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OK.
After school, I hop into Ashley’s car for a ride home since I didn’t feel like working on the FFA stuff while I waited for Thomas to get done with practice.
“Okay, we’re alone. What’s going on with you today?” she asks with zero hesitation once the doors are closed.
I let out a harsh laugh. “Is it that obvious?”
“Hell yes, it is. I can only imagine it has something to do with Dalton and the way he couldn’t keep his eyes off of you at lunch and you looked like you wanted to crawl in a hole and cry.”
I drop my head back on her headrest. “Thomas knows.”
“Oh … yeah … that’s not good.”
“No. He made me end it.”
“I’m sorry, but that’s an asshole move. How did he find out?”
“Dalton tried to get him on our side.”
Now, it’s time for her to laugh out loud. “That’s an even more asshole move.”
I turn my head to face her. “He thought he was helping. I know he knows why my dad feels the way he does, but I don’t think he truly gets it. My dad is a prideful man, and his dad has ruined so many things.”
She places her hand on my arm. “I’m sorry. It was fun while it lasted, I guess. How is Dalton taking it?”
“He’s not. I had to shut off my phone last night so I wouldn’t give in to anything he said.”
“And today?”
“I gave in.”
She laughs again and cranks the engine. “Of course you did.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Natalie
I sit through dinner, not saying a word. I can’t. My anxiety is through the roof at the idea of meeting Dalton tonight. I have to end it, but I’m afraid I won’t have the strength to do so when I’m with him.
I push around the little food I put on my plate, knowing there’s no real way I’m going to be able to consume it.
Thomas gets up to put his empty plate in the dishwasher, so I do the same.
Once my dad and Thomas are gone from the kitchen, my mom places her hand on mine. “Don’t worry about anything else. I’ll get the rest.”
“Thanks,” I say, trying my hardest not to look her in the eye.
“Hey.” She stops me as I walk by. “I’m here if there’s anything you want to talk about.”
I give her a hug. “I know. Thanks, Mom. I’m going to go take Brandy for a ride.”
“Okay. Have fun.”
I go to my room, change into something that’s more comfortable to ride Brandy, and head out to the barn.
When I open the barn door, Brandy lights up my world, just like she always does.
“Hey, girl.” I run my finger down her soft brown mane. “Thanks for always being there for me.”
