Chapter 105
Ethan
“But where are the buffalo?” A dirty fingernail taps against the paper map.
I lift my gaze from the map to the man. “There are no wild buffalo in the park.”
He narrows his eyes. “But they’re wild. Can’t they go anywhere?”
The amount of self-control I use to not leg sweep this man should be commended.
“Sure.” I shift my grip on the branch trimmer I have resting against my shoulder. “And a herd of buffalo last moved through this area in 1884.”
His expression doesn’t change. “1884? Really?”
“Overhunting and loss of habitat in the late 1800s caused buffalo to nearly go extinct in this state. There are still some wild herds in the mountains a few hours north of here. So, yes. Really.”
The man’s jaw works. And I know the only reason he isn’t calling me a dick is the fact that his three kids are listening to our every word, looking back and forth between us.
He might also be upset that his wife, who is standing beside him, has been blatantly staring at me from the moment they approached.
This is why I don’t like working in the Visitor Center.
People.
And this is precisely why I traded duties with Liza today.
She wanted the air-conditioning. I wanted to wander around on my own, clearing trails and daydreaming about my Mountain Fairy.
But no. This cocksucker with an attitude had to flag me down the second I exited the building to ask me where to find the buffalo.
I lift a hand and point in the opposite direction of where I’m going. “If you go about a quarter mile that way, you’ll find the Quail Trail. We’ve had a lot of wildlife sightings on that stretch in the past few weeks.”
“Like what?” One of the kids pipes up.
“Like chipmunks. Turkeys. Hawks.” I lean down a little. “Snakes.”
Their eyes widen. “Oooo.”
I nod, then straighten. “We also have bobcats, foxes, bears, deer, elk, mountain lions…”
“Cool!” Another kid inches closer.
“Very cool.” My tone is still even. But I agree. It is cool. “Just make sure to stay on the posted paths. And if you’re lucky enough to see an animal, don’t approach it.”
The dad sighs and reaches down to corral his offspring. “Thanks a lot.” He doesn’t mean it.
“You’re welcome.” I don’t mean it either.
Not looking at the wife, I turn and head down a trail that needs some maintenance.
I’ve never been this anxious to get through a day of work.
But I’ve also never had a wife before.
And my thoughts are consumed by her.
Since the day I met her.
And knowing she’s close, but out of reach… It makes my skin itch.
I start to slide my hand into my pocket, wanting to text her, but stop when I remember we haven’t exchanged numbers yet.
My steps slow.
I’m heading in the wrong direction, but I could find an excuse to go to the border fence on the other side of the park.
And I could stop by. For just a moment.
Check on her internet installation.
Make sure she’s okay.
I stop. But then I shake my head.
I’ll go after work.
That will have to be soon enough.