Chapter 27 Lucy
Another successful day with tourists raving about our diner, though I can’t stop thinking about Reese and how abruptly he hung up. I’ve checked my phone a dozen times since we got home, even showered and shaved, still nothing.
Talking on the phone with Reese everyday makes me feel like a teenager again. I know his routine, his friends and how much he cares for the trainees on his ranch. He talks about them with such pride, it never fails to make me smile.
Every time we talk I can tell how much that ranch means to him.
How utterly right it was for him to retire and build this place for these kids to learn.
Whoever said ‘those who can’t do, teach’ is a dumbass.
Everyone knows the best teachers are those who used to do, and still have enough love for whatever it was, to want to pass it on.
My eyes are heavy as I settle into bed, I know how busy he is, and this week is one of the busiest with them gearing up for the rodeo. So I try not to worry that he hasn’t called back.
Just as I’m falling asleep, my phone vibrates against the old worn nightstand beside my bed. Rolling over, I see his name and quickly swipe to answer.
“H–,” I have to clear my throat from sleep. “Hey.”
“I’m sorry,” he starts, “it’s late, I didn’t think you would answer. I was going to leave a voicemail.”
“It’s fine. Actually I was a little worried.” The last part slips out, yet I don’t think he’ll judge me for it.
His chuckle warms my insides and his voice melts my anxiety. “You were worried huh? It’s startin’ to sound like you like me, Goldie.”
“Nah,” I giggle.
“You must like me if you’re answerin’ the phone so late. Admit it,” He urges, and I decide to give the old geezer an inch.
“Fiiiiine, I did agree to go out with you I guess,” I smirk.
“Well then, how ‘bout you drive on out here and I’ll make good on that date.”
“You want me to come to your ranch?”
His place that he loves so much, and he wants me to be there. I smile to myself at the thought of being in his space, and I must be quiet too long because he clears his throat.
“Or I could come to you,” he says, and I swear there’s a little apprehension in his voice.
“No, no, I-I’d love to come to the ranch,” I can’t contain my excitement. The words tumbling out of me. “If you’re sure. I don’t want to be in the way, I know ya’ll are gearing up for the rodeo this weekend.”
He laughs, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite sounds.
“I’ll text you the address, come around five?”
“I’ll be there,” I promise.
“Goodnight, Goldie.”
“Goodnight, Old Man.”
After ending the call, I smile to myself, because this feels good.
It’s been a while since I’ve had these kinds of feelings for anyone, and for some reason…
I trust Reese. I’ve hardly known him for more than a few weeks but he makes me feel safe.
I need to talk to Indy, and knowing her, she’s awake.
The phone rings and Indy picks up, she’s a little breathless and I check the time. It’s well past ten and she’s probably still out running around her dude ranch doing last minute chores.
“What’s up, Buttercup?”
“I’m going to his ranch tomorrow, and I’m kinda freakin’ out.” I blurt.
Her gasp on the other line is followed by a loud crash and I giggle as she curses. “Hold on, gimme a minute.”
Rustling comes through the line and her grunts are followed by a slamming barn door. “Okay, so what’s the plan, you’re just going to his ranch?”
“Yeah. Maybe? I don’t know…” I didn’t think to ask him what exactly we’d be doing.
“Sounds sketchy,” she laughs, panting into the phone. “Suddenly regretting not using the side-by-side.”
A laugh bursts out of me at her admission.
“A little walk will do you good,” I mock, she’s always talking about how lazy it feels to use the side-by-side, plus she can’t use it to get to her bees because she worries it’ll scare them.
“I hate when you use my words against me,” she mumbles before laughing. I can hear her front porch creak under her feet as she gets to her house. “So, this date, what are we thinking?”
Biting my bottom lip, I let it loose and suck in a breath, “I’m excited, nervous… Worried I’ll do, or say somethin’ stupid.”
She laughs, and I can hear her slap her mouth to keep quiet.
“Don’t wake Mama Turner,” I tease.
“You joke, but it’s serious, Mama will chap my hide if I wake her up.” She must make it to her room, because her volume returns to normal. “You won’t do anythin’ stupid. You’re ridiculously cautious when you’re nervous.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Lucy, do you remember the time we snuck out and met with those two boys from the rodeo? You were always watchin’ the door like someone was gonna come bust it down.”
“We really shouldn’t have been there,” I laugh, recalling the way Indy barfed all over one of the boys after trying vodka for the first time.
“Eh, we were young,” her nonchalant cadence makes me roll my eyes. “Either way, my case remains, you won’t do anythin’ stupid. I’m sure he’ll have some grand plan to swoon you.”
“Swoon me?” I can’t help the giggles, they come and they don’t stop as Indy joins me and I worry I might wake Mawmaw.
“You know what I mean!” She hisses. “I’m gonna hit the hay, Buttercup. Call me tomorrow after the date alright?”
“Deal.”