Chapter 3
Ariel
Greenland, Kentucky
That’s the name of the town Veronica lives in. It’s also the name of my new home for a while. Following the GPS, I turn into a place called Retirement Ranch. As I enter the wooden gates, I take survey of my place of living and employment. It’s a lot of acres of land. From what I can see there’s a long driveway lined with bushes, two separate barns, and on top of a little hill, there’s a huge house. It’s kind of ironic. Though it’s so huge, it’s not extravagant. It’s made with those rocks that houses are made of. There’s a wraparound porch with four chairs and two porch swings. There’s a little bit of ivy on the side of the house. The house itself is three stories based on the number of windows I’m seeing. It’s gigantic, but it’s homey. It’s not like the mansions I would see when visiting some of Greg’s clients.
When I pull up, the door swings open, and Veronica runs out. Her long, brown hair blows in the wind. She looks just the same, but different. She still has that gorgeous, tan skin. It’s her eyes. They’re still that bright blue, but they’re more intense now. Before I can open my car door, she opens it for me.
“I’m so glad you’re here. Trust me when I say, you will never live in fear again.” That brings tears of relief to my eyes. She hugs me, and I squeeze her. It feels good to see her again. “My dad and brothers are waiting inside to meet you. They’re harmless I promise. Teddy is a brute and an asshole, but he’d never lay a hand on you.” She grabs my hand, and leads me inside.
Their house is absolutely gorgeous inside. Right when you walk in there’s a sitting area with beautiful, brown couches with throw pillows shaped like horseshoes. To the left, there’s some stairs that leads to the upper levels. There’s a little balcony above the walkway, and past the walkway is a big kitchen. This kitchen is the stuff made of dreams. A big island in the middle, lots of storage space, a coffee bar, and a glass top stove that’s so shiny you can see your reflection. Then past the kitchen is another sitting area. This one is obviously the living room though. The couches in here are more worn brown couches, a TV, a fireplace, and a coffee table with some coasters and books on it.
Sitting on the couches are three men. One, obviously Veronica’s dad, has graying hair, a face filled with smile lines, and a warm smile on his face. Another one has a baseball cap, on backwards may I add, a clean-shaven face, short hair that’s hidden by his cap, and an awkward smile on his face. The third one is the embodiment of rugged cowboy. A cowboy hat on his head, long, shaggy hair, a beard that would make anyone hot and bothered, and he completes his look with a red flannel, dirty jeans, and cracked cowboy boots. If I were looking to date, he’d be the one I’d go for. Not to mention, he’s got that mysterious brooding thing going on with his intense blue eyes -very much like Veronica’s- and a set frown on his face. I look at each of them and wave, “Hi.”