Despite the approaching spring months, Yellowstone still seemed frozen. Every ounce of life seemed to be sucked out the ranch, with even the animals feeling the effects. John had become all but nonexistent, helping out only at Kayce's request. And what Rip saw was rough at best.
It was clear John wasn't sleeping, the bags under his eyes growing daily. And he was beginning to lash out when he did speak to anyone. But behind it all, Rip could see the pain etched in his boss's eyes, mimicking that of his own.
It had become clear the ranch wasn't the same without the girls, but especially without Spencer. The wranglers got out of line faster, and didn't listen to even Rip now. It seemed the only threatening force had been the redheaded Dutton girl.
On the other side of the valley, Spencer and Sawyer found themselves working into a new rhythm. To cover the cost of living with Dan, they worked around Paradise Valley, and started singing again on the weekends. In fact the pair began to make quite a name for themselves as the winter passed; gaining interest from a number of rodeo shows looking to branch into the music industry. Of course, the one they wanted to work with had Dustin working as its coordinator.
Spencer was still unsure as to why she felt so off about him, but the uneasiness she saw on Sawyer's face every time they saw him was enough to keep her guard up.
"You two coming?" Ingrid asked as she finished up her sound check. With the popularity growing around Spencer and Sawyer, a number of new artist's had reached out to open for the girls every weekend. Ingrid being one of the first and falling in step with the pair quite easily.
Spencer looked to Sawyer, who looked down right desperate to get out of the house. The look was just enough to make Spencer pity her blonde haired friend, nodding toward Ingrid whose smile grew.
"Great! We're all headin' to Outlaws around eight, do you want to meet us there?"
"We?" Sawyer asked as she packed up the rest of her guitar equipment. The instrument had been putting in overtime as Spencer refused to go home and get hers.
Ingrid counted on her fingers as she spoke. "Yeah me, Riley, Dustin, and Sawyer I think your brother and his friends are coming!"
Spencer watched the excitement fade from Sawyer's face at the mention of her brother. She knew the siblings hadn't spoken in months, what for, Spencer was still unsure. But Sawyer slapped on a happy grin, promising to meet the group there and stay for a few rounds.
On the short ride down to Dan's house, Spencer tried to pester Sawyer, but her efforts went unnoticed. Either her edge was wearing off or Sawyer was simply able to persevere now.
"Evening Darlin'," Rip's voice rang through the phone, soft and gentle like it had every night for months. Spencer rarely spoke, always letting Rip speak more. She had no idea where she stood with him anymore, twirling the ring he had sent her between her fingers. Everyday felt like it was echoing into the next, the days rattling around in her head until her phone rang. Yes, she didn't know what they were anymore, but hearing his voice on the other end of the phone made it all fade away around her.
Rip cleared his throat, giving Spencer room to speak, although she never really did. He found himself talking about the ranch, something- anything- to fill the silence. To get just a piece of his girl back.
"Kayce let Walker go today," Rip added, hoping to spark even some anger from Spencer. "I tried to bring him to the train station, but Kayce insisted. He's been soft without you here, or maybe that's just my overthinking. Are you doing anything tonight?"
"Sawyer and I are going out with a few of the other singers and crew," Spencer's voice sounded hoarse, but Rip didn't care. "I think her brother and his friends are showing up too, she didn't seem to be happy about that but it's been a while since we went out. I'm not sure we'll stay long though."
Rip's face felt like it was about to split in half at how big his smile was. "Well just have fun Darlin', I'm sure it'll be fine. And if you need anything, I'm only a call away."
"Mmhmm."
He did his best to hold back his disappointment. It felt like every step he had taken with Spencer this winter was met with three steps back the next week.
"We're, uh, we're playing at the rodeo stage tomorrow if you want-"
"I'll be there."
Spencer smiled for a moment, "Good."
"I'll see you tomorrow Darlin'," Rip paused for a moment, as if to gain his courage. "I love you."
He let go of the breath he had pulled in as the line clicked.
Spencer threw her phone onto the bed, feeling the world crash down on her once again as she pulled her pillow to her chest. She wasn't sure why it had become so hard to tell him that she loved him too, that she still wanted to be with him. Everyone always told her that absence made the heart grow fonder, but now her heart just felt deflated.
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The line for the bar was long, and the girls already looked ready to go home. But Ingrid had been so excited to see them show up, her attitude couldn't help but infect them with some happiness. Sawyer had been avoiding Jackson just as well as he was avoiding her, and Erin had shot down any attempt for Spencer to ask why.
"She's still not happy he took your money, he doesn't get why," that had been all that Erin had said on the subject. But Spencer couldn't help noticing the girl's eyes flitting over Jackson as she spoke.
"If she's mad that you two are fucking, I can talk to her."
Erin's eyes bulged at the bluntness from Spencer. "We are not fucking!"
"And I'm a blonde," Spencer's eyes skyrocketed with her sarcastic comment, laughing at the blush that crossed Erin's cheeks.
"What seems to be so funny over here?" Dustin asked as he walked over, a round of shots sitting on the tray in his hand. He silently offered them to the girls, Erin taking one immediately while Spencer was slow on the get up. "C'mon Spence, I'm not gonna let one of my stars get drugged before her first big show. I'll buy you a new one, of your choice, if that'll make you more comfortable?"
Spencer looked at Dustin warily for a moment, but gave in and nodded. "I'd rather just take Bulleit on the rocks."
Dustin smiled. "Deal. Let's go."
He handed the tray off to Erin, who was all too happy to hand it off to Cole and Jack.
Dustin led Spencer to the bar, a hand somewhat innocently placed on her back. They had been able to sneak in and order immediately, waiting as the bartender poured their drinks.
"So what's it going to take to get you to trust me, Spence?"
Spencer snorted. "Let's start with dropping Spence, I hate it. Makes me feel like an old man."
"Noted," Dustin laughed, "Wait doesn't Sawyer call you that?"
"Only because she knows it ticks me off."
"Fair enough. But why don't you trust me?"
Spencer pondered her answer as she took a sip of the bourbon that had been placed in front of her. She couldn't think of a reason, and promptly just shrugged. "Sawyer seems uneasy around you, maybe you should ask her."
Dustin stepped slightly closer, "I don't care about what Sawyer thinks."
Spencer realized what he was doing. What game he was trying to play. And maybe if she was the girl she was before she fell for Rip, she would have engaged. But the ring sitting around her neck felt like it was warming against her skin with every passing second.
"I'm not interested."
"You haven't spoken to Rip in months!"
Spencer's eyebrow popped in question. "Who the fuck are you to keep tabs on my life, Dustin? You're my fucking stage manager, don't twist this into anything more than that. Thanks for the drink."
Spencer walked away, scoffing as she sipped on the beverage once before downing it in one go. Sawyer saw the movement, sending a questioning look to the redhead who merely waved it off. She chucked a hand in the direction of the door, waving her phone to which Sawyer nodded. She just needed to hear his voice again.
Rip picked up on the first ring, racing out of the bunkhouse to get some quiet. "Everything ok Spencer?"
Spencer opened her mouth to respond that she was fine, but then she paused. Paused long enough to feel her heart crack a little at the concern and love and warmth in Rip's voice. And all she wanted was to see him.
"Could you-uh, come get me? I'm fine but Sawyer and I came together and... I just really need to see you right now."
"Where are you?"
"Outlaws."
Rip couldn't hold back his laughter. "I'll be there soon Darlin'."
Spencer squeaked out a goodbye, hanging up quickly and racing inside to talk to Sawyer. She handed the blonde the truck keys, earning another questioning glance.
"I'm leaving," was all Spencer said, hoping to avoid too many questions. It seemed the panic had settled on her face, however, prompting a glare then laughter from Sawyer.
The blonde pulled Spencer into a hug before pulling back. "It's about damn time Tiny."
Spencer smiled, relieved that Sawyer wasn't mad at her. Although she had been pushing Spencer for weeks to go see Rip. "I know."
Sawyer squished Spencer's cheeks together like a fish, making them both laugh. "I love you, I'm proud of you, this is a good thing, okay? He loves you and you love him and you're letting a man who clearly doesn't care about your happiness get in the way of that. Let yourself love him, and wake up everyday and do it again and again until the doubts are gone, alright?"
"You are going to make me bawl in the middle of the bar Sawyer Grace," Spencer laughed with tears in her eyes as she pulled Sawyer toward her once again. "But I love you too, text me when you get back, alright?"
Sawyer held out her pinky as she wiggled her eyebrows, prompting another laugh from Spencer as she locked her pinky around the blonde's. They nodded once to each other, and Spencer went for the door. She didn't know why she was nervous, but the idea of seeing a Yellowstone truck pull up was running her heartbeat higher and higher with each passing minute.
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Rip slapped the door open, drawing a few concerned looks from the rest of the wranglers, but only for a moment before they turned back to their card game. Ryan could see the excitement in Rip's face though from his seat. He immediately folded his hand, walking over to his former foreman.
"You going to see her?" he whispered as he stopped at Rip's bunk. The two had grown closer since the girls left. Bonding over their loss, or whatever bullshit Colby had started spouting one night.
Rip nodded, knowing he would start shaking if he spoke now. He started for the door, but Ryan stopped him.
"Take her truck, she'll probably freak out if she sees a work one."
"Right," Rip nodded, realizing Ryan might actually be useful. "Thanks."
Ryan nodded, smiling as he clapped Rip on the shoulder before heading back to the game. Rip let out a breath, doing his best to stay calm as he walked out the door, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone.
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Spencer let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding when she saw the blue of her truck pull into the fire lane. She nodded to herself, steadying her nerves as she opened the door.
He looked the same. And in a way that made her feel better, knowing he hadn't changed. At least in looks.
"Hi," she whispered, although she wasn't sure why she did.
Rip smiled, whispering back, "Hi."
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author's note. is it a filler? yesð did i realize i had like months to kill to get to the end of season 2 and was not about to make nonsense chapters? also yesð
also i've been obsessively listening to 'cowboy like me' and 'actin up'... describes rip & spencer's relationship and then spencer to a tee if you ask me (you didn't but i'll say you did lol)
also are we vibing with the pictures at the top? because i feel like i've gotten lazy with them (prior to this one)
love you all and thank you so so so much for almost 35K reads! that is beyond wild to me and i truly appreciate all the love and support from everyone, and i hope you get to see that:)