14
Spur didn’t particularly enjoy gardening, but he had a debt to pay and pay it he would. The sun burned hotly overhead as he got the honeysuckle planted. He stood and stretched his back, a groan coming out of his mouth.
Olli had not made an appearance yet that morning, though the gladiolus she’d ordered stood over on the sidewalk, waiting for him to get them in the ground too.
His phone rang before he could take a step toward them, and Spur stared at the word Mom on the screen. He didn’t really want to talk to her yet, but he supposed it had been a few days since the picnic.
“Hey,” he said. “What’s up, Ma?”
“Good morning,” she chirped. “I came to see if you had time for lunch today, but Cayden says you’re not even on the ranch.”
“I’m repairing some damage our sheep did,” he said, being careful not to say anything like, I’m at Olli’s, or I’m helping Olli.
He hadn’t lied either. He probably should’ve said a prayer before answering a call from his mother, but there hadn’t been time. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and waited for his mom to get to the point.
“Your father and I would like to have dinner with you and Olli.”
Spur hated any sentence that came from his mother that started “Your father and I.” Daddy did it too, and Spur really wished they’d just speak for themselves.
“I don’t think so, Mom.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’ve only been seeing her for a week. I don’t think we’re to that stage where I take her home to meet my parents yet.”
“You brought her to the picnic.”
“No,” Spur said. “I invited her to come, and thankfully, she didn’t break-up with me over how insane everyone is.”
“Is this serious?” his mom asked.
“Did you hear the part where I said I’ve been seeing her for a week?” Spur gazed at the land in the distance, easily picking out the features on the ranch he knew so well. “Mom, I don’t think you should get your hopes up, okay? We’re just friends. I’m helping her with an investment.” That should get her off his back for a while. He could circle back to it once things with Olli did turn serious.
“Spur,” his mother said, her voice stern now. “Tell me you’re not giving her money.”
“No, Ma.” He sighed and wiped his face again. “I’m not giving her money.” That might be easier than winning over Frank Renlund though.
“Some women will do anything to get money,” his mother said.
Spur knew that. Not as well as Ian, but well enough. “We’re just having a good time, Ma.” He sighed and turned around, coming face-to-face with Olli. He sucked in a breath, his mind racing.
How much had she heard?
Enough, judging by the sharpness in her eyes and the snarl on her lips. She carried two cups of coffee, and she cocked her eyebrows at him as she deliberately turned one upside down and poured it out.
He jumped back as the hot coffee splashed his boots, and said, “Olli, just a second,” as she stormed away from him. “I’ll call you back, Mom.” He hung up and shoved his phone in his back pocket, calling, “Olli, wait,” again.
She did not wait, and she could move fast when she wanted to. She went up the front steps to her porch and straight inside before Spur had even reached the sidewalk.
“Stupid,” he said to himself, still intent on going after her. He reached the door and tried the knob, but it was locked. He pounded on the door with an open palm. “Olli, come on,” he said.
The door flew inward as she yanked it open. “We’re just friends?”
Spur opened his mouth to respond, but she held up her hand.
“You’re just helping me,” she said. “We’re just having a good time.”
He did not like the sarcastic tone in her voice.