Chapter 47 Reese
Lucy sounds different this afternoon, not like her usual self as we catch up.
“Goldie, is everythin’ alright?” I ask during a moment of heavy silence. That’s the thing about the phone calls, even though I enjoy them so much I wish I could see her face.
She doesn’t answer right away, and I worry that maybe there’s something going on that she doesn’t want me to know.
“It’s this thing with Indy’s family ranch,” she takes a breath but continues, “I’m tryin’ to figure out a way to raise funds for the camp.”
“The Turner Camp?” I ask, thinking back to the last time I’d heard Yates talk about the Turners.
“Yeah, that’s Indy’s family’s place,” she says, “we had an idea for a fundraiser, so they can keep the camp open and free for the kids, but the town turned it down.”
“What kind of fundraiser?” I ask, thinking about all the land I have here.
“We were thinkin’ of a carnival, you know somethin’ for the kids, and the adults…” she trails off and a thought starts forming in my head. I won’t share it yet because I need to talk to Mason first, but I think he’ll go for it.
“That’s a great idea,” I tell her, “and I know you’ll think of somethin’.”
“Have you got everythin’ packed and ready for the rodeo?” She asks, changing the subject.
I take the opportunity and go along with it. “Yeah, we’re ready to roll in the mornin’.”
“Gonna bring everyone by the diner for some breakfast?” She asks, and I smile.
“You know I am, Goldie,” I tell her, “too bad I can’t have you though.”
She giggles and yawns, “Maybe you can stay with me tomorrow night, then.”“I could never turn you down,” I tell her.
“Goodnight, Old Man.”
“Goodnight Goldie.”
The next morning, we pile into the trucks, Lin starts the bus loaded up with sleepy but excited trainees. Heading out, Cap lays down in the back, Jare sits in the front and we drive while the sun rises.
Parking in the rodeo spots designated for us, we all exit our vehicles and stretch. Lin and Mason are checking off the children that leave with their parents. Only a few of the older kids remain, the twins, Colt, and one of the older girls that Lin’s taken under her wing.
We hop back in the trucks after checking in with the points of contact and head for the diner.
It’s still fairly early so I hope the diner’s not too full.
Realizing with all the rodeo traffic in town, parking is scarce so we find an empty lot around the corner from the downtown strip.
We all walk toward Maxine’s since the trucks are too big to fit into the tight spaces along the road.
Goldie sees us through the windows and rushes to me once Mason opens the door. Her giggle makes me smile and I wrap her up, kissing her and completely uncaring of who’s watching.
When I put her down she whispers, “I missed you.”
“I missed you too, Goldie,” I chuckle, ushering her back inside.
Joining the table, I notice the sheriff and his deputy occupying another table. Deciding to ignore them I focus on Goldie, watching her work. She brings out our drinks, all smiles, and sets them on the table.
Taking our orders she hangs around for a bit and promises to return after checking on the other tables. She avoids the table with the sheriff and deputy, allowing Maxine to take care of them.
Pulling her into my side, I wrap my arm around her waist and she falls into my lap. Gently pushing her hair behind her ear, I whisper, “Is he still bothering you?”
She shakes her head and places a soft kiss against my lips.
“I can handle Brent. You can call off your guard dogs, Old Man.” When I give her a curious look I notice the twins, and Jare all staring hard at the deputy, unfettered contempt in their eyes.
The bell in the kitchen window chimes and she hops up to grab the food.
“Hey, knock that off, y’all.” I tell the boys. They listen, but they aren’t happy about it and it makes me wonder what it is about Brent that has their hackles up.
When Lucy has all the food she brings it to our table, making sure everyone has everything that they need and leaves us to eat.
I’m almost finished by the time Brent gets up and walks to the counter like he’s in a hurry. When my eyes find Lucy behind the register checking another customer out, it clicks why he was so quick to get up, it’s his opportunity to talk to her and she has nowhere to go.
She gives him a fake smile, the forced kind that you give to someone you don’t want to be around, and whatever he says makes her pale.
Forcing my chair back, I walk over. “Everythin’ alright Goldie?”
“Everythin’s fine, Walker.” Brent snaps. “Just two old friends catchin’ up. Ain’t that right, Loo?”
Shoving him back from the register, I get between him and the counter, putting more space between him and my girl.
“I’m gonna put it in plain terms for you,” I warn, “stay away from my woman, Brent.”
“She’s no one’s property,” he sneers and I see red. I know she said she could handle him, and I don’t doubt her one bit, but I sure as shit don’t trust him. He’s the type of guy that never takes a hint, and I’m fucking sick of him making her curl into herself.
“I didn’t say she was property,” I smile, stepping further into his space so I can whisper low enough for only him to hear, “But she is my woman, and I’d be happy to tell you exactly why that is.”