Chapter 2
TWO
KARL
I’ve never wanted to win someone over as much as I did with blondie.
Even though she looked at me like I was the shit she stepped in for most of our short interaction, I did get a glimpse of the person hiding under the mood.
A petite blonde with bright blue eyes and a gorgeous smile that started cold but warmed up quickly.
I shouldn’t think about her, though. I know the type.
I grew up in the same community, yet somehow was always on the outside.
There was always a divide between the real farm kids, up before dawn to help with chores, versus the kids who showed up to the barn where their pretty little ponies were already saddled and waiting.
I'd be shocked if any of them knew which end of the pitchfork was which.
But what if she does?
“Patty’s got a gnarly shit stain, K,” my brother groans, joining me in our farm tent behind the cow stalls and jerking me away from inappropriate thoughts.
I drop my left rubber boot beside my chair with a thud. “And?”
“It’s your turn to deal with it.”
“How’d you figure that?” I ask, slipping my right boot off and dropping it beside the left.
“I did the last one,” he whines, plopping down next to me.
“Since when is there a pattern for this kind of thing? You noticed it. Therefore, you should clean it,” I counter, slipping on my work boots and tying them up.
“If we are a team, then there should be an equitable division of the labor,” he shoots back.
“Someone listened in his labor studies course.” I settle further into the chair, physically announcing that I won’t be getting back up any time soon. I’ve been on my feet since five a.m., and even though it’s only eight p.m., I’m ready for bed.
“And you act like you never took a university course in your life.”
“True, that is why the farm books are in such good shape and Dad has been able to focus more on the side of the business he actually likes.” I like the routine of the farm, but unlike my dad, I crave the challenge of the business side of things. I need both if this is going to be my future.
Matt looks over at me and sighs. “I’m sorry. You know I didn’t want to be here. Last year Mom said that once I was away at school, I wouldn’t have to be involved with the farm stuff until summer.”
“I don’t think she talked to Dad about that,” I say, tipping my head against the wall behind me and closing my eyes. “You know they don’t communicate well when it comes to us and expectations.”
“Is Kate coming at all?” he asks with a bit too much interest dripping from his words.
My eyes slide to the side. “Not this year. Why?” I inquire suspiciously.
“No reason.”
“Liar.” I roll my head to look over at him.
“She’s just an extra pair of hands, that’s all,” he grumbles, playing with a button on his shirt.
“Well, we broke up, so I wouldn’t count on her showing up out of the goodness of her heart.”
“Broke up?” Matt sits up straighter.
“Yeah, last month. Mom didn’t tell you?”
“No.” He pouts, looking hurt.
“Well, she probably thinks we are getting back together. Mom was mad at me because she already had a Christmas gift for Kate.”
I keep talking, but I can tell my brother has tuned me out.
I can see it all over his face as he thinks of the possibilities.
He’s been in love with Kate since we were kids.
To be fair, I’d also had a crush on her when we were younger.
Being away at the same school just made it easier for me to make a move.
Our relationship was never going to end in marriage, and we both knew it. She wanted out of our small town after university, and I had always wanted to remain and take over the farm. If anything, we’d been friends with benefits, which had suited us both just fine.
“Maybe in the new year, you should give her a call,” I suggest nonchalantly.
Matt looks over at me like I’ve offered him something precious and terrifying. “Seriously? You want me to call your ex?”
I shrug. “Sure, why not? We were never going to be more than what we were anyway. You both have similar goals. I say, why not test the waters if she’s up for it?
Besides, she’s still at school, which means she’s only a couple of streets over from you.
” Christmas morning, that’s what is reflected on his face.
Gone is the terror, and in its place, dreams coming true.
“But only if you clean the stain off of Patty,” I insist, standing and stretching. “I’m going to get some dinner.”
Halfway to the food hall, I change my mind about going out there dressed like this.
Our camper is just outside, so I may as well change into something that smells less like a cow.
Not that I think I’m going to run into blondie or anything.
I just don’t want to bring the stench of bovine with me while I walk amongst the people trying to enjoy their overpriced fair food.
If I happen to run into her, well, losing the whole farmer Joe persona will probably work in my favor.
Dressed in clean jeans, a fresh plaid button-up, and my non-barn boots, I head to the food hall in search of dinner.
I’ve usually got a one-track mind when I’m near food, but tonight I’m hyper-aware of the people around me.
It’s not as busy as it usually is, likely because one of the big horse shows is tonight.
I’m realizing now it seems pointless to be looking for her.
She’s probably got prime seats for the event.
Hell, she could very well be competing in it.
When my stomach rumbles, I turn my full attention to the food vendors that are set up around the perimeter of the hall.
The nice thing about a massive country fair in the middle of the country’s largest city is that the food options are as diverse as the city itself.
Pierogies, roti, dumplings, sushi, kebabs, vegan, poutine, tacos, and even a stand selling haggis.
As tempting as it would be to show back up to the tent with haggis, just for Matt’s reaction, my nose carries me in the direction of the roti stand.
Hot chicken roti procured. I line up for a potato rosti for Matt. He eats one every day he’s here, and he refuses to put anything on it like a psychopath. Even ketchup is too exotic for my brother. I swear I got taste buds for two.
On my walk back, I start formulating a plan to go in search of blondie after I finish eating. As a vendor, I may be able to sneak my way into the arena. If not, I’ll head to the horse barn. I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard it’s swanky compared to where the rest of the farm animals are.
My plans blow up the moment I walk into the barn and into a fiery little blonde no longer wearing stained Converse.