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Kivi leaned against the hub of the big Locke Ranch Truck. She was waiting outside the baggage check for her bestie. She might have looked laconic to anyone glancing her way but her stomach was filled with flutters with excitement.
She was wearing her typical winter outfit; a Battered red hat, red wool peacoat, jeans, and her good boots. Wouldn\u2019t do to get cow shit in the new truck.
People started to flow out of the sliding doors and she stood up on her toes to look over the heads of people for her friend.
And out she came. She had a small bag on wheels and a purse and looked smug as she made her exit, having avoided the baggage carousel altogether. She was dressed for travel in a grey and teal tweed coat, with a teal hat, gloves, and scarf. The hat was pulled down over her ears, and the scarf wrapped so many times that her chin was obscured.
“Hieeeeeeeeee!” Ivy all but screamed, abandoning the carry-on to rush up to Kivi and envelope Kivi in a hug.
Kivi heard the greeting before she saw the woman and a brilliant smile split her face as she braced for impact. The hug was tight and long and filled with acceptance and serotonin. A welcome surge after the last few days at the Ranch.
\u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re here!\u201d She half squealed as her excitement finally came bubbling out.
“How ARE you? I have so much to tell you.”
“Oh my Gods, it’s freezing out here, isn’t it spring yet?”
The two women babbled at each other for a moment, then burst into laughter.
Ivy made a face. “It’s not like we didn’t talk to each other on the phone day before yesterday for nearly two hours. You go first.” She had an inquisitive look on her face like she knew Kivi was hiding something.
Then her brain seemed to do a one-eighty, and a look of concern flashed across her face. She would not have her surprise spoiled. “Are you able to get away next month as we talked about? The horses are arriving, and I’d love for you to meet them. Her eyes gleamed with excitement. “They’ll finally be here, and I wouldn’t want a momentous occasion passing without you being there!
\u201cOf course, I\u2019ll be there!\u201d Kivi smiled \u201cAnd I can do so fairly worry-free. I hired a. \u201c She paused as if searching for the words. \u201cRanch manager. Who happens to have a partner with experience with horses and cattle, so I hired her too. I\u2019m so relieved. Now I just have the Michael issue, oh and Noodles newest thing.\u201d She sighed slightly. Then, she tugged the truck door open for Ivy \u201cIt is spring, after a fashion.\u201d and she laughed as she closed the door and went around.
“Well, good!” Ivy opined. You need more help around the ranch. That place is huge.” Ivy sighed. “I have a chance for twenty more acres, but my neighbor is a pain in my neck.” Ivy spent a moment just breathing, her eyes scanning the horizon and admiring all the beauty surrounding them. Spectacular. Her shoulders dropped incrementally, and her breathing slowed.
“Well, as much as I want to ask about Mademoiselle Evelyn’s next project, the more pressing subject is Michael. Is he still here? Are you okay?” Ivy smiled wickedly. “Have you killed him yet?”
\u201cHe\u2019s here, in the guest house since it\u2019s empty right now. He\u2019s patiently waiting for permission to stay. I\u2019ve missed him and I am gonna be honest, my heart feels like it\u2019s finally beating again after Jack died and the fight. I wanna let him stay, I think.\u201d She stopped to think and take a breath.
\u201cHe wants to stay and he played right into Noodles hand on her latest escapade to try to do so,\u201d Kivi remembered how irritated she\u2019d been at first, and then remembered how teenage girls could be and the anger had dropped instantly. \u201cHe\u2026\u201d Kivi trailed off
\u201cAm I crazy for forgiving him?\u201d Her heart was leading the argument, and often it did. Contrary to her stoic demeanor, Kivi often led with her heart.
Kivi pulled out into the slow methodical traffic that surrounded most international airports and lapsed quiet until she was out of the snarl and onto the highway again.
Ivy, too, was quiet until they were out of the stifling traffic. Then she glanced at her oldest friend. “Noooo,” she sighed.”Everyone deserves a second chance. Maybe even a third chance. It sucks to be alone.”
Ivy’s voice was heavy, but not colored by regret. Kivi knew about the daughter of the CEO, the professional Alpine skier, and the exceedingly handsome man who – well, he didn’t seem to do anything other than attending soirees, having his picture taken, and spending his ancestors’ fortune. There had been a few more unfortunate souls, but that had been a very long time ago. Ivy always told Kivi that she didn’t have time for a partner, that they’d just be in the way.
\u201cThat includes you, yanno,\u201d Kivi said softly before shifting back to her normal voice. \u201cI was thinking he could have one of the barn loft apartments for a couple of months to see if it works. It puts him far enough away to be inconvenient for any passing impulses.\u201d Kivi turned onto Locke Ranch Rd. \u201cI can\u2019t get past the idea that Smarty was more than a peace offering,\u201d she mumbled almost to herself. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but Kivi didn\u2019t think so, not this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n