Justin: Cowboy At Heart

part 3

Justin shook his head before turning his attention back to the road.  He didn’t even know why he cared.  Dusti hated him and he had no intentions of revisiting his past.  It was painful and stupid all at the same time.  He nearly jumped out of his skin when Shayna touched his arm, his face flushing as he realized he had been caught.

            “Don’t give up, Just.  She’s going through a hard time right now.  A lot has happened lately.”

            “Who?” Justin asked, playing dumb.

            He didn’t want his sister knowing that he still thought about Dusti.  He was the one who had left her after all.  There was no going back.  Shayna frowned at her older brother, but he was relieved when she didn’t push the subject any further.  It was still an open wound; one that he didn’t think would ever heal.

            “So, Wy and I were thinking about taking you and Colt out to the Cattle Crossing tonight for a welcome home steak.”

            A smile actually touched Justin’s lips.  “I can’t speak for Colt, but I’m definitely in,” he said, glancing over at her.  “What about mom and dad?”

            “They have other plans for tonight,” she answered with a shrug.

3

            Dusti ignored her mother’s pleadings on the other side of her bedroom door.  She didn’t care if she was being selfish or not.  Her stupid brother didn’t know the first thing about love.  All he saw was a pair of long legs.  And Dusti had no desire to talk to her parents at the moment.  Hence why she was now locked in her room with Zero as her only company.  The cat was purring softly, but it didn’t help Dusti calm down at all.  First, she had been blind sided by Justin’s return and now her LITTLE brother was engaged.  What a mess her life had just become.

            The cowgirl massaged the bridge of her nose, a headache starting behind her eyes.  Dusti reached over and snagged her cell phone off the nightstand.  She quickly scrolled through her numbers.  Two names came to her mind.  One was on their honeymoon, so that left her other good friend.  Dusti quickly found the number she wanted and hit sent.  She hadn’t thought to look at the time before calling though.

            “Please, please pick up,” she whispered, nervously stroking Zero’s soft, black and white fur.  Thankfully the cat seemed to understand that the young woman needed the added comfort.  “Come on, Kayla.”  Dusti gripped her phone tightly, not realizing she was holding her breath.

            “Well, hello Miss Dusti,” a cheery voice greeted in her deep English accent.

            Dusti released her breath, a smile actually touching her lips.  “Kayla!” she cried in relief, tears in her eyes.  “Oh I wish you were here right now.  My life is falling apart and I can’t do anything to change it.  I feel so helpless!”  Her voice was choked by emotions.

            “Whoa, slow down, Dust.  You’re not making any sense.”  Dusti’s throat was clogged with tears and she couldn’t say anything.  “You sound like you really need to talk.  What time is it?”

            “3:30,” Dusti answered numbly, not really thinking.  Why would Kayla care what time it was?

            “Alright then.  Can you get to the Cattle Crossing in Kalispell by five?”  Dusti managed to make an affirmative sound.  “Good. Then I will see you there at five.  Stay strong, Dust.  We’ll get through this together.  See you soon.”