Whiskey and Country

“Sorry. This friend doesn’t argue or leave me for booty calls, so it’s a win-win.”

“I’ll see it for myself ’cause I’m coming down in a few weeks. I need to witness you turning into a mountain man. Do you think you’ll become a lumberjack? Women like that manly-woody vibe, you know.”

“Damn, you’re impossible,” I said between my laughs. “Not everything in life is about sex.”

Tuck whistled. “Yes. It. Is. You’re turning into a monk. You need some action down there. Got a question for you. When you said the other day you were sore from riding that mare, were you talking about the actual animal, or was it the ranch secret code for a cowgirl with a great set of tits and a greedy tongue?”

“My ass cheeks were killing me, man. She gave me the ride of my life. It was wild. I’m telling ya.”

“Oh, she was naughty then. Good for you.”

“You wish.”

We talked some more.

“I have to go. The neighbors are having me over for dinner, and I have to shower and change.”

“You keep mentioning new friends. When did you find time to meet people? You’ve been there, like what? Two hours?”

“Thank the dog. He’s a real matchmaker. Talk to you later.”

* * *

“You drove away from Chicago and ended up in Green Mountain. How is that even possible?” Brett, my neighbor, asked me as we sat around the kitchen table, eating cannelloni Greta made.

“I can’t wait to get out of this hole,” Chaz barged in. “College life will be awesome next year.”

“Wait until you’re stuck in traffic. I lived in Houston for ten years, and as much as I liked it there, I’d never go back. Nothing equals the mountain air, son,” Brett said as he sipped his beer.

“Do you miss Chicago?” the teen asked me.

“It’s too soon to tell. I really love the city. But I hope I’ll like it here as much. Never lived in a small town before. It’s all new to me.”

“We’re glad you moved next door,” Greta chimed in. “Mrs. Rutherford really needs help if she wants to sell the house. It’s been vacant for a while, and that’s a shame. It’s such a beautiful property.”

“Are you looking for a job? They’re hiring at the firm,” Brett asked next.

I shook my head. “Already have this covered.”

“You don’t waste any time, do you?”

“No. That’s the main reason I moved here.”

“If you require anything, even if it’s just sugar, let us know. We’ll be happy to help and show you around.”

After dinner, I walked back home through the line of trees with a light heart.

In a very short span, more like hours, Green Mountain had made a mark on me. People I didn’t know were happy to have me around. It was too soon to call them friends, but they made me feel like I belonged. Somehow.

The next morning, I woke up around seven. I made my way to the garage and found everything I needed to fix the front porch stairs.

Chaz and Buddy met me after lunch.

“Can I give you a hand?” the teen asked.

Buddy curled under a lilac tree and sighed as he made himself comfortable.

“Sure. You can mow the lawn. Then we’ll paint the borders. They’re not so white anymore.”

“Great. I’ll go change and be right back.”

Chaz and I worked side by side for the next two hours. Greta brought us sweet tea, and we took a break, sitting on the front steps I’d repaired earlier. Scanning around me, I enjoyed the work we’d accomplished in a day. I studied the porch. It missed something. Yes, I should get a swing. I’d always wanted one of those. They looked homey. And would fit perfectly here.

Reality hit me.

Homey.

Since when did I start thinking about this house as my own? It made no sense.

“You really want to get out of here?” I asked Chaz, changing the topic. He nodded. “Where would you go?”

“Moving to Columbus soon. It isn’t Chicago or New York, but it’s a start. I’ve been dreaming of leaving this place for a long time. I can’t believe someone like you would want to move here.” He shrugged. “You look sane. I tell ya, it’s boring as hell. You’ll realize it soon enough. And I’ve known all the girls here since I was a toddler.”

“No girlfriend then?” I asked, taking a gulp, enjoying the cold beverage as it slid down my throat.

“There was a girl. She dated my best friend.” The boy shook his head with a frown. “She’s out of reach now.”

“Does she like you back?”

He sighed, looking past my shoulder. “Not sure. Anyway, I won’t date my friend’s ex; that wouldn’t be right. Bro code and shit.”

“Sure.” I hid my smile behind my glass. Been there. Chaz should have had this talk with Jace.

“Mama wanted me to tell you we’re having a barbecue with some friends on Friday night. You’re welcome to join us.”

The invitations kept pouring.

“Sure. I’d like that. Count me in.”

“Great. I need to go. I’m on dinner duty tonight. See you tomorrow, Nick.”

“Bye, Chaz. And thanks for your help.”