1961
Once they turned off the main road, Bill kept thinking the ranch would be around the next bend of the dirt road. It felt as though they’d been driving for hours since they could only go ten miles an hour on the washboard-ridden road. He was beginning to feel sick to his stomach.
“You look green over there, boy. You want me to pull over for a bit?”
Bill wouldn’t be making a good first impression on Clancy’s brother if he got sick to his stomach riding in a damn truck. He waved his hand. “Nah, I’m good. You can keep goin’.”
“It ain’t much farther,” Clancy laughed. “We’ll get some pop in ya when we get there. That’ll make you feel better.”
“I said I was fine,” Bill snapped.
Clancy grinned at him and rolled down his window. “It’ll be a might dusty, but the fresh air that comes with it will do you good. Hey, look there. We’re here.”
Bill looked up and saw the main gate of the ranch. It was closed, so Clancy stopped the truck and jumped out to open it. Maybe Bill should’ve done that for him.
“I’ll get it,” he said after they pulled through. He didn’t want Clancy to think he was lazy, so he jumped out and closed the gate behind them.
Getting out of the truck for just that short amount of time settled his stomach. He looked off in the distance and thought about telling Clancy he’d walk the rest of the way in, but from where he stood, he couldn’t see any buildings. Who knew how much farther it might be? Could be miles.
As he studied the view, he understood why the ranch was set as far back as it was. From where he stood, he could see all the way to Utah. Hills layered on rolling hills in shades of golden brown. Soon it would turn a thousand shades of green as the earth warmed and the plant-life came out of dormancy. He breathed in deeply. Horses. It was a smell not all found pleasant, but to him, it took him back to happier times. Day after day he and his father had ridden their land on the backs of horses. He’d give anything to go back to the time before his daddy got sick.
“You gettin’ back in the truck or not?” Clancy shouted at him.
Bill climbed in. “Quite a place your brother’s got here.”
“Ain’t just his anymore. I’ll be a full partner soon as he deposits the bank draft. So, I’ll say thanks for the both of us.”
He didn’t ask how much land the ranch encompassed; that would be rude. Plus, if things went the way he hoped they would, he’d be out, riding that land and could figure it out for himself.
“Uh, so…if
you’re a partner, who makes the decision about hiring somebody lookin’ for a job?”
“Guess I forgot to tell you that part. It was a stipulation of my partnerin’ up. We’re a package deal, young Flynn. I don’t have any doubt you’ll work hard for us, son. Just like your daddy taught you.”
Bill looked out the passenger window and hoped the tears that filled his eyes went away before they rolled down his cheeks. “Thank you, sir. I won’t disappoint you.”
4
Tristan was startled when she heard the patio door open. Hadn’t Liv said she’d have complete privacy?
“Uh, hi, ma’am. Sorry, I didn’t know anyone was out here.”
“Hi. Um…I was just about to get out.”
“You can stay. I’m happy to share,” he smiled.
“Thanks, but I’ve been in too long as it is. If you wouldn’t mind turning around, I’ll grab my towel.”
“You know, you look familiar. Have we met somewhere before? Maybe another hot tub?”
“Very funny. No, we haven’t.”
“I think you’re wrong; we have met. I’m sure of it.”
“Listen, I’m a bit embarrassed by this, but I’m not wearing a swimsuit. So again, if you’d please turn around, I’ll leave.”
“Now, what fun would that be?” he chuckled. “I don’t mind; I’m not wearing one either.” The man rested his hands on the edge of the hot tub, and when he did, his towel fell to the ground. “I’m Bullet,” he said. “And if I’m not mistaken, you’re Tristan.”