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His other siblings were off, doing their things. Lane was embroiled in some high-brow graduate program. Evie was in San Antonio, doing the digital media marketing for a newspaper, and Cara was cooking up a storm at some exclusive culinary arts school. It was a wonder that Knox was even related to these folks at all. He had no aspirations for college, or for cooking, or for anything on a computer.
Which brought him back to Holt, the oldest of the family, who was the ranch manager for Prosperity Ranch. Truth be told, Knox was probably most like Holt—at least in interests for an occupation. But there was no room at the family ranch for Knox. Maybe if he’d stayed married to Macie, things might have worked out differently. But that door was completely shut, locked, and sealed now.
Inside the shop, he shook hands with the owner, Bill, and they walked out to his truck together.
“It’s great to see you in town, Knox,” Bill said. “We’re all looking forward to the rodeo tomorrow night.”
Knox dipped his head. “Thanks, man. It’s always good to have someone rooting for me.”
Bill chuckled. “Well, the stands will be full of fans tomorrow. I’m taking the wife and kids.”
“Great to hear,” Knox said.
Bill continued the small talk for a while longer. After leaving, Knox headed to the grocery store. He parked in front because the rear lot was full—with all the visitors, and whatnot.
“Oh my gosh, would you look at who’s in Prosper?” a woman said when he was in one of the store’s aisles.
It could have been anyone, because he didn’t recognize the voice. He turned, and barely had a chance to recognize the platinum blonde hair and pink glitter shirt of Barb before she launched her arms about his neck in a hug.
Her perfume must be extra strength, because he almost choked on the smell.
She drew away from him, her bright pink lips stretched into a wide smile. “You are looking fine, Knox. I heard you were in town, but I never expected to see you at the grocery store.” She laughed and peered into the basket he was carrying, containing a few essentials.
“Great to see you, Barb,” Knox said, stepping back, and hoping she’d get the hint to release him.
She dropped her arms, but one hand strayed to his bicep. “So, what’s new, big guy? I mean, you’re single now, and tearing up the pro circuit. You must be living your best life.”
Could she smile any bigger? Everyone in Prosper, and probably beyond, knew to only give Barb minimal information. “I don’t know if I’d consider being divorced and not seeing my daughter much living the high life.”
Barb’s mouth puckered into a pout. “Oh, you poor thing. I heard all about the divorce, of course, and then she went and married your brother of all people.” At least she’d lowered her voice, but still…
Knox wondered if he was in one of those B movies that populated Netflix nowadays.
“Well, Macie did what was best for her, and things are fine,” he said, wanting to hightail it out of the store, even if it meant leaving his grocery basket behind.
Barb tilted her head. “You’re such a sweetheart about it all,” she said. “I’m so impressed.” Her hand with her long pink nails remained on his arm. “I’ve got to confess, though, Macie and I are friends. Not best friends, mind you, but we hang out once in a while. I hope you won’t be too mad about that.”
“Of course, not,” Knox said. “Macie’s a fine woman.”
At the lift of Barb’s eyebrows, he took another step away.
“Sorry, I’ve gotta run,” he said. “Great seeing you.”
“You, too, Knox,” Barb said. “I’ll be cheering for you tomorrow night.”
Knox tipped his hat but kept walking toward the cash register. Please don’t follow.
