Uncle Bran pointing out every antelope in Wyoming was like if I got excited about every seagull on the beach at home.

Colette had loved to watch the seagulls. She’d talk for them in funny voices and name them incompatible names like Bunky and Earl.

I got out my phone and texted my best friend.

TESS

I’m not me without you

I felt the notification buzz in my hand, telling me the number was disconnected.

Because your best friend is dead, and you need to deal with it instead of pretending she can still hear you.

We turned off the two-lane highway toward what definitely did not look like a city, and there was a literal cowboy waiting for us on a gorgeous speckled gray quarter horse. The cowboy wore a red plaid shirt, blue jeans, boots, and a hat—and was chewing on a piece of grass, making me feel like I was in some sort of Old West documentary.

“I wonder if we can ride,” I said quietly, but no one heard me. I missed riding on the beach back home.

“That must be our guide, Denver,” Uncle Bran said, waving as we bumped across a dirt parking area. The cowboy tipped his hat.

“His name’s Dallas,” Aunt Maureen said, beaming at the man. “And he’s cute!”

“Settle down, missy,” Uncle Bran teased. “You’re spoken for.”

“Said the man with a crush on his hairdresser.”

Uncle Bran parked the car, and they lovingly smiled at each other while I squirmed uncomfortably in my seat.

“You guys are gross,” Kennedy said.

“Oh, are we?” Uncle Bran said, reaching over and grabbing Aunt Maureen’s shoulder and pulling her toward him. “I’ll show you gross.” He planted a big kiss on her lips.

“Ohmygod,” I said, pushing the button to open the sliding door of the minivan and hopping out.

“Undo my belt!” Kane said, kicking his feet, wide awake now. “Undo my belt! I’m stuck! I want out!”

“Me too!” Kennedy said, rushing up from the third row. She expertly undid Kane’s seat belt like she’d done it a million times before and quickly kissed his forehead, showing her softer side for an instant before jumping down next to me. “They’re the worst.”

“Yeah,” I agreed, since it was the first thing she’d said to me this whole trip that could be considered conversation.

“I should be on the lake right now, waterskiing with those guys from the general store.” She stretched her hands high over her head, staring at the cowboy while her shirt lifted up. I was beginning to understand that showing off her belly button was one of Kennedy’s signature moves. “Of course, the scenery is nice here, too.”

“It could be worse,” I said, hoping she thought I was agreeing with her even though honestly the cowboy’s blue roan was more interesting to me than he was.