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“No shit?”
She laughs. “Why does that surprise you?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I didn’t know people around here did that.”
“Do you really just live in your TimeLand bubble?”
I turn to her as we continue to walk. “Now, what does that mean?”
“You do realize we live in Montana, right? Horses are kind of our state motto.” She sighs. “At least everywhere but in Leighton River.”
“I guess I just never knew people here rode like that.”
“There’s more to our area than TimeLand and football.”
I turn around to face her and walk backward as I ask, “Why do you always throw TimeLand in my face?”
“I don’t throw it in your face. I just state facts, and your facts are that you only pay attention to football and things that involve TimeLand. There’s a whole world you know nothing about.”
I flip around and continue to walk forward. “Not true. I …” I pause, not sure what to say.
“I’m waiting.”
“I go wakeboarding and paddleboarding up at the lake.”
“Okay, but what about fishing? Have you ever fished at the lake?”
I pause, and when she turns to face me, I finally answer, “I used to. With my grandpa.” My mood turns somber every time I think of him, and right now is no different.
“How come you don’t go anymore?”
I sigh. “My dad was never into it. I guess I just didn’t have anyone to take me after Grandpa passed, and I honestly haven’t thought much about it since I was able to drive myself. It wouldn’t feel right without him.”
“I’m sorry.”
I don’t respond as I inhale a deep breath. I hate that the mood has changed so much, just like my life has since he passed. Every time I think about him, I take that feeling deep in my soul, push it down, pretend like it’s not there, and do what I always do. Compete.
“Race ya!” I slap her arm, then head off down the path in a full-blown sprint until we get to the bottom.
She never gives up, but by the way she’s gasping for air, I can tell she wishes she did.
I give her a few minutes to catch her breath as I stretch my legs.
“I. Hate. You. You. Know. That. Right?” she says as she breathes heavily.
“Nah, you don’t. You love the competition.” I start to make my way back to my house. “I play tomorrow, but I’ll meet you back here on Monday, and I’ll give you a rematch.”
I don’t wait for her to respond. If she truly has that competitive nature that I think she has, then she won’t miss the opportunity for a rematch, and honestly, I’m up for it too.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Natalie
After school the next day, Susie turns and falls against the locker next to mine with a huff.
“That bad?” I ask.
She lets out a long sigh. “Just wish there were more options of who to date here in Leighton River. Now that Ashley’s with Marcus, I’m always the third wheel.” She keeps her head against the lockers but turns her gaze to me. “Are you going with us to the game tonight? Pleeease,” she begs.
