I growled and made my way to the driver’s door, slipped in, and started the car. I put the signal on and pulled out.
When I glanced into the rearview mirror, Truitt had pulled out, done a U-turn, and headed the opposite way.
“Yep. That’s what he was doing.”
“True gentleman that he is.”
“Thanks for calling me back. I’m surprised you got through, I didn’t have a signal at all.”
“Yeah, it goes in and out sometimes. How did the interview go?”
I smiled. “I got the job, but I’ll be working in the ER until they have an opening in the L & D or NICU.”
“That sucks.”
“Well, it’s a job, and I won’t feel like I’m living off of Mom and Dad.”
“Saryn, you know they wouldn’t care. They’re more than over the moon you’re back home and they get to see Liliana more.”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I know, it’s just, I don’t want to rely on them. You know what I mean. I want to provide for Liliana myself.”
He chuckled. “I know exactly what you mean. That’s why I don’t live in the main house.”
“Hey, speaking of. Do you think I could move into one of the cabins that’s set off from the dude ranch?”
“Why don’t you move into the guest house?”
I chewed on my lip and remained silent.
“Oh, I see. Someone wants more privacy, so Mom and Dad won’t see you getting on with your life.”
Laughing, I shook my head. “Isn’t that why you didn’t move into the guest house?”
Ryan laughed. “You’ve got me on that one. I wouldn’t get too excited about dating anytime soon. I’m sure half the guys our age remember the warning I put out to stay away from you in high school.”
I rolled my eyes. “Tim never got the warning,” I pointed out.
“Tim was an asshole. He didn’t care that I wanted to pound his face in because all he thought about was his dick.”
“Amen to that. Listen, Ryan, I appreciate the fact that you think you need to protect me and all, but now that I’m back, let’s not put out that warning again. I really don’t want guys afraid to take me out on a date because my brother threatened to castrate them.”
“I only said that to one guy.”
“Yeah, my date for homecoming my junior year. He was nice.”
Ryan made some sort of grunting sound. “Damn, I shouldn’t have said anything. You wouldn’t have ended up with dickhead if I hadn’t scared off that guy.”
With a giggle, I replied, “You’re probably right. But then we wouldn’t have Liliana right now.”
“That’s true. Listen, you can stay at any of the cabins if that’s what you want. I think you’ll be more comfortable at the guest house, though.”
I let out a sigh. “It’s still close to Mom and Dad. I mean, I love them and I’m happy to be home, but I need privacy. Maybe I should just look at renting a house.”
“If you do that it will hurt their feelings. The guest house is still a good ways from the main house. With the way the trees have grown up between the two, you really are blocked. Besides, Mom and Dad want to see you happy, Saryn. Just take your time jumping back into the pond. The right guy is out there. I promise.”
“It’s not like I plan on entertaining guys any time soon.” My mind flashed to Truitt changing my tire and I ignored the pull in my lower stomach. “It’s just, do you think Mom will still respect my privacy, being in walking distance and all?”
He laughed. “Yes. Just tell her, Saryn. If she starts to but in on your privacy, set it straight. Our folks have always been straight shooters.”
“I just have this weird feeling Mom is going to try and start poking into my life.”
“Isn’t that what all mothers do? She didn’t tell you not to marry Tim, when the rest of us did.”
Laughing, I replied, “That’s where you’re wrong. Both Mom and Dad told me not to marry him.”
“Let’s not deny the fact that they’re right sometimes. Listen, I’ve got to run. I’ll see you at the house tonight for dinner.”
“Is Miranda going to be joining us?”
There was a moment of silence before he replied, “Yes. She’ll be there.”
“Is everything okay with y’all?”
“Yep. I’ve got to go.”
Wow, okay. Something was clearly wrong in paradise. The fact that my brother had dated Miranda as long as he had was a surprise.
“Okay, see ya tonight. Love ya!”
“Love ya, too, sis. Kiss Liliana for me.”
The line went dead. I made a mental note to ask my mother if Ryan and Miranda were having problems. I may not want her meddling in my life, but my brother’s life was a different story!
As I walked into the kitchen, I glanced back over my shoulder at Ryan and Miranda. Something was for sure off with those two.