“So, what will we be doing next week when I come to work with you?” She’d taken shade under a large tree a little distance from the edge of the river and I followed her. Although it was only early in the year, it was quite warm if you were in the sun, and the heat had been on us for the majority of the ride here.
“I need to check the perimeter fences for any repairs that need doing. It normally takes a couple of days, maybe more if there are a lot of repairs. It’s not very interesting, I’m afraid.”
“If it means I get to see more of the ranch, I can’t wait. Will we be going on the horses?” I could hear the excitement in her voice and I chuckled. I didn’t know anyone who could get excited about checking fences. It was a job I did once a month and was boring as hell. It would be nice to have some company this time though. I couldn’t think of better company than the beautiful blonde in front of me.
“No, sweetheart, we’ll take the truck. The ranch is over a hundred fifty acres. It would take too long on horseback.” She nodded and sat down on the grass under the tree. I heard her stomach rumble, and I laughed. “Hungry, Quinn?”
“A little,” she replied, embarrassed.
I held my hand out to her. “Come on, let’s head back.” She nodded and gave me her hand. I pulled her gently to her feet, conscious of her ribs, and led her back to Titan who was grazing in some long grass. “This is probably going to hurt again,” I warned as I mounted Titan and held my arm down for her. She gave me a small grimace before taking a deep breath and grabbing onto my arm. I lifted her as gently as possible, hearing her take in a sharp breath as she sat in the saddle. “Okay?” I asked turning my head to look at her. She nodded and wound her arms around me. I squeezed my boots against Titan and he set off at a walk.
We chatted easily on the way back and before I knew it we were nearing the old barn. Quinn’s stomach had been rumbling the whole way, and I had enjoyed teasing her about it. “I’ll take you back to the house and tie Titan up, while we have lunch. I’ll put him back in his stall after.”
“Okay. Sounds good. I’m starving.”
We rode back to the house in comfortable silence and once inside found Mom and Savannah making lunch.
“You two have fun?” Savannah asked, a huge grin on her face. “I only see one horse out there?” She was looking out of the kitchen window, to where Titan was tied up.
“We used the double saddle. Quinn’s never been on a horse before, and with her sore ribs, I figured she’d be better riding with me for her first time,” I explained.
“I bet you did! Sounds cozy.” She let out a giggle and I rolled my eyes.
“Savannah, behave!” Mom chastised, and I glared at her as I saw Quinn’s face flush red from the corner of my eye.
“I’m just going to use the bathroom. Excuse me,” Quinn muttered, her eyes avoiding everyone as she scurried out of the room.
“For fuck’s sake, Savannah. Way to scare her off.” I angrily yanked the fridge door open and grabbed a soda.
“I’m sorry.”
“Couldn’t you see how uncomfortable she was?”
“I didn’t mean anything by it; I was just winding you up,” she said apologetically. I could tell from her face she was devastated at the thought of upsetting Quinn. I loved Savannah, but sometimes she spoke before she engaged her brain. “Should I go and find her?”
“No, leave her. I’m sure she’ll be back in a minute.” I sighed, taking a swig of my soda.
“You like her, don’t you? That’s why you’re so mad I’m teasing you?”
“Savannah,” I warned.
“Okay. Okay. I’ll stop.” She paused and looked toward the door that Quinn had just left through. “I think she likes you too though, Brode.” I groaned and picked up my sandwich.
“Did you hear a word I said?” I asked her, shaking my head. “I’m going back to work. Tell Quinn I had to go.” I walked over to my mom and I kissed her on the cheek before heading outside.
During our ride, Quinn had told me she was heading into Marble Falls this afternoon with Mom and Sav. I just hoped Savannah didn’t say anything else to upset her.
Quinn
The next couple of weeks passed quickly, and I was finally ready to start cleaning the cabins. The time I’d spent shadowing Brody had been a little awkward. I was meant to spend a week with him, but I’d only managed four days. I made an excuse after the fourth day that I was feeling unwell. Ever since we’d taken Titan out to the river, things had become a little weird. I had no idea what had changed, but there was barely any conversation and I felt like I was in the way when I was with him. Back at the house, Brody would spend most nights either out or in his room. He was avoiding me, and I had no idea why.
As I wasn’t helping out around the ranch yet, I began to feel guilty about living in Claire and Ryan’s house and not contributing. I made sure I cooked a meal for everyone each night, but that still didn’t seem enough. I was desperate to start work so I could pay my way. Convincing Claire and Ryan that I was ready, they’d agreed I could start the following Monday.
It was Friday afternoon, and it was safe to say I was dreading the weekend. It was Claire and Ryan’s wedding anniversary and Ryan had booked them a weekend away in Austin. This left me and Brody alone in the house. Sav, Josh, Lib, and Mason, were going to one of Savannah’s friend’s birthday parties. Savannah had asked me to go along, but with no money to buy even a card, I felt awkward tagging along. Instead I’d planned to cook meatballs and sit in front of the TV all night, assuming Brody would either be going out or spending the night in his room. What I hadn’t told anyone was that today was my birthday. It was the first one since my mom had died and I really didn’t see the point in celebrating. I was more than happy for the day to pass by without a fuss. The one and only thing I wanted for my birthday was a hug from my mom, and that was never going to happen.
After eating early, I made my way upstairs to shower. I’d left meatballs for Brody on the stove. He could help himself when he got in if he wanted to. Taking an extra-long shower, I washed and conditioned my hair, before pulling Brody’s Dallas Cowboys shirt on. I had a pair of shorts on underneath, but the shirt almost came to my knees, completely covering the shorts. I didn’t bother drying my hair, I just plaited it down my back and left it to dry naturally.
Making my way downstairs, I grabbed a soda from the kitchen along with an armful of snacks to eat in front of the TV. Swinging the door to the den open I stopped mid stride. Brody was sitting on the couch eating his dinner. “Oh...” I stuttered. “Sorry. I didn’t realize you were home. I’ll go watch TV in the sitting room,” I told him, turning to leave.