Page 63 of Cherry Tree Ranch

“Cross my heart.” She draws an X on her chest.

“Thanks,” I say. “Is that the reason why you never liked coming here? Because Grandma and Grandpa didn’t teach you about the ranch the way they did with me?”

Emery opens her mouth to speak when Mom peeks her head in. “You girls ready for popcorn?”

“Yes!” we say at once.

My phone buzzes on the coffee table.

I answer the video call from Lani. “Hey. Look who’s here!” I say, turning the phone to Emery.

“I want to be where you are!” Emery tells Lani.

“Maui’s pretty great, but I miss my girl. Are you hanging in there?” she asks me.

“Kind of.”

Mom sits next to me with the overflowing bowl of buttery popcorn. “Hey, Lani!” she says. “Want to join our movie night?”

“Always. But, Dahlia … I know you may not want to look, but I thought I’d let you know that the awards ceremony is going live on the Colorado Rodeo Insider account.”

My face flushes.

Mom pats my leg. “It’s up to you.”

“What the heck – let’s watch,” I say.

We all tune in to the live feed. We shovel popcorn and liquorice in our mouths while Lani and her auntie eat lychee-flavoured gummies.

“OK, everyone, it’s time to join us by the stage for the buckle ceremony,” a man’s husky voice booms over the speakers.

He announces the winners of each event and awards them with ornate belt buckles, as is tradition. Kaylee, of course, won as the top barrel contestant. Cash is awarded his buckle last, and they both get a giant round of applause from the crowd.

The video cuts to Sally Hunter, the journalist, who recaps a few of the top rides at the rodeo. Then a short clip of me flashes across the screen.

I sit up and almost choke on my popcorn.

Sally comments, “Despite the day’s wins, one half of the circuit’s favourite it-couple may be facing some stiff competition. Cash Cortez is taking heat from his sponsor, Buckaroo Billy’s, for his behaviour during our interview today. It appears that Cash may have some explaining to do to Kaylee…” The camera bounces around as Sally was trying to get the shot, but it clearly shows Cash holding my hand while talking to Billy near the parking lot.

Next, Sally is asking Kaylee’s fans what they think.

“That new girly’s got another thing comin’ if she believes Cash’ll up and leave Kaylee for her,” a woman tells Sally.

Mom and Emery look over at me, and Emery takes my hand.

“Can’t believe my sister is a local celebrity,” she says to lighten the mood.

“How about that movie?” Mom says, and I nod gratefully.

Later, when we’re deep into a movie, Wyatt texts.

I’d love to take you out again. Monday?

He clearly doesn’t follow this content on social media. I take a deep breath and prepare to give my second no of the day. I’m sorry, Wyatt. I had a really good time, but the timing’s not good in my life right now.

It’s all good. Maybe the timing will be right someday.

Yeah, maybe. Thanks for understanding.