Page 64 of Rumor Has It

Ridge become an unwilling ally when Mackenzie decided to leave. He didn’t agree with her going, but when I asked him to go with her because she was going to need him, he didn’t hesitate.

He’s stayed in contact with me for years, giving me details and letting me know how they were both doing. He sent me her number a few years back, but I wasn’t sure if she had changed it since coming back.

He smirks. “Move over, girls. Daddy’s home.”

“Hell yes!” I chug my drink, joining him at the bar.

Marla squeezes next to me. “C’mon, Boone. Wouldn’t you rather hang with us?”

“I’m here for as long as he is.” Ridge pounds one back, waggling his brows when he slams the glass down on the bar.

Michelle tugs on Marla’s arm. “Let’s go. They’re assholes anyway.”

“Damn, that must hurt.” Ridge narrows his eyes at her.

Michelle tosses her hair. “What’s that?”

“Being rejected by two assholes.” He cackles, slapping me on the back.

Marla flips him off. “Go to hell!”

“Better than here with you two.” He toasts as they storm away.

I hold my stomach, laughing my ass off. “Thank you! Geeez, I never thought I’d get rid of them.”

“I didn’t do it for you.” He stands, finishing his drink off. “Don’t fuck with her like that again, do you understand?”

I nod. “Yeah, I pretty much hate myself for it.”

“Well, she hates herself enough for the both of you.” His jaw clenches. “She’s here, and she brought the only thing to ever fill your void. Be good to her, or you will answer to me.”

I watch his back as he walks away as fast as he showed up. I check my cell, and sure enough, he did me a solid once again. I stare at her name, already memorizing her number.

“Keep them coming until I can’t remember what the hell I did today to the only person I ever loved.” The bartender nods, placing another shot in front of me.

I wish we could go back, start over. I’m not sure how far I’d have to go back to make everything alright, but I promise you, I’d do it all over again. The only thing I’d change is telling her I love her so much sooner than I did.

“Boone.” Walker slaps my back, sliding into the seat next to me. “I’ll have a Jack and Cola.”

I nod, holding my glass up. “Hell, yes!”

“Good to see you waited.” Riley throws up two fingers to the bar tend. “You’re already three sheets gone.”

“You know it.” I close one eye, trying to focus on one of them and allow the alcohol to help me forget.

Chord nods, and Walker hails the waitress. “Coffee, lots of it.”

“You three are assholes!” I narrow my eyes at them. “You knew she was in town, and you didn’t say anything.”

“We heard, but hadn’t talked to her.” Chord shakes his head. “Apparently, you did.”

“The entire town heard that atomic boom!” I yell, clapping my hands.

Walker leans forward, moving my glass to replace it with coffee. “What are you going to do about it?”

“Not a damn thing. There’s nothing to do. I mean, I should apologize but I’m not even sure about that now.”

“Why not?” Riley studies me. “Don’t you want to talk to her, at least be friends?”