Page 23 of Broken Boundaries

“No need to thank me. Make sure you schedule your next lesson. We’ll be out on the trails in no time.”

I smile as he walks into his office, and then I realize that he said we’ll. As in we. Like him and me? I know it doesn’t mean anything, but for some reason, the thought of being on the trails alone with Brooks makes my stomach do a little excited flip.

Which makes me feel absolutely terrible.

What kind of girlfriend gets excited to hang out alone with her boyfriend’s dad? Gross.

CHAPTER 9

Aspen

The Fourth of July celebration arrives in the blink of an eye. With a new job and getting used to my new town, I almost didn’t even realize it’s already July.

Brooks has asked me to attend the town festival with him while everyone else holds down the fort at the ranch. We coordinated for him to pick me up from my apartment on the way downtown, since it was on the way. Zach made sure to be in the shower and completely unavailable when Brooks knocked on our door. I could tell Brooks was disappointed. I wish I could understand why Zach has decided to completely ignore Brooks. His reasoning doesn’t add up to me.

We get in his truck, and he asks, “Is he planning on avoiding me forever?”

I wince. “He hasn’t mentioned a specific plan to me.”

After a beat of silence, he asks, “Should I give up?”

I swallow hard, knowing I’m in no way qualified to give advice on this. “I don’t know,” I answer truthfully. “He doesn’t really talk about it. Every time I’ve tried to bring it up or ask him to come visit the ranch, he tells me that family is complicated, but I wouldn’t understand since my family is so messed up.”

“Jesus. That’s harsh.”

“Yeah,” I admit. “I don’t think he means anything by it.” Even though Zach surely knows how much it hurts my feelings every time he makes comments like that. He knows I would do anything to have a family that loves me. At least his dad is trying. My parents, the two people who are supposed to love me no matter what, left me.

“Whether or not he means anything by it, he shouldn’t be saying shit like that to someone he cares about. We’ve taught him better than that. Or at least I thought we did.”

“I appreciate you saying that, but it’s alright. Really.” I try to brush it off like it’s no big deal, but Brooks isn’t buying it.

“Don’t let him treat you like that, Aspen, alright? I know he’s my son, but he’s lucky to have you. Don’t let him act like he’s not. Don’t let him treat you like you’re not important.”

I bite the corner of my mouth to keep from smiling too big. It’s been… awhile since I’ve had someone on my side. It’s nice to know that someone sees me.

“Thanks, Brooks.” I’m not sure what else to say. It’s pathetic how happy a simple compliment makes me.

He drives us to Main Street, and after circling a few times looking for parking, he gives up and parks in the grass on the side of the road a little ways away.

“So, what’s my job today?” I ask as we start heading to the festival.

“Represent the ranch. Meet people. Eli—sorry, Mayor Cunningham—just likes to see that we’re involved. Introduce yourself to people.” He must see me grimace because he adds, “Don’t worry. It’s not too bad. This town loves new people. It means new gossip for them. They’ll eat you up.”

“Is that a good thing?” I ask, not sure if I want the town to eat me up.

He chuckles at my confusion. “Yeah. It’s a good thing.”

“Alright.” I run my hands down my white Moonlight Ranch shirt to make sure I look presentable before we’re fully immersed in the festival.

Brooks waves and smiles at a few people, and I try to look friendly although I’m not sure how well it works. I imagine I probably look uncomfortable and am sporting a weird smile.

They weren’t kidding when they said everyone comes to these festivals. The downtown area is packed not only with people but also with booths, food, and games. It looks like a blast. I can’t help but smile when I watch a little kid throw a water balloon at his dad in one of the game booths.

I would’ve loved this when I was a kid.

“Ah, there you are,” Mayor Cunningham says as he walks toward us. He’s exchanged the suit for a more casual look of linen shorts and a navy blue collared shirt that says Blue Haven in the corner.

“So, what do you think?” he asks proudly as he surveys all his hard work.