Chapter 2 Colton #2
After two rounds of pool and twelve beers, I can’t see a big difference between solids and stripes, but we’re having fun anyway.
Joan Jett comes blaring over the speakers, and the look on Cash’s face is the only warning I get before he’s on top of the pool table, screaming,“‘I love Rock ’n Roll’! Colt! Come up here, buddy!“ Cash puts his arms out to me, clearly shit-faced.
“No, dude, come down. You’re going to get both of us in trouble.” I start tugging on his arm to get him down, thinking of what I can say to keep his feet on the ground before Aria gets over here and beats us both.
An idea hits, so I finish yanking him to the floor and word vomit, “So, my aunt conspired with your mom, shocker, and got me a job on the ranch. Did you hear?”
Cash looks at me, puzzled, goes to speak, but clams up as my sister walks over.
“Sorry to interrupt the game, boys, but Aunt A says this is your fifteen-minute warning and then you’re heading to the house with her.” She smiles softly and switches the two empty beers we had for new ones with a wink.
“Thanks, Halle. I’ll be ready. I know better than to piss off Aunt A.”
She goes to walk off, but Cash reaches for her arm. “Thanks for the beer, Halle,” he says, winking.
“Anytime, kid. Just pay your tab before you leave this time. I don’t wanna call your daddy again.” With that, she walks away, leaving Cash rooted in place.
“Cash Benjamin Thornwood, we’re friends, which means we understand each other well, but don’t be sweet on my sister. She doesn’t need that shit right now.” There’s a hard edge to my voice that tells him this isn’t up for discussion.
His gaze lingers on her a beat longer before shifting back to me.
He lifts his hands in surrender. “Let me get this straight, you get into bar fights, pull off a rabbit rescue, and now have farm duty for the summer? Maybe don’t think of being lumped with my brother as punishment.
Think of it as hands-on veterinary and animal care experience instead of punishment.
Honestly, it’s perfect prep for your career, and, Colt, it’s not that bad.
Between the cattle herds and maintenance, you’ll stay busy.
Plus, Rhett’s buried in work from sunup to sundown, and Dawson’s taken to that new colt in a weird dad way,” he says, taking a swig of his beer.
Pondering his words, I take my shot, trying to close out the game.
“I think what really bothers me is my aunt knows exactly why I don’t want to work anywhere near Thornwood Ranch, but still arranged for it anyway.
Hey … thanks for calling it a rabbit rescue, though.
I wish my parents could have seen it that way. ”
“Maybe they couldn’t see past the lawyer fees they had to pay to make the shit disappear,” Cash says.
We both chuckle and settle into silence, locking in on the game, sinking ball after ball, trying to beat the invisible timer my aunt put on the night.
Cash goes to call a pocket for the eight ball as Aunt A walks up, throwing off his game.
“Is it time already?” I ask, hoping she’ll let us finish up.
“Hi, Aunt A,” Cash mutters as he watches the eight ball bounce off the side wall.
“Hi, boys, games over. Matt’s driving you back to the house and I’ll ride your bike; you’re not drunk driving. Cash, do you have a ride? You’re not driving either.”
Knowing better, I just nod.
Cash shuffles his feet a little.
Dude, just nod. It’s not worth the fight.
“I can call Dawson or Rhett and see who will get me,” Cash says, slightly defeated.
Aunt A nods. “Good, and if not, I’ll tell Halle she’s giving you a ride home. You’re not driving. So, keys, now, both of you.” She holds her hand out expectantly, and we both give them up without a word, knowing better.
She walks over to Halle and Matt, filling them in on her plan. Cash and I exchange a knowing look.
“Will she ever not be intimidating?” Cash looks at me like I’m supposed to give him hope.
I can’t.
“No, she’s always going to be that way. Good luck with your brother or my sister. Sounds like you’ll need it.” I chuckle. “See you around.”
He nods and I meet up to walk out with Aunt A and Uncle Matt, giving Halle a hug as we go out.
Exhaustion starts to creep in during the silent ride in Uncle Matt’s truck, my eyes drooping closed as we pull up to the house.
Following them inside, I make my way to the spare bedroom, then flop onto the bed.
Before I get too sleepy, I pull out my phone to see if I have any texts. I see Halle has already messaged me.
Halle Girl:
Let me know when ya’ll make it back safely. I don’t wanna worry. Love u
I text her back quickly.
Me:
We just made it back safely. I’m about to crash. I’ll see you tomorrow. Love u Halle girl
Aunt A brings in my backpack. “I figured you’d need this.” She hands it over.
I dig out my phone charger, plugging it into the lamp on the nightstand and plugging my phone in.
“Thanks, Aunt A. I really am glad to see you guys.”
She sits down next to me and ruffles my hair. “I know, honey. We’re glad to see you too. I know you don’t want to work on the farm, but I really think this will be good for you … more than you know.”
Maybe it’s the sleep creeping in, but I don’t argue. “You could be right, Aunt A. At this point, we’re gonna find out either way.”
She laughs lightly. “You’re fucking right about that.
However, before I forget, I’m sure you planned to catch up on sleep tomorrow, which is fine …
” She pauses, and I wait for the caveat.
“But, you have to go to the annual summer bonfire tomorrow night. Tierney is looking forward to seeing you then and will talk about what you’ll be doing. Okay?”
I mumble an “Okay,” fighting to keep my eyes open.
“Good. Now, get some rest.” She pulls me in, kissing my forehead. “Welcome home,” she says softly before getting up to leave me alone.
I try not to overthink her words, but they consume my thoughts as I strip down to my boxers and climb into bed, turning off all the lights.
I stare at the ceiling until my eyes adjust. The room smells like her laundry detergent and old wood.
Welcome home.