asks. “Who are you, and what have you done with my best friend?”

“They’re not bad, actually,” I tell her, looking over the menu.

“Don’t let her fool you, Serena. I have to feed them to her so she doesn’t get her hands messy,” Landon chimes in. I elbow him in the ribs.