Page 13 of Saltwater Cowboy

“Thad, are you ready to go?” I called into the bathroom.

I gave myself a final look over in the mirror, brushing my hand over the black silk of the bodice of my dress. No matter how many galas Thad and I went to, I never felt like I belonged there. He was so well-spoken and proper, and I was the polar opposite. I didn’t know how to have a conversation without cursing. I would much rather be sitting on our couch in sweatpants, having take-out, than being here. This was Thad’s thing, not mine.

Small talk would be the death of me.

“I’m just putting on my shoes. I’ll be ready in a minute.” He called back.

I tossed my shawl over my shoulders and grabbed my clutch. Do you know how hard it is to go from a bottomless pit of a tote bag to the world’s smallest clutch?

“You look stunning, my darling.” Thad complimented. He grabbed my hand and twirled me around.

“Thank you,” I beamed.

His phone buzzed. “The limo is outside. Ready to head out?”

“Sure am.”

Thad led the way down from our apartment to the main entrance. He tapped his foot impatiently as we stood in the cooler night air.

“Where is this asshole?” His tone was sharp.

“It’s fine. We still have plenty of time.” I consoled.

“The guy said he was down here, and clearly he is not.”

Thad tapped aggressively on his phone, calling the limo driver. “Where are you?”

Pause.

“Oh.”

Pause.

“Thanks.” He turned to face me. Thad pointed to a white SUV to the left. “He’s over there.”

I followed him without a thought. He led, and I followed. I was always the follower.

“It’s a thirty-minute drive there, so we should still be early enough to walk the carpet they have set up.

“What is this gala even for?” My head cocked involuntarily.

“This one…” Thad pulled out his phone and checked his email. “It’s not a gala, just a dinner.”

My shoulders relaxed.

He continued scrolling. “This is for the Great Tits Foundation.”

My eyes bulged, “Excuse me?”

Thad looked at me like I had five heads. “The Great Tits.”

My brows shot up. “That clarified nothing.”

“Great Tits…like the bird. My grandfather was a big fan of the bird and started this foundation during his retirement. My parents host an annual event. They didn’t host one last year because they were grieving in Malta after he passed away.”

The bird, you uneducated fool.

I bit the inside of my cheek, holding back a smile. “Right. For the Great Tits.”