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Tommy: I’d never.

Tommy: Not that you’re a person who's meant to spend her life in the kiddie pool, but we don’t have to go from zero to what sounds like bucking-bronco-level on day one. We’ll explore and take our time.

My cheeks burn at his casual confidence in me. He doesn’t speak to me like I’m incapable due to my inexperience. He doesn’t push me to do something I’m not ready for. He just seems to know that I’ll get there.

Sam: Am I correct that rhinestone boots won’t do the trick on Friday?

Tommy: You might want your turquoise boots, if you’re okay with them getting dirty.

He remembers my other pair of cowboy boots? Or cowgirl, I suppose?

Sam: Jeans and a flannel shirt?

Jeans I have, but a sturdy flannel shirt is something I’ll have to pick up. I have, what someone might consider, “work appropriate” flannel where the material is thinner and the buttons are delicate. I think my long-sleeve shirts that I clean in would be sturdier, to be honest. I add a note in my phone to stop at the general store.

Tommy: Jeans that aren’t ones you love. If you don’t have a flannel shirt, come in a t-shirt and you can wear one of mine.

Reading that one a second and third time, my heart skips a few beats. I have to bite my lip to keep my smile slightly in-check in case someone comes out here to claim a table.

Sam: I just might take you up on that.

Tommy: Much better than a stiff new one. You won’t be able to relax.

Sam: I’m not sure I’ll really relax around animals taller than me…but I’ll try.

Tommy: I’ll keep you safe, I promise.

Sam: Oh, I didn’t doubt that for a second.

Tommy: Excellent - just wanted to make sure. See you tonight?

Sam: Text me when you’re on your way and I’ll have drinks.

He likes my message and Sarah comes out with my turkey and cheese panini with a salad on the side, no onions.

“Thank you,” I tell her, already putting a napkin on my lap and setting my phone to the side.

“You’re welcome. Let me know if you need anything else.”

I take my first bite of the panini and it’s delicious, if a little hot. Instead of pulling out a notebook or a binder, I take Hank’s advice and relax. It takes a moment to turn my brain off of work and the co-op, but I manage to let the tension in my shoulders dissipate.

This town is truly starting to feel like my new home. Of course I had high hopes when I applied. I remember my shock when they reached out to tell me they wanted an interview and that shock only grew when they offered me the position.

This town is gorgeous in its quaint ways. People might be private, but they’re kind and they’re here for each other. No one has been short with me or unwelcoming. I can tell when I’ve asked too many questions, but that’s nothing new.

I consider texting Avery so she can meet us at Landen Acres on Friday, but maybe I’ll just let her know the next time I go… Yeah, that sounds like the better plan. Tommy said we’d be seeing the horses, so I’m not sure how much time we’ll spend chatting about the next steps for the co-op.

Rolling my shoulders back, I release the remaining tension from sitting at my computer for so long. Shifting my chair so I’m alongside the table, I put my plate on my lap and my iced coffee within reach. Without spilling all over my blouse, I tip my head back so the sun is shining on my face between bites until everything is gone.

Of course there are cafes in the city, but the lack of constant sound surrounding me is heavenly. I hear Sarah stacking dishes inside, the occasional ring of the bell as customers come in and out, but there are birds singing. They’re not drowned out by the noise of traffic.

I suddenly sit up, my eyes wide, reaching for my phone in a panic. I have a date with Tommy tomorrow and I have to find something to eat that won’t make me ill.

But when I unlock my phone to find a message from Tommy. It’s simply a link to the menu at Maybel’s. And just like that, my stress is gone as I study my options for tomorrow.

Chapter 16: Tommy

Bryant comes through the door and this time, he’s only slightly muddy.