Page 29 of That Rush

“Then somebody else can fix it.”

“That’s what I finally figured out.”

She nods, satisfied that she has solved ranching, and reaches for her stuffed horse. “Is Miss Paige your friend?”

“No.”

The answer comes too quickly.

Josie’s eyebrows pull together. “You talked to her for a long time.”

“Talking to someone doesn’t make them your friend.”

“You asked her to the cookout.”

“It was just a cookout.”

“She said no.”

“She already had plans.”

“With a hammock.”

I narrow my eyes. “You heard more of that than I realized.”

“It was a very good hammock.”

That earns another laugh. “Apparently.”

Josie smiles, then picks up the library book from beside my leg and holds it out. “Miss Paige is my friend.”

“Is she now?”

“She helped me find this, and she saved the dragon stickers for when I read five books.”

“That sounds official.”

“It is.” She places the book in my hand. “We have to take this back because I’m done, and she said the next one has a baby dragon who bites everybody.”

The book isn’t due for another week. We could return it later.

Josie wants the next book, though.

Paige will be at the library.

“I guess we should return it,” I say.

“Tomorrow?”

“We’ll see.”

Josie yawns and snuggles deeper beneath her blanket. I turn off her lamp, leave the door cracked just the way she likes it, and carry the book into the living room.

Paige said her Friday plans mattered because they belonged to her. After admitting how long I ignored Krista’s needs, Paige’s correction makes a different kind of sense.

I still want to see Paige again.

This time, I have a reason tucked beneath my arm that wants a baby dragon.