“What?” I smiled ear to ear. I stared at my wine glass, trying to avoid eye contact with her.
“I can’t believe you fell in love with a man you met at a bar. You, of all people. This is the same guy you refused to even dance with. If I wouldn't have made you, you wouldn't have given him a time of day.”
“Yes, you are right there. And yes, technically, we met at Kellye Joe’s but we re-met at the rodeo and that is what I’m going to use!”
“I have to be the sourpuss and point out the obvious, but do you think it might be too soon to be in love? I mean, what if he doesn't feel the same way?”
“Then he doesn't, but it will come or it won’t. But I have an inkling he is feeling the same way.”
“I guess I liked the wrong brother. AGAIN,” Emma commented with an eye roll.
I laughed.
“Okay, so don't laugh, but what if…when he finds out everything about me, like my hell-raising days. I mean, come on, I ran around this town causing all kinds of trouble. Between sneaking out, and looking for love in the wrong places with guys, I made a lot of bad choices. Then Alan.”
“So? You were a teen. Who didn't make bad choices?”
“I am really getting the feeling he is too good for me. Not only is his family wealthy, but he seems so steadfast in his thoughts, and the way he is with his life, his discipline, and the way he looks at things.”
“One, you are the best woman I know. Even when you were hell-raising, you knew you were doing wrong. You knew what you were doing, you were looking for something you have never had. Except from Grammy, of course. And as far as being wealthy? Do you think you come from a poor family? Hell, you come from money too. So stop.” I tried to respond when she started again, “If anyone is not good enough it is him. There will never be a man who is good enough for you in my eyes.”
“Thank you, Emma. I am just so scared to ruin this…”
“You didn't ruin the last relationships you were in. They did. Not you. You live and learn, that is all we can do. But don't you think for one damn second you aren't good enough because of stupid mistakes you made growing up.”
“I actually have something to ask you. I’m embarrassed to ask you…”
“What?” Her voice sounded serious and happy she was being asked her thoughts. It was usually the other way around in our friendship.
“Cash called me.”
“He did? Did he ask about me?”
“Focus, Emma. It had nothing to do with you.”
She went silent and I could see the disappointment in her face.
“I didn't mean it like that. I just mean he called me for an entirely different reason. Basically to tell me I wasn't good enough for Wyatt.”
“I wish I could say that I’m shocked. What a complete jerk off.”
“Anyway, I just don't know how to approach it. I’m afraid when I tell him, he is going to lose his shit.”
“He probably will. I don't know much about the brothers, but I know that Cash is completely different than Wyatt. It’s shocking they are even brothers.”
“It seems like there is already so much tension and I don't want to add to it.”
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
“Oh, it’s possible. Wyatt and I are doing well, and I don't want to say something and it really be nothing and cause trouble. But on the other hand, I don't want to not say something and then Wyatt finds out I kept it from him. It will look bad.”
“Plus, God, I hate to bring this up…”
“What is it? “Emma said.
She could recognize my hesitation.
“I actually wanted to talk to you about it… but I was still thinking it through. The night I invited Wyatt to Kellye Joe’s and he showed up. Remember when we left together, and Alan showed up? Somehow…someway, Cash found out about it. He is trying to blackmail me by saying that he is trying to protect his brother. Which, I might add, I don't believe for a hot second.”
Emma looked away from me.
“Emma?”
“I should have told you. I feel really bad. Cash and I have talked a few times on the phone. One night when we were talking, I mentioned it. But the whole point was first, to say how he scared us, because we were alone in the parking lot, and then second, to say how much you cared for Wyatt, and you pushed your ex away after him trying to kiss you and reconcile.”
“Why are earth would you tell him that? This looks so bad and now he is going to tell Wyatt. That was my past and had nothing to do with now.”
“I thought when I was telling him it was proving how you care for Wyatt. I didn't think it could backfire. I would never have said anything if I did. I would never want you to get hurt.”
“Well, great, he is turning and twisting things. Now I have to tell Wyatt.”
“More than likely Cash won’t say anything to him anyway,” she said.
“Emma, he baited you. Cash was looking for something and you gave him that, more actually than he probably could have imagined.
“I hate to not say anything. I have a bad feeling about it, and I think Cash is up to something. What I don’t get is, he is putting on this act that he is looking out for Wyatt, but I don't get that feeling at all.”
“Breigh, you have always gone with your gut. Why are you questioning yourself? We both know you’ll be telling Wyatt. You knew that I was going to tell you not to call, and you knew you would. I don't know why you’re asking me.”
“I want to make sure I handle this the right way. I want to be with this man. I love him. I
