Chapter 26 Reese
Ihaven’t seen Jarrett since last Sunday when he disappeared upstairs. I gave him the weekend and last week to cool off, or hell, maybe I gave myself that time. He didn’t want to walk at graduation, and Mason couldn’t talk him out of it.
Talking to Goldie has been one of the biggest changes I’ve looked forward to. Hearing about her life and what she’s been up to has been the highlight of my days.
The ranch is heading into our busiest season, and I haven’t had the chance to take Lucy out on a proper date. Gearing up for the rodeo takes time and focus, something I lack in spades when it comes to Lucy.
Jarrett must have left early, because I went to check on him this morning only to find his bed empty.
His empty, made, bed. Something I thought we’d argue over was my expectation that he keep his room tidy, and clean up after himself. Seems like something’s getting to him, and the empty beer bottles under his bed confirm it.
Pulling out the rest of the bottles from his mini fridge I take them down stairs and place them in the fridge where I can hopefully keep an eye on how many are left.
I sigh and run a hand down my face thinking of all the ways I have to step up for Jarrett.
I didn’t sign up to be a parent. Who the hell does Yates think I am? I’m not him, I can’t do this.
Shaking off those thoughts I think of Goldie instead, but it’s early. I know she gets up early to head to the diner, but calling before the roosters crow seems a bit too eager.
I’ll have to wait an hour or two then call, for now I’ll focus on the ranch and reward myself with her voice later.
The chow house feels a bit different this morning, everyone’s muted, mouths are full, and Jarrett’s sitting with the older riders. He’s not talking, that much is clear, but the others aren’t openly avoiding him anymore.
Progress.
We’re all buzzing, with qualifiers this weekend we’re all locked into the things we need to get done. Plus, we’re hoping the riders are ready too. I’m surprised chatter isn’t more animated this morning, knowing the older riders will be checking in Thursday afternoon.
Maybe they’re just focused.
Mason’s quiet this morning too, and Lin’s nowhere to be found. Checking my watch I make sure I’m not losing my mind. It’s five twenty-three, Lin should be here.
“You seen Lin?” I ask, but Mason only looks at me with thinly veiled irritation.
That’s odd.
“Mason?”
“She’s already out in the training chutes,” he grumbles and it hits me then why he’s being pissy. Lin’s a damn good rider, Mason knows this, yet he’s still upset that she gets to start the training week off without him.
“You’ll have your turn to shine,” I assure him with a clap on the shoulder and a chuckle.
He smiles, but doesn’t comment. He’s used to being the head coach, but ever since Lin started working with the riders a few months after moving here, they’ve improved tenfold.
She’s less likely to explode, and with the anxiety swirling around this place, that’s the kind of stability they need.
Mason’s great, and he’ll always be the main guy for the fundamentals, but Lin’s our finisher, the one we need right before things get real for these riders.
Mason doesn’t wait for me to finish, instead he takes off once his plate’s clean leaving me alone at the table. I don’t mind, sometimes I enjoy the peace.
The chow house starts to dwindle, riders ready to get to work so they can train. It’s their last week of heavy training before they can enter into the local rodeo. People come from all over to watch and participate.
Goldspur Ridge is one of the hottest locations for scouts, though I’m not sure why, considering the town’s so small.
Cleaning up my plate, I head out to the training arena to check on Lin. She’s hollering already, making corrections as the trainees ride. Our bulls aren’t as mean as some of the ones in the rodeo, but they do a good job preparing our riders.
“Boss Man, how about you tell ‘em what they’re doin’ wrong, cause they ain’t listenin’ to me.
” She throws her hands up, and I chuckle.
She’s standing in the arena, leaned up against the rails.
She sags when I walk over to her, hoisting myself over the metal bars I climb down until my boots hit the dirt.
“She’s right, Kolin, you’re leanin’ too far back, you’re askin’ to be thrown off.” Walking over to where he’s standing, I brush him off and wait until he’s ready to talk.
“I’m tryin’,” he finally says, stalking past me toward Lin. She pushes off the bars and meets him before the gate. They talk and his shoulders seem to pick back up. Whatever she said gave him a bit of confidence.
My cellphone rings, and when I pull it from my pocket Goldie’s name flashes on the screen. I can’t contain my smile as I swipe the answer button. “Good mornin’, Goldie.”
“Good mornin’, Reese,” she says, and there’s something in her voice, a hitch that makes the hair on my arms stand.
“You alright?” I ask.
She sighs, and there’s a pause before she finally says, “I don’t like to get involved where my nose doesn’t belong, but this mess with Jarrett and Colt… Briar’s torn up about it and I…”
She trails off, and my whole body washes over with guilt.
I totally forgot about asking Jarrett about it.
After talking to him about Yates, I got caught up trying to distract myself, and give Jarrett time.
In hindsight it was me that needed the time, since Jarrett’s known for months, but I still can’t believe I forgot.
“I’m sorry, I’ll talk to him,” I promise, ready to find him and get some answers. Walking out of the training arena, I notice the Sheriff's car rolling down the drive. “Goldie, I’m sorry, I’ll have to call you back, the sheriff’s here.”
“Keep me updated?” She asks, a hint of sadness in her voice.
“Of course,” I tell her before I hang up.
My mind churns as Sheriff Folley steps out of his cruiser with Brent in tow. I could do without the latter on my ranch.
Meeting them halfway, Sheriff Folley reaches out and I clap my hand in his. “Sheriff, what can I do for you?”
“I’m lookin’ for your brother,” he says, eyes darting around the ranch.
“This about the fight he got into with Colt a couple weeks back?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.
Brent scoffs, and my eyes slide his way.
Prick.
“It is, do you know where he is?” Sheriff Folley asks before I can respond to Brent. “We’ll only be a minute.”
“Look, I know the boys need to accept whatever the consequences of their actions are, but Jarrett’s just as much to blame as Colt.”
Folley chuckles and nods, “I agree with ya, Reese. Which is why I’m here.”
I don’t move, waiting instead for him to continue.
“I think the boys could use some community service. Together. Maybe they can squash their differences.”
It’s not a bad idea, make the two of them work off their grievances. And I’ve got just the idea in mind.
“Sheriff, that sounds like a great plan, and I think I’ve got an idea of what they could do.” Uncrossing my arms, I turn and walk toward the stables. If Jarrett’s not there, I’ll check with Mason in the gym. Both of the men follow me, their boots crunching on gravel and dirt.
“Jarrett!” I holler.
He comes around the corner with the manure fork, his eyes scan the three of us and he leans the tool against the stall.
“I think we’ve got some things to discuss, son.” Folley says, nodding to me.
Jarrett’s face turns down, but he nods.