American Honey
Lucky number seven: Kamdyn Fucking Ellis’ girl.
The End
Carey Heywood
Chapter One
“Did you hear someone bought the Wilson place?”
I glance up from my breakfast and into Bess’s pointed stare. What’d I do? “What does that mean for me, Bess?”
A Cheshire-Cat-like grin spreads across her face. “I wondered if you could run this apple pie I baked over to her.”
Her?
I shrug. “Sure. When?”
She turns her back to me and nonchalantly replies, “How about before suppertime, after you’ve showered and changed?”
This smells like a setup. I’ve known Bess my entire life. She’s like an unrelated aunt and a second mama. She’s been more prone to meddle now that my dad’s retired.
I’ve been slowly taking over my parents’ farm since his health deteriorated. My mom and dad even moved out of the main house, moving down to a cabin at the back of the property. My dad’s always been a go getter. Our hope is that tucked away back there, he’ll be forced to take it easy and relax. So far it’s been working.
Our farm, while owned by my family, is also home to three other families in search of a simpler life. We eat what we grow and barter for the things we need and donate any surplus to the local food bank.
Bess would like me to settle down and start a family of my own. I have nothing against women. I’ve just been so busy that none of the single women I know have held my attention.
I had a serious girlfriend a few years back, but farm life wasn’t what she was looking for. From what I hear, she’s married and has a kid living in the city. It’ll take a certain kind of girl to want this type of life. I love the families who call this farm home, even when it feels like I can’t get a moment of peace to myself.
With the weather turning warmer, I’m moving from the main house to another cabin on the property. It’s within walking distance of the main house but gives me peace and quiet during the spring and summer months.
I live in the main house during the winter just because it costs less for us to heat one place. The cabin my parents have moved to has no electricity, but is small enough that the wood stove is all they need for the winter.
“Want to tell me more about this new neighbor, Bess?”
Her cheeks redden and it’s clear she knows I’m on to her. “Her name is Bethany, and Mrs. Brendal said she was a cute little thing, so I didn’t think there’d be anything wrong with you going over and being neighborly.”
“You know I don’t like setups, Bess,” I warn.
“It’s not a setup. I’ve never even spoken two words to the girl. I just figured, since it sounded like she was around your age, it made more sense for you to go over rather than me.”
I cock a brow at her. “And why’s that?”
“You need more friends your age, Beau.”
I groan, but it in no way stops her.
“You work your tail off on this farm. When was the last time you went out or did something just for yourself?” I start to speak but she lifts her hand cutting me off. “You are just like your father, and if I have to banish you from the farm so you’ll relax, I will.”
My shoulders sag. I push back from the table and cross the room to pull her into a hug, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. “Message received, loud and clear.”
“We all love you, Beau. We just want what’s best for you.”
Nodding, I swipe a muffin and head for the door before talk can get any deeper than it already has. I pass Ben, one of the kids living on the farm. He’s maybe ten and likes to think he’s grown.
“Women,” he mutters as I walk past.
Snorting, I nod. “Tell me about it.”