They walk over and hover by the door that I’m essentially blocking.
Jett raises one eyebrow. “Everything okay, Mr. Owens?”
I clear my throat. “There’s someone else helping out today. You might know her. It’s—”
“Miss McCloskey?” Chip finishes with a wide grin. “Everyone knows you two are dating.”
Tanya’s presence would be much easier to explain.
“No, it’s not Tan—Miss McCloskey. It’s an old friend of mine. Her name is Sutton.” I clear my throat again. “Sutton Everett.”
Jett gapes.
Chip laughs. “You’re joking, right?”
It’s not just a saying. Hedoesthink I’m joking, so I let a serious expression and a sigh answer for me. “Act normal, okay? Can you two manage that?”
They both nod after alongpause, but the wide-eyed expressions aren’t nearly as convincing.
When we walk inside the barn, Sutton is leaning against the metal fencing that prevents the cows from wandering into the center aisle, rubbing Daisy’s head. As the last Jersey in the herd, her brown flank is easy to distinguish.
Sutton looks over at the sound of our footsteps.
“Holy shit,” Jett murmurs behind me.
“This is Jett and Chip,” I tell Sutton, nodding toward each teenager as I say his name. “They help out around here. Guys, this is Sutton. Joe is—er, was her grandfather.”
Sutton rubs her palms on her shorts and walks over with a smile. “Nice to meet you both.”
Silence.
I smirk. Usually, I can’t get Jett or Chip to stop chatting to get a word in edgewise. “Good talk, guys.”
“Little more warning next time, Mr. Owens,” Chip suggests.
There won’t be a next time.
I was doubtful she’d be returning anytime soon already. If David mentioned to Sutton he’s selling, he’s already decided that’s what he’ll do. She’ll never be back.
Sutton laughs, and the light sound jerks me out of my mental black hole.
It doesn’t matter, I tell myself. If I keep thinking it, maybe I’ll start to believe it.
She raises an eyebrow at me. “Mr. Owens, huh?”
“Jett and Chip are students of mine,” I admit.
“Really?” She drawls the word in a teasing tone I’ve never built up any immunity to. There’s a smile pulling her lips up and creasing her cheeks with dimples. “I hope Teddy is offering you guys extra credit.”
Suddenly, two pairs of eyes are on me.
David pays Jett and Chip to help out around here. They’re not looking at me because they’re expecting me to start shelling out bonus points. They’re looking because Sutton’s words are familiar. Affectionate almost.
“YouknowMr. Owens?” Chip asks. Incredulity covers every syllable.
I like to think, as one of the younger teachers at the school, I’m considered somewhat cool, but the disbelief in his voice tells another story.
It’s a question meant for Sutton, but I answer, “We went to high school together.”