Nicole was standing behind the bar as usual, shaking a margarita for the ladies at table one when the door opened.
"Nick!" The small brunette rushed across the warn out floor.
"Hey Liberty, what's up?" She called back.
"Guess what I just heard!"
Her best friend collapsed onto the stool, and Nicole shook her head. Liberty was great but young and a horrible gossip.
"What?"
"Nina is back."
Nicole sat down the drink shaker and turned to get some glasses.
"Does Dean know?"
"I don't know. He hasn't mentioned it."
Nicole winced as she sat the glasses down and began pouring the margaritas inside.
"What is she doing back in town?"
"Her sister is getting married."
Nicole swallowed, glancing at the women waiting for their drinks.
Dean was Libertys' older brother and the captain at the police station years ago, when they were all young and had been engaged to Nina.
"I need to deliver these. I'll be right back,"
She walked to the table, serving the ladies with a smile and carrying the empty tray back to the bar.
"Do you think I should tell him?" Liberty asked.
"I don't know Libby. He probably already knows."
"I can't believe she has the nerve to come back here after,"
"It's her hometown," Nicole interrupted.
"I hate her for what she did to him."
"I know, me too."
Liberty sighed and rested her elbow on the bar, propping up her chin with her palm.
"I heard about Rex getting married, you alright?" She asked, her voice softening.
"I'm fine. It was a fun fling when one of us was lonely. There's no way we ever could have been anything serious. I met his wife she's lovely."
"So you don't care at all?"
"No. I hope it all works out for them both."
"You're too nice sometimes," Liberty teased.
**************************************
Flora sat on the bed, wiping the sweat from Rex forehead with a cold cloth.
His eyes fluttered open slowly, taking a while to focus on where he was.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" She asked gently.
"Water," he croaked his voice hoarse.
She moved, grabbing a glass of water with a straw and offering it to him. She helped him lift his head for a long drink.
When he fell back against the pillows, his breathing was labored.
"How long was I asleep?" He asked.
"You had a fever. You've been in and out for three days."
She picked the cool wash cloth back up and pressed it to his forehead. He closed his eyes for a long minute.
"My horse..."
"She's in the barn. The boys found her yesterday. She's fine."
He sighed heavily and then winced.
YOU ARE READING
Wild Flower.
Romancegrowing up on a ranch Flora learned how to fear men, and care for the cattle. after running away from her abusive father she finds herself working at a lucrative ranch, helping with anything and everything she tries to lay low and blend in. the on...
