Page 19 of Thaw My Heart

My shoulders relax, recognizing my childhood friend. “I’m uhh… I’m so sorry… about your dad.”

Alaska smiles, “I think he’s doing better.”

Better? No one with Alzheimer’s gets better, even if I wish it were true. She’s definitely in denial. The guilt for the past six months of silence between us feels like a hole in my chest, growing larger by the second.

She grabs my hand before I can think of the right words to say. “Kit, I’ve been wanting to talk to you… well, for months now.” She bites her lip, trying to find the words as she searches my eyes. “Can we⁠—”

Sadie sets down two beers in front of me, cutting her off. “Ernie wouldn’t let me pay,” she mutters.

Ernie?

Alaska leans back, dropping my hand. Eyes wide in surprise at Sadie’s presence.

“I don’t let women buy me drinks.”

With a wave at Ernest, I grab my beer. The smile he gives me speaks volumes about how happy he is to see me here. His dark brows playfully rise, pointing to Sadie.

Yup, he thinks I’m on a date.

The tension in my shoulders is back with an aching force. This whole night is just too much.

“Because you’re a misogynist?” Sadie accuses.

“Because I’m a gentleman,” I snap.

“Right,” Sadie snorts with a roll of her eyes. “Oh,” she exclaims when she notices Alaska. “Hi, I’m Sadie,” she extends her hand, still standing beside me. There’s an empty chair next to Ryker, but she doesn’t take it.

“Alaska,” she smiles back, but it’s one of her fake smiles she bestows upon Sadie, grasping her hand. “How do you two know each other?”

“He’s my neighbor, aren’t you, Cowboy?” Sadie’s hand lands on my shoulder, giving it a tight and playful squeeze.

Fuck, she needs to stop touching me. “Neighbor,” I repeat, wanting to burn that word out of her mouth.

“She works at Lone Pine,” Ryker chimes in.

“Really?” Alaska nods, staring at Sadie’s hand still lingering on my shoulder.

I wonder if Sadie notices, because at that moment she removes her hand and decides to sit next to Ryker.

“Alaska’s a veterinarian,” I say to Sadie, breaking the awkward tension. “She comes to the ranch on occasion.”

“Oh, that’s super cool,” Sadie smiles, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “That must be a fun job.”

“It has its perks,” Alaska smiles. “Although it’s been a while since I’ve been at the ranch.” Meaning she’s been with her dad every second she can spare, dealing with pregnancy appointments and most likely avoiding me in the process. “And I don’t get the chance to meet new people very often…” she trails off, glancing between us. “Did you two come here together?”

I choke on my beer.

“Technically, but he’s not happy about it,” Sadie replies.

“It’s his fault,” I point at Ryker.

Ryker’s hands go up in surrender. “Just being friendly.”

Friendly, my ass.

“Well, personally, I would’ve preferred a more exciting driver, but Cowboy here is about as fun as a nun in church,” Sadie teases, making eyes at me from across the table.

Alaska snorts a laugh under her breath. Ryker outright laughs, tilting his beer towards Sadie in agreement.