Tacoma Falls: Wild Horses

Issues

Amber

I woke up bright and early and got dressed before Grayson even opened his eyes. I couldn't wait to see the wild horses. While Grayson slept, his phone lit up with notifications. I checked to see if the girls messaged him. I stared at the messages from a girl named Trudy. There were several messages between Trudy and Grayson that seemed more than friendly.

My lips turned downward. I placed the phone on the counter and left the cabin. Now, if memory serves me right, I can cut through the woods to a road. The road would lead me to a house with a phone.

I had time before Grayson woke up and realized I had left. While walking, it dawned on me I should have taken the truck keys, used the truck, and left his sorry ass at the cabin. I'm sure Mary wouldn't mind me borrowing the truck. Too late now.

The sun was starting to rise, sprinkling daylight through the trees. I kept walking, hoping I would find that damn road soon.

*****
Grayson

I stirred and felt for Amber but got a cold spot instead. I lifted my head and noticed Amber missing from the bed. That wasn't like her. Usually, I got up before her.

I got out of bed, headed downstairs, and didn't see her. But I noticed my phone was open to my text messages. Shit.

I ran upstairs, tossed on some clothes, and ran outside. Well, the truck is still here. That's a plus. If I were a wild filly bolting, where would I head? The woods.

I ran toward the woods and into them before spotting tiny footsteps. I followed them until I spotted Amber sitting on a log and walked toward her. "Wild Filly?"

Amber's head snapped in my direction before she stood and bolted. I gave chase and ran after her. Amber increased her speed, but my legs were longer. I caught her before she could escape.

Amber struggled in my grasp. "Let go, Grayson!"

"No, because I need to explain those messages."

Amber stopped struggling and looked at me with knitted brows. "What?"

"I'm not like Beau and can't figure out why someone's mad at me. I found my phone opened to my text messages."

"And you have someone. So, let me go. You can run back to your girl."

"I ran to my girl."

"You could have fooled me. It seems your girl isn't here."

"Yes, she is."

"My name isn't Trudy."

"And thank the lord for that."

"Huh?"

I released Amber and pointed at her. "Stay. I'm not in the mood to chase after a wild filly before breakfast." I dug my phone from my pocket, opened it to my text messages, and showed Amber. "The last message I sent was months ago. I haven't talked to Trudy since then."

"Why is she texting you?"

"Beats the hell out of me." I shrugged.

Amber snatched my phone from my hand and studied it. I let her. I couldn't fault her for having trust issues.

"If you haven't heard from Trudy in months, why do you still have her phone number and messages?"

"Truth?"

"Would be nice."

"I'm lazy." I shrugged.

"Come again?"

"I never delete anything. Hank teases me about it. He said I'm the worst person with a phone."

Amber scrolled through my messages and shook her head before returning my phone. "Hank's right. You're terrible with your phone. Do you understand how much storage you use when you don't delete anything?"