lucky me i see ghosts

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓:  ‘  number 101  ’               𝐅𝐎𝐑: @ironriverstarters​ ( cap at three please )

    “i know this is pathetic, trust me, but this is the first time i’ve ever won something in my life,” he announced to the worker and almost too gleefully accepted the free deli sandwich just for being the hundredth in line that day. however, it was when he was already one bite in that something happened — a mishap of sorts. that crumpled number he had waited in line with had come to reveal he was in fact not supposed to be the recipient of one item on the house. that title belonged to the person who was number one-hundred because kyle had cut in line, or they hadn’t paid attention, he’d assume the latter if confronted. his blue eyes shifted to the crumpled number left on the counter he quickly pocketed while the woman who worked behind the deli counter called number 101, his number.  

It was a little late when Indie looked up from her phone, texting a friend and scrolling through her feed that she noticed the sub she ordered, craved for already had a decent bite taken out of it. Stuffing the phone in her pocket her hands placed on her hips, giving him a glance of disappointment but the damage was done. It was just a sandwich after all, not a big deal in the eyes of the blonde, but she was starving. “Rude.” Indie chuckled. “Here, I’ll just take yours.” She couldn’t be upset over something small, seeing how he seemed happy he won something for the first time, even though it wasn’t exactly for him. “Next time I need a lunch I guess I know who to look for.” She teased, taking the other sub. “Kidding, but I hope you enjoy it Mr. 101.”

{{ @indiemorgan }}

The night the two spent together was the most relaxed he’d felt in months…maybe years. The flirtatious texts, but ones that were simply hellos, how are yous even if the two of them weren’t with one another they were on each others minds. It’d been a long time he’d wanted to change for someone - be better. The old cynic found himself having hope, drinking less, writing more, inspired. He’d finished up a reclaimed wood dining table that was now a center showpiece at one of the downtown shops he didn’t see himself as a failure. He’d been stuck, maybe Indie was what it took to make him feel like he could move forward, or at least start to. The nights weren’t as lonely hell he’d even shaved and trimmed his hair and didn’t hate the man he saw in the mirror. What he did know, though, was eventually he would tell her what happened, why his hands sometimes tremored or he got jumpy around fireworks, what all his scars meant. Taking a deep breath he checked his phone, four. The time ticked by as he patted his face dry shaking his head a little he couldn’t remember the last time he’d shaved. It was almost like he wanted to impress her. She deserved it. She’d put up with his ass for a decent amount of time. He was scared, though, would she want more and could he give that to her? Stepping from his tiny bathroom looking at Shep, “What?” he asked feeding the dog before getting dressed. “Okay I get it just…stop judging me,” reaching for a pair of jeans white tank and a button up his usual. “Be home later,” he reached for the remote turning on his small TV to the cooking channel, the one he’d assumed was Sheps favorite. Grabbing his wallet and keys Arlo didn’t need much more than that. Well, unless he was playing at an open mic - in which case he’d be grabbing his old acoustic. Not bothering to text back (not his strongest suit). He arrived to the ranch to pick her up smiling as he saw her heading towards him. Reaching over across the passenger side he opened the door for her. “There’s my Valentine.”

The days after being with Arlo, the already happy blonde was seen with an even bigger smile on her face. Thinking about laying in bed with him the rest of the night and the next day, not leaving the blankets and scattered pillows with her lips on his and her body wrapped around him. She was the type to drop everything and help someone, offering her time, babysitting for parents who needed a break even if it was last minute. Indie just seemed more excited to do it lately with someone on her mind. Work on longer days didn’t bother her, loving that she was focused on her job, training new and old horses. Doing odd jobs around the ranch to help speed up time, take pressure off some of the folk she worked with, making sure everything was clean and organized before slipping her work boots off. The showers at the ranch weren’t the most prettiest, but they got the job done. The blonde washing off the smell of horse from her hair and skin, using lavender soap to do so. Blonde strands of hair drying in the sun, changing into a cute black top with a clean pair of jeans that fit over her dusty cowboy boots she’s been wearing for years. Fixing the small ‘M’ necklace around her neck that her father gave her after her mother passed, keeping it close to her heart and remembering the story he told her while he put it around her neck, too big for her at the time. She was young, four years old when her mother wouldn’t be coming home again. Indie didn’t quite understand until a few years later. Hearing his truck, she looked at the time before heading out of the stables. Saying goodbye to people she’ll see tomorrow, rounding the corner to Arlo with a big grin. The blonde hopped in his truck, moving over in the seat towards him for that kiss she wanted. Lips pressing against his without hesitation. “There’s the hottest guy in Iron River.” Indie responded, taking a look at him. “You shaved. It looks really good Arlo.” Smiling, her hand gently touched his face, brushing her thumb over. “Where are you taking me now?” Asking curiously. 

Arlo: You tryna kill me girl?

Arlo: What time you done with work?

Indie: Not intentionally, but you never know

Her eyes closed for a brief moment, taking in the soft touch. She was content, able to relax in his arms and drift to sleep quickly if she didn’t open them again, but she did. Looking across her now quiet bedroom, warm in her bed with a man she couldn’t get out of her head. It almost didn’t feel real, that he was staying with her instead of running off like the ones before him. A big smile spread across her face the moment Shep jumped into bed, reminding her of her dogs back home. It was a comfortable feeling, it made her feel safe. She had always felt safe at the ranch, knowing the dogs would bark if they heard anything, the ranch hands guarding the property from anyone trying to break in. Indie didn’t have that same feeling here until now. Her hand lazily reached for Shep, fingers in his golden fur, giving him a few scratches before letting him sleep. She wasn’t expecting Arlo to say anything, confused by what he meant. Not being a good man. The blonde only thought of him as good. Someone she was starting to like, but everyone had secrets. “What do you mean Arlo?” Her position changed, looking up at him with soft eyes and wondering why he spoke like that about himself. If he was even going to answer her question as to why. Hand on his chest, running her fingers down his arm.

Arlo: Did you get the flowers?

Arlo: Shep made me

Arlo: sorry I'm not great with this valentines stuff

Indie: I love them! Thank you

— SOME BOUTIQUE, DOWNTOWN

“Hey, you.” Forgive her, she doesn’t know their name on behalf of the fact they’ve never met before. But desperate times call for desperate measures. “Could I borrow your opinion for a  sec?” In her hands were two tops. Both bold, both sexy and both incredibly expensive. But, she’s in the mood to splurge. “Which one?” Black corset with bright red hearts scattered all over or a nude-colored bodysuit. “We’re going for sexy but modest. It has to say, I’ll let you undress me if you play your cards right. Be brutally honest.”

@ironriverstarters

​“Oh, hey.” Indie didn’t know them, but it never stopped her from talking to strangers in this town. Although she mostly stayed away from Downtown. “Sexy and modest? Get both. See if you were just going for modest, the bodysuit would be perfect, but you still want sexy. I’d wear the corset. Plus it’s cute for Valentines Day.” The blonde gave her opinion, scanning over them again.