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Chapter 9
Jasmine
It’s been eight months since the party, and all hope of my mystery man sweeping back into my life has withered to nothing.But his shirt is still in my car.I’m not sure what that says about me.
I haven’t found a new job yet, but I’m only at the preschool two days a week now.Good news is that I’ve added an extra class at the yoga studio.
Overall, life is good.The Grindles are the sweetest neighbors anyone could want.And they feed me a lot, which helps the bottom line.
But the biggest change since moving is my new friend.
I park outside the diner and grin as I walk in when Daisy waves from our regular booth.
“How’s your week?I’ve been watching your feed.You’ve been busy.”
She nods.“I have been.Between keeping up with my sponsors and planning the wedding, I don’t know whether I’m coming or going most days.”She leans forward, her lips quirked up.“Three months.Icannotwait.”
“It’ll be amazing.And I love that y’all are having a small private ceremony.”
Tears glisten in her eyes as she smiles.“I want Grayson to enjoy the day, and if the ceremony is small and the people celebrating with us aren’t strangers, he can do that.To me, the most important part is marrying him.I don’t care who’s there.But I want him to be comfortable.”
“As opposite as you are, y’all are well-matched.”
“We are.You’re coming, right?To the wedding, I mean.”Her eyes twinkle as she rubs her hands together.“You’ll meet the other ranch hands.If I were going to set you up...”
The waitress walks up, and I can hope the conversation will shift after we order, but I know better.Daisy’s been wanting to set me up with one of Grayson’s friends since forever.
But every time I contemplate the idea, I think of the guy from the party.It’s ridiculous to still be thinking about him so long after that night.But I do.I’m rational enough to know that it’s the fantasy my mind has created that keeps him in my thoughts.The actual person probably isn’t as swoon-worthy and heroic as I’ve made him out to be.
“The same?”The waitress hasn’t even pulled out her ordering pad.
“I’ll have the enchiladas.”It’s the first time I haven’t ordered breakfast here.
She leans closer to the table.“For real?”
I nod.“I’m in the mood for something different.”
Daisy laughs.“I’ll have the same.”
The waitress slaps her ordering pad closed and sticks the pencil over her ear.“I’ll have drinks right out.”
Daisy doesn’t waste a second.“Not Dag because he still has growing up to do, even though he’s one of the oldest ones out there.Besides the guy who owns the ranch and his foreman.They are older.But of the ranch hands...Archer has an ex, and between you and me, I’m not sure he’s over her.Dallas is maybe a little old for you.He’s probably a couple years older than Dag, I think.Also, he’s not tall.”She folds her arms and leans back.“Kent is the brooding, quiet type, not sure if that’s your thing.So I’d say either Tyler or Parker.Parker is a sweetheart, nicest guy.Tyler too.I can totally see you with Tyler.”
“If I change my mind, I’ll let you know.”I’m not about to tell her that Tyler is the one I’d want to meet.
“You’ll see them at the wedding.”She lifts her shoulders in excitement.“I can’t wait.”
I laugh at her giddiness.She’s living for the day she marries Grayson.
“And when I do, we’ll see if there are any sparks.”I’m not the type to turn heads when I walk into a room.Meeting guys rarely ignites sparks of any kind.
But Daisy is so in love that she wants the same for everyone.And I can appreciate the sentiment.
She picks up her phone.“Bella would’ve come, but her little one isn’t sleeping through the night, or much at all.”
“Aww.If she ever needs a sitter, she can call me.”Meeting Daisy has expanded my friend circle.Not all my social events are with people twice my age.
Daisy taps away on her phone, then focuses on me.“You didn’t order breakfast.What’s up?”
