Chapter 18 Reese
Having Jarrett living in my house is… not ideal. He’s whiny, and his attitude makes me want to punch him in the throat. Not to mention the way he acts like everything’s just gonna fall into his lap.
I get it, we’re ages apart. Hell, I’m old enough to be his father, and if I were, I’d already have dragged his ass out of bed and put him to work. Today’s day five of his ‘recovery’ and I’m over it. I told him he had a week, and he’s milking it.
Mason joked with me yesterday that I’m going soft on him. Fortunately for Jarrett, I’ve been busy.
“Jarrett!” I holler up at the ceiling. The only place I have for him to stay is in the attic, which sounds worse than it is.
I’ve turned the old empty space into a man cave of sorts, and treat it as more of a loft space.
It’s got a mini fridge stocked with water and beer–which I should probably take out now that I think about it–a large flat screen TV, and a couch that doubles as a pull out bed. “Get the hell up!”
His first day starts today, and if he’s going to keep living here, he’s going to work my hours.
Coming down the small staircase in only a pair of pajama bottoms, he yawns and runs his hand through his floppy hair.
“Where the hell are the clothes Lin brought in here for you?” I ask, shaking my head and eyeing my watch.
“Dunno,” his voice is groggy, which I expect. It’s nearing five in the morning, the sun’s not up yet, but by six it’ll be brightening the sky. “Where’s breakfast?”
“If you were dressed, we’d be on our way, instead I think I’ll let you figure it out.” Stomping off, I don’t bother telling him to lock the door, there’s no need and he would fuck that up anyway.
He shouts obscenities as the door slams behind me and Cap, I pause, but don’t go back in. He can learn, or he’ll be on his own. I’m not putting up with it.
Mason’s already here when I slide the door open. The morning breeze is nice and balmy, perfect to keep the chow house doors open.
“The princess not coming down from her tower?” He jokes, holding his stomach as if it hurts.
“Oh he is, and he’s about to find out how the king rules this kingdom,” I grumble as Hank offers me my usual plate of food, and heads over to the serving line to make sure everything’s ready.
The youngins will be in soon, bleary-eyed and starving.
That’s what happens when you work and train from sunup to sundown.
Most of ‘em can hack it, because they want it. Between the rush of the ride or event, and the fans, it’s hard not to want it.
I’ve seen all kinds of talent walk through my fence, and if they listen and learn they go on to be great at what they do.
Though, there have been a few that haven’t.
Mason and I try to help everyone who comes through our ranch, sometimes it just isn’t enough.
Lin waltzes in with a smile plastered over her face, though the bags under her eyes make me wonder if something’s going on with her.
I won’t pry, but I give her shoulder a squeeze and as her gaze meets mine, I hope it conveys that I’m here if she needs me.
The older trainees walk in, some rub their eyes or their stomachs, but all of them yawn. Like dominoes it happens one by one. They’re all ready for the day in their jeans, boots, and long sleeves. Soon, those sleeves will be rolled up to their elbows, and their backs will be covered in sweat.
They talk to each other as they eat, and with every word they become more alert. It’s interesting to watch, especially the unlikely pairings that we end up with. The youngest ones sit near the open door, while the older ones file in from closest to the kitchen.
It’s how it’s always been, a rotation of gradual occurrence. Kind of wild to see it repeating, year after year. Murmurs turn to gasps, voices turn to whispers. I should have known he’d show up, he’s nothing if not predictable and having to do anything for himself isn’t his style.
Jarrett saunters in as if he owns the place, picks up a plate and goes to fill it. Mason elbows me in the ribs and I sigh. Standing, the other kids look between Jarrett and me, wondering what’s about to happen.
“You don’t work, you don’t eat in the chow house,” I have to throw my voice so there’s no question he heard me. Of course he didn’t change, he’s still wearing the pajama pants from earlier. A t-shirt is thrown over his body, and his shoes are missing.
He turns my way, and before he says a word, his mouth tips up into a grin. “You’d starve your little bro?”
The ripple of shock and awe makes my hair stand on end. I was going to tell the trainees who he is today, it’s not like it’s a big secret. I don’t talk about my family much though, so this will be big gossip for a while.
“If you don’t get off your lazy ass, then yeah, I will,” I challenge.
His face turns red, smirk morphing into a thin line. Throwing the plate down on the ground, he stomps over to where I’m standing and stops nearly chest to chest with me.
“You think Mama will be happy to hear that you’re refusing to feed me?” He bristles.
Booming laughter falls from my lips and he growls, actually fucking growls. “Mama agreed to it.”
His face turns ashen, he wasn’t expecting that. Not from Mama, who’s usually team Jarrett. Now he’s got nothing and no one to run to.
“If it helps put things into perspective for you, I’ll crush that fantasy in your head. If it doesn’t work out here, you’re on your own.” I say it quietly, there’s no reason to embarrass him further.
He opens his mouth and shuts it, then once more before stomping back toward the door and walking out. The hush over the kids is unnatural, and they don’t rush to continue their conversations, forks don’t scrape plates, it’s dead quiet.
“Eat up,” I tell them, watching them slowly start to return to their food and conversation.
Clearing my head, I sit back down with Mason and Lin.
Neither of them say a word, probably wise.
Once the kids start clearing out to do their morning work, I scrape my plate, put it in the wash basin and head out.
The sun’s rising over the mountains to the west of the ranch casting a beautiful backdrop for morning work. Horses roam over the morning dew, out in the further pastures, calves and goats bleat their morning hello’s.
When I find the twins this morning, they’re huddled with a few of the other older kids, heads held close to each other. I can guess what they’re talking about, it’s not hard.
“You’re brother, huh?” Kayce says, icy eyes looking straight at mine.
“Mhmm,” I nod, “though, I’m not sure why that’s so interesting to y’all.”
It’s not an outright question, but they get the hint and scatter to their stations or chores. With all the trainees we have to split them up. Training is usually one on one depending on what we’ve got scheduled and I’m on animal duty.
Most training happens in the gym with Mason, he’s the muscle guy. Building stamina and muscles in the right places is ninety percent of training. Riding a bull isn’t as simple as getting on and hoping like hell you can stay put. Your body has to be honed, protected, and most importantly, cared for.
Kayce’s still standing in the same spot, watching me when his brow pops up and his eyes focus on something behind me. A grumbled scoff catches my attention and I look over my shoulder to find Jarrett. He’s no longer dressed in pajamas, instead he’s wearing the clothes Lin brought him.
“Well? Put me in, coach,” he snips.
It’s gonna be a long day.