Saranya Chapter 5
I was so glad to see Raff’s place. It wasn’t usually a terribly long drive from Las Vegas to here, but a traffic backup caused by a wreck added two extra hours to it. I was ready to stretch and have a drink.
Bypassing the house after honking my horn to let him know I arrived, I went to the stables.
He had a section built onto it where he stored the trailer.
I had plenty of practice backing up and maneuvering a trailer from growing up, and then from my time working with Raff, so I was able to back it into its designated spot expertly.
When my feet touched the ground, I was picked up and hugged by Raff. He must’ve been waiting for me out here. I messaged him an hour ago with an updated ETA. I wiggled until he set me down, then I turned and put my arms up. He picked me up again, so this way I could hug him back.
“It’s damn good to see you,” he told me.
“It’s great to see you. We need to catch up, and I think a drink is in order. That traffic was a pain in my ass,” I told him after placing a kiss on his cheek.
Raff gently set me down. “Good idea. Where’s your bag?”
“In the cab.”
Before I could get it, he had my purse and travel bag out. He carried them in one hand while the other circled my shoulders. I let him lead me to his house.
Entering, I looked around. I’d been here several times over the years.
It was a great home, much too big for one person, but Raff claimed he wanted it that way in case he ever caught a woman crazy enough to take him on.
I knew whoever he ended up with would be treated like a queen.
He put my bag and purse on the end of the couch, then led me into the kitchen.
I immediately checked out the redo he did in the kitchen. It was an older home that he took notions to upgrade and change, even though it was fine as it was. I did adore what he’d done, and I told him so as he got us something to drink.
“Raff, this looks fantastic. The pictures you sent me don’t do the job justice. You’re making me jealous.”
“Thanks, Itsy-Bitsy. I thought it turned out well. As for your jealousy, let me know when you decide to buy a house rather than rent. I’ll gladly help renovate,” Raff told me as he handed me a cranberry and vodka.
He knew my favorites and always had the ingredients when I came. He was drinking a whiskey neat.
I followed him out to the living room. I didn’t bother to tell him to cut out the nickname. He’d given it to me the first week we met, and it stuck. With him, I didn’t mind because I knew it was said with love. I groaned when I sat, and then did it again after my first taste.
“God, listen to you. Stop sounding as if you’re a hundred. Other than the drive being hell, how was the rodeo? Did you have any fun? Anyone give you trouble?”
I wasn’t ready to talk about the rodeo, so I directed the conversation back to him.
“Hold your horses, I’ll get to that. But first, I want to know about Austin. I know he went looking for his dad, and now he’s home. Why in the world would he do that? His father hasn’t had anything to do with him in two years or more.”
Raff sighed and rolled his eyes. “He did it because the bastard hasn’t had any contact with his son in three years, and he sure the hell doesn’t send any child support.
Austin doesn’t go without. I make sure of that.
But he’s growing up and feels it’s his dad’s duty to help out until Austin is eighteen.
The boy works part-time. He insists on doing his part, and he wants his old man to do the same.
“Austin said he tracked his dad through the internet via his social media accounts. Anyway, he figured out where he was and knew we’d tell him not to go, so he went behind our backs. He apologized and saw that he went about it all wrong.”
“Did he see his dad?” I asked.
“He did. And from what Austin said, they had a huge fight. I don’t know what all was said, but whatever it was, Austin was pissed and said he wouldn’t piss on his dad if he were on fire.
And that he’d better stay away. I convinced CarliAnne to take his ass back to court for non-payment and to increase the amount.
It was set years ago. We’ll see if the court does anything. ”
“Are there consequences for him running off?”
“There are. He’s only allowed to go to school and practice.
No friends or hanging out. His phone and computer have been confiscated.
He can use the computer for homework, but under supervision.
He hates it. I expect his head will explode before the month is up.
CarliAnne grounded him for two months. He’s keeping his mouth shut so she doesn’t extend it. ”
“Smart boy. I hate that he worried you guys, but I understand. Poor kid, it’s hard enough growing up without that piled on you.”
“I won’t tell him, but I admire the shit out of Austin. He took the initiative and not only found his worthless dad, but also went to confront him in person. Most adults won’t do that.”
“Most teenagers don’t have you for an uncle. You’ve taught him how to be a man. Too bad his father is still a child.”
“I’ll drink to that!” Raff crowed, grinning as he held up his glass. I returned it, then we took healthy drinks.
“Okay, enough about the family and me. Tell me about the Finals. Did you get to watch any events? Or the ceremonies claiming their prizes? How was work? Busy? Did you get to see anyone to catch up? Any problems?” Raff fired off.
I tried to determine whether he was aware of Cowboy’s presence and behavior toward me. The way Raff was calmly watching me, I didn’t think so. I hoped not. There was no need for him to be stressed over it. I’d handled assholes before, and I would again. Besides, I wouldn’t ever see Cowboy again.
“I saw several events. They were fun, as always. I watched a couple of ceremonies before I left. The work was steady. It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle or that I had to work nonstop.
Thankfully, none needed surgery or to be put down.
There were a couple of cowboys who got hurt and had to be taken away in ambulances.
There were no problems that I couldn’t handle or hadn’t dealt with in the past. And I did see several people from the circuit and visited with them, but the best one was War.
He surprised me and showed up out of the blue.
He spent the last few days with me. We shacked up in your home away from home.
He had to fly out yesterday morning to get back home. ”
“Sorry, I missed War. I always enjoy chatting with him. He made the trip from Texas. That was nice of him.”
“He knew I was there because I messaged him to say I was to be out there for a few days. He didn’t tell me he was in Cali for business, and when he was done, he hopped over to Vegas to see me. I wish he could’ve come back with me, but he promised he’ll come and stay longer soon.”
“He’s a wonderful guy. Have the two of you ever thought…you know, that you should try to be a couple? You seem to fit so well.”
“Good God, no. We can’t be together like that!
Sure, jokingly, we’ve talked about it. We love each other and have so many of the attributes the other is looking for, but there’s zero spark.
In high school, we kissed each other to see if we could spark something.
It was like kissing our parents and totally creeped us out.
We swore then, to never do it again.” I shuddered at the memory.
“If there’s no possibility with War, what about someone else? Do you have a man in your life I don’t know about? Or one you’re hoping will be someone important?” Raff asked almost slyly.
“No, I don’t. What’s with all the questions, Raff? Do you have someone you’re seeing that might end up being special for you?”
“I want to know if I’ve missed anything.
And to answer your question, no, I do not have anyone special.
I wish I did. I will tell you that if someone grabs my attention and I can’t forget about them, I’ll go after them with everything I have.
You do the same. Happiness isn’t a given. You have to work at it.”
Instantly, Cowboy’s face flashed up in my mind. I hastily pushed it away. That man would be the last guy I’d get involved with. Besides, even if he did turn me on more than anyone I had met, he was a player and lived God knows where. Plus, he thought I was some slut. No, thank you.
“Raff, I will if the chance arises. You know I want what my parents have.”
“They are great examples to emulate. I know another couple like that.”
I was relieved when he let the topic drop, and we went on to discuss the events and cases I worked on at the rodeo.
I told him about the various people I had spoken with who were acquaintances of both of us.
The only one I didn’t mention was Cowboy.
If Raff knew nothing of my run-ins with that one, I wasn’t clueing him in.
The evening passed too quickly. We laughed, ate, drank a little, and even played a board game. I went to bed smiling and left the next day to catch my flight with a heavy heart. Raff took me to the airport, and we hugged each other, swearing we’d get together longer soon.
??
Today was the third day of my return to work at my clinic.
I loved my job, but I wanted a break. It was as if there was a full moon, and every creature was hurting itself or going crazy.
I was working from dawn to well past dusk.
In between traveling to various farms, I had some who brought their animals to me.
My barn was occupied at the moment. I’d slept in it the past two nights, watching a mare about to give birth and a sick bull who was touch-and-go.
The mare belonged to a family that was concerned that the mama wouldn’t easily have her foal, and they were paying me to be her midwife.
The bull’s owner was frantic to have his prize bull recover, as he was used for breeding and producing a calf, which paid lucratively, especially if he got another bull out of him.