Liv smiled and turned the volume up.
They stopped at the market, and when they were almost to Crested Butte, Liv asked if she was hungry.
“I am, but I should probably check with Billy and Jace about when we’re meeting,” Tristan answered.
“All set?
” Liv asked when Tristan hung up.
“Yes, we’re not meeting until three, so I have plenty of time.” As anxious as she was to do what she came here to do, and finalize their partnership, Tristan found herself relieved that she’d have more time to spend with Liv and Caden.
They went to lunch at a place called the Sunflower, which the sign said, was a “communal kitchen,” and where everyone who came in seemed to know Liv.
Tristan couldn’t remember the names of half of the people she was introduced to. Liv told each person Tristan met that her company, Lost Cowboy, was partnering with Flying R Rough Stock, as though it was a done deal.
“Everyone is so friendly.”
“Speaking of friendly, there was more than one cowboy chattin’ you up. What’s your story? Is there a special young man at home waiting for you?”
No, there wasn’t. Not even close. She’d been too busy helping run the business, and when she wasn’t working, there wasn’t anyone at home who interested her. Most of the people her age had grown up there, like she had. They’d all known each other for years. Dating any of them would’ve felt as though she were dating a cousin, or a brother.
There’d been one special young man. At the time, Tristan believed he was “the one.” She’d met him halfway through college, while she was still barrel racing. He was a hot, young, promising bull rider who took her heart and her virginity.
He’d promised they’d see each other when she went off to design school in New York City, and they did every few weeks. It was a three-year long-distance relationship that ended when Tristan discovered she wasn’t the only woman in his life. There were barrel racers and buckle bunnies criss-crossing the country that “won the heart” of the cowboy she’d believed was hers.
She was still propositioned when she was on the road, but having a one-night stand with a cowboy she’d never see again would hardly be in line with the principles of the brand she represented. If word got back to her father, her travel days would be over before their business really took off. Not to mention she’d learned her lesson about getting involved with cowboys a long time ago. It wasn’t something she’d ever do again.
“Hello? Tristan?” Liv waved her hand in front of Tristan’s face.
“Oh, sorry. I don’t remember the last time I was on a date. Not much time for that these days.”
“We’ll see if we can change that.”
Tristan felt the color rise on her cheeks. “We’ll see is right.”
“Here’s your Happy Hippie,” the waitress said as she set the plate in front of Tristan.
She couldn’t resist ordering it when she read the name. The wrap was made with olive tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, artichokes, banana peppers, and mozzarella. “I could eat this every day,” she told Liv after she’d taken a few bites.
“Wait until you have dinner here,” Liv murmured in between bites of her own food. Tristan hoped she’d have occasion to.
1961
It was dark and cold. The sky had clouded over and hid the light of the moon. Maybe he should stop for the night. Try to find a tree to lean up against until dawn. Bill turned to see the lights of a truck coming down the road. It had been more than two hours since another one had. He started walking backwards and stuck out his thumb.
The truck slowed, and the driver rolled down the window. “Who’s that? Is that you, Billy Flynn? Whatcha’ doin’ out on the road this late at night? Your mama know where you are, boy?”
“Yes, Mr. Patterson. She knows.” He’d hoped for a ride, not a hide-tanning. He slunk away from the truck and kept walking down the road.
“Where ya goin’, son? Come on, now. Get in the truck.”
Bill opened the door and climbed in. “Thanks. I ’preciate this.”
Mr. Patterson turned in the seat to look at him. Bill wished he’d just put the truck in gear and keep on down the road.
“I don’t know if you know this, but your pa and I were friends from way, way back. Since we were younger than you are now. I was sure sorry to hear about his passing, Billy.”
“Thank you, sir. And I’m Bill now.” He’d never be Billy again. Billy was the name of a child, and he wasn’t a child any longer. He was a man, with the responsibilities of one.