𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 ━━ 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥

ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ

chapter three — milkshakes

That night, Y/N didn't have the energy to go out to eat. Instead, she settled for stopping at a supermarket on her way back to Gray's Bed and Breakfast, picking up a few items for a quick dinner, and then eating alone in her room. The silence as she ate was almost deafening.

Of course, there had also been a sudden downpour as she walked back, so she looked like a wet dog by the time she returned to the B&B. Y/N was beginning to think the universe was punishing her for something, though she didn't know what.

She felt pathetic, wallowing over a guy who, in two years, never really treated her well. Tommie forgot her birthday, bailed on more than one date, and even ghosted her for days at a time. Yet every time, he came up with some miraculous excuse, pleading with her not to end things. And every time, she gave him another chance.

But loyalty was something Y/N valued above all else, and cheating was unforgivable in her eyes. Cheaters didn't deserve second chances. But despite everything, a small part of her still cared for Tommie, whispering that she should wait until she had definitive proof before sending that 'we're over' text.

The next morning, after her lonely dinner and a restless night, Y/N had breakfast provided by the B&B. She decided she would explore the main street a bit more until her car was fixed.

As she hopped down the stairs, dressed similarly to the night before but without her hat, she wasn't expecting to see a familiar face, other than Betty's, of course.

"You again," she said, her gaze locking onto the cowboy standing by the reception desk.

Boothill, one hand leaning against the counter and the other tucked into his pocket, looked over at her, raising an eyebrow.

Y/N shrugged and continued walking, keenly aware of Boothill tipping his hat to Betty before following her outside.

"How goes it, darlin'?" he asked, catching her attention.

"I have a name, you know," Y/N replied, stopping abruptly and turning to face him. Boothill nearly bumped into her.

"And I have a hat that says cowboy," Boothill shot back with a grin. "Since we're statin' the obvious."

With a roll of her eyes, she playfully punched him in the arm. "Don't be an ass."

Boothill feigned pain, clutching his arm dramatically. "I could have you arrested for that, you know. My friend's dad is the sheriff."

"What are you, six?" Y/N scoffed, turning to walk away. She didn't have a specific plan in mind so she just kept walking, Boothill following behind her like a lost puppy.

"So, what's the plan today?" he asked.

"I don't have a specific plan," Y/N admitted. "I was just going to wander around, maybe get to know the town a bit better while I wait for my car to be fixed"

"Sounds good to me," Boothill said, falling into step beside her. "How 'bout I show ya around? I got nothing better to do."

Y/N was about to protest, but the idea of having someone to show her around and chat with sounded better than wandering alone. "Alright, sure. Lead the way, cowboy."