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Because I know it’s the truth.
Everything works out in the end.
And this is far from the end of mine and Riggs’ story.
* * *
It’s justpast six and I am sitting at my laptop, my eyes feel dry and bloodshot from the tears that I have shed, but my fingers are dancing across the keyboard as I use this emotion that is simmering inside of me and pour it into my words. I know Riggs didn’t mean to hurt me, I am more upset that he listened to his dad but then again, he was a kid himself. His dad isn’t someone you say no to, and Riggs’ life was always the ranch.Live by the ranch, die by the ranch, Jorge’s motto echoes around my head.
The minutes slip by and eight p.m. soon rolls right around and I internally groan. I debated cancelling on Harlow, but honestly, I think the night is more needed now than it was when we agreed to it back in the truck.
Saving my work, I close the lid of my laptop and I let out a heavy sigh. This story is flowing and I am so proud of myself for nearly finishing it and I know this is the one I want to publish and throw into the world because it’s raw, it’s real and it’s my ending. The ending I want, the ending I am wishing comes true for me and Riggs but now, I have no idea if my happily ever after will stay a work of fiction or whether I will get to live it out in real life.
Pushing away from my desk, I stand and stroll towards the door. Grabbing my purse, I toss in the phone that Tripp gave me, my lipstick and keys. I have no idea how late we will stay out but I don’t want to risk waking my mom and dad. A toot of a horn lets me know she is here and I give myself a once over in the mirror in the hallway of my home. I’m wearing high-waisted light denim jeans and a white frilled cropped shirt, the buttons a little low and exposing some of my chest. My hair sits in loose curls and rests on my shoulders and my make-up is minimal, but my dark eye circles are covered. That was my main concern when I was doing my make-up. I looked as if I had been dug up and that was certainly not the look I was going for.
Tearing my eyes away from my reflection, I plaster a fake smile on my face and walk out into one of the warmer evenings we’ve had in the past week. My pace picks up as I climb down the steps and head towards Austin’s truck and Harlow is sitting up front. Opening the passenger door to the cab, I climb in and Harlow looks behind the seat and into the back to where I am sitting and she smiles wide at me.
“You look pretty.”
“Thanks,” I swallow, rubbing my palms down my jeans, “so do you,” I return the compliment.
Austin catches my sigh in the rear-view.
“You okay Pen?” he asks using my kid nickname and my heart swells.
“Yeah, fine. Tired. Been a long weekend but thank you for convincing me to go… I really enjoyed it. Was nice watching something I once loved.”
“You’re welcome, I’m glad you came too. I spent most of my time watching your face light up as soon as the riders and their horses entered the ring,” he smiles and I see the glisten in his eyes as he swings the truck round and drives slowly down our driveway.
“Ha,” I half laugh, “I was just in awe of them.” I lick my lips and check my phone to see if Riggs had messaged, but he hadn’t and I’m not sure why but disappointment surges through me. We haven’t even had a fight, yet it feels like we have. We’re not even official and yet it feels as if we have broken up.
I ignore the anxiety that swarms deep inside of me, nerves pricking at the back of my neck and making me sweat a little.
My phone beeps and I jump as Austin and Harlow speak quietly.
Fumbling, I pull it out and see a message from Riggs and my heart skips a beat.
Riggs
Be safe. I love you Aspen, it’s infinite. It always has been. It’s always been you. R x
My eyes gloss over and I swallow down the tears. I re-read his message and send him one back.
Aspen
‘The infinity symbol’, forever and always.
Slipping my phone back into my bag, I listen in on Austin and Harlow’s conversation.
“So, anything you two want to tell me?” I ask, ignoring the way my heart is banging in my chest.
“Er,” Austin nervously laughs as he slices his gaze across to Harlow and then to me in the mirror. “I have no idea what you’re talking about Pen,” he shakes his head from side to side.
“Give me some credit,” I roll my eyes, “Harlow has always had a thing for you, and you Austin have always had a thing for her,” I scoff a laugh.
I hear Harlow giggle through her nerves.
“We’re just friends,” I hear Harlow counter back and I just shake my own head.
