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Between Hope & the Highway Page 6
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Pancake lodged in my throat. Ever since I arrived home, I’d felt a tangible difference, but hadn’t been able to put my finger on it. Now the truth hit me. I usually occupied the center of Benny’s and Addie’s universe, but my orbit had been shifted by that meddling girl. The camel had pushed me out of the tent.
“It wouldn’t have mattered. I swear she shoveled coal to keep a train going the way she inhaled breakfast.”
Dad hissed and shook his head at my words. That’s how he showed displeasure. I should know. I’d been the cause of that reaction all my life.
Benny grabbed five sausages. “I don’t think I can go to the movie. My leg hurts super bad.”
Mom frowned. “Heaven help us. Your sister isn’t going to be happy about that.”
“Maybe Liz could just take her.”
Mom did one of her “Hmmms”’ that meant probably not.
After we finished breakfast, I headed to Dad’s office. Entering through his open door, I dropped a blue file folder onto his desk. As he raised his head, I stared down at him, taking advantage of my height.
“Here are my plans for getting a higher margin back on the cattle. I’ve also outlined a proposal for venturing into horse racing in the next few years.” I didn’t bother with a greeting. The less said between us, the better.
Dad expression barely concealed his loathing. “What makes you think I need to change anything? The ranch had a gross margin return of thirty-three percent last year with all land owned. Our profit was the highest it’s been in a decade.”
“But you didn’t figure in opportunity costs,” I argued. “If you charged opportunity interest on the value of the cattle, that adds more direct costs and cuts your return on the beginning inventory by maybe ten percent. Then there’s opportunity rental—”
“Son, I don’t have time to discuss made-up economic scenarios. You’re not in class anymore. There’s real work to be done.”
“But you’re under-utilizing your—”
“You’re not the only Law who graduated from college. I have my degree from Stanford too, you know.”
“But you’re stuck in the past. At least look this over.” I touched the thick folder of papers I’d invested countless hours of research in over the last few months. “These could put the Bar-M-Law Ranch on the map.”
“Son, you have big dreams but no experience to back them up. Put in a full day of work before you perform slick number tricks on a spreadsheet.”
I clenched my jaw.
“You haven’t spent more than a couple weeks here since you left four years ago. Maybe we’ll talk after you’ve broken a sweat. Right now you’re just a liability on the books with all I’ve dished out for your education.”
“You forced me to go to Stanford.” His expression warned I was treading on thin ice, but it frustrated me that he wouldn’t even take a peek at my work. “My plans would more than pay back my debt. Just my scenario for improving cattle reproductive performance would set you ahead financially by the end of this year. We could increase calving and weaning rates while lowering production costs and—”
“Book smarts won’t save this ranch. Hard work and commitment will—and has. You haven’t dirtied your hands since high school. If I turned you loose, you’d supplement the cattle and run this operation into the ground before winter ended.”
I scowled.
“They don’t teach you everything in business school. There are practical lessons you only learn from years of hard work and comparing notes with other producers and regional ag groups. Maybe in a few years we’ll talk…when you’ve had a chance to impress me.”
“You’re impossible to please.”
“I didn’t say please me. I said impress me. Show me you have what it takes to run this ranch. Intellectual research isn’t enough. Any city slicker can make things work on paper. I know you’re smart, but your genius has landed you in trouble in the past, and I haven’t seen evidence of change. I don’t want smarts. I want dedicated commitment. That means you make wise choices in your time, your family relationships, and your friends.”
“Oh, not this again. Are you going to hold Damon over me forever? It was a mistake, Dad. He paid the price. Let it go.”
“You’re a smart kid, Rawson, but—”
“I’m not a kid. I’m a man.”
“As long as you live under my roof and subsist on my money, you’re a kid to me. And if you even sniff in the direction of that loser friend of yours, I’ll never trust you to handle even the chicken coop. Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal.” I grabbed my folder, making sure my middle finger was aimed at him before marching out of his office.
As I started down the stairs, I felt more determined than ever to help Damon, if only to spite my stubborn old man.
Chapter 13
Liz
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I stooped to gather papers I’d caused Rawson Law to drop as I ran into him at the bottom of the stairs. Crashing into each other was becoming a nasty habit. “I didn’t see you.”
“Obviously.” He grit his teeth as he yanked the loose papers from my hands.
Ever since he showed up last night, a charged cloud of tension had hung about the ranch, ready to shock anyone who got too close. I’d felt sorry for him at first, but didn’t pity him anymore. The man was rude. At meals, he threw condescending smirks or questions my way, and I could read dislike in his beautiful eyes as plain as if it had been written there in permanent black ink.
“Are you going to stand there and stare at me, Miss Ruthersford?”
Too late, I realized I’d been doing just that…but not for the reason the arrogant man insinuated. I was only trying to decide what I had done to deserve his scorn.
“Uh, I need to speak to your father.”
With a mocking bow, he gestured for me to pass. “Enter at your own risk. He’s in a foul mood.”
That was certainly calling the kettle black. I started up the steps, rubbing my arms. Negative vibes clung to Rawson like static electricity, shocking everyone he passed. Even sweet Benny seemed to have a chip on his shoulder. I frowned as I recalled how he’d ditched out on our movie adventure for this afternoon.
When I reached Mr. Law’s office, I took a deep breath and knocked.
“Come in,” he called.
I entered with a smile, the best weapon against bad moods, or so I hoped. “Larry said you needed to talk to me.”
He motioned for me to take a seat. “He told me what you did with Fargo Noon. I wanted to pick your brain about some of the other horses.”
Oh, good. He wasn’t going to fire me. I’d worried about that now that his son had returned. Breathing a little easier, I leaned forward to talk about my favorite subject. Fears fell away and time ceased to exist as we discussed all of my equine charges in detail. When he began sharing his ideas for the future, I became overconfident and shook my head.
“I don’t think that’s the best plan.”
As his eyes narrowed, I wished to snatch back my word. He leaned back in his seat.
“What do you have against selling off the two-year-olds?”
I squirmed. “Uh, I just think you could get more back on your investment if you put in another year of training.”
His fingers tapped together. “Remind me of your credentials. You went to the University of Utah, correct?”
My cheeks flamed. “Only for a semester. I don’t have any formal equestrian training. It’s just a hunch, but I feel strongly that it’d be a win-win for you and your clients.”
“Well, your hunches have been dead-on up to this point, so work up a training schedule with Abe and Larry and run it past me. I think you could be onto something.”
“Are you kidding me?”
I flipped around to see Rawson standing in the doorway looking like an angry bull in a rodeo chute.
“A high school girl who loves horses has a hunch and you fall all over yourself to let her run with it, yet you won’t even read over m
y plans I spent months researching?”
“Why are you eavesdropping on a private conversation?” Mr. Law growled.
“Trying to keep one step ahead of you so you don’t run this ranch into the ground before I have a chance to manage it. I can’t believe you’re listening to this girl.”
My jaw dropped. Girl had never sounded so derogatory.
“Get out!” Mr. Law roared as he stood and pointed to the door.
I wished to disappear and not be an eyewitness to this ugly father-son confrontation. Rawson glared at me before storming out. As I heard his heavy footsteps on the wooden stairs, I released a shaky breath.
Mr. Law’s fists relaxed. “Sorry you had to witness that. My son can be a royal jackass.”
I winced.
His eyes crinkled. “Forgive me, but it’s the kindest word I can think of for him.”
I forced a smile. “We all can be donkeys at times.”
“Some more than others.”
“I’ll get that schedule to you by Friday.” I started out the door, only to pause when he called after me. “Yes?” I looked back at my boss.
“Don’t let what my son said get to you. In my opinion, hunches backed by hard work are worth more than educated research backed by arrogance.”
“Thanks, sir.”
“Call me Bart. You’ve earned the right.”
I beamed. “Thank you, Bart.”
As I made my way downstairs, I couldn’t help but grin. I loved my job and didn’t want to leave, and after that uncomfortable scene, I felt more confident in my position. I might not have much formal training, but I knew horses better than the freckles on my nose. And my boss had just admitted that he valued my contributions, even if his jerky son didn’t.
I could live with that.
Chapter 14
Bentley
Mud kept its form as I pulled the miniature loaf pan away. Wiping my hands against dusty jeans, I studied my new bricks laying out on the blue tarp.
“Are you going to build a high-rise with those?”
I jumped and turned to see Liz approaching, leading Han and Kisser behind her. When I kept staring, she spoke again.
“I’ve never seen your magical kingdom.” Her gaze traveled across the four buildings taking shape at the back of the grove. “You have quite the setup.”
My cheeks burned as I rubbed the toe of my boot into mud. The last thing I wanted her to see was me playing in the dirt. “Uh, it’s for Addie. She likes to play out here, but can’t make anything other than messes.”
Liz tethered the horses. “I’m tempted to join her. This looks fun. If you dug a trench down the middle, you could fill it with water from the hose and have a river through town.”
I chewed my lip, not wanting to appear eager about her suggestion.
“How much taller are you going to make your building?”
“Addie’s building,” I clarified. “Maybe another foot.”
“Can I help?”
I scrunched my nose. “I’m sure you have better things to do.”
“Looks like they need to dry. Let’s take a ride. I already saddled Han for you.”
I wanted nothing more than to go riding, but the thought of being her project kept me from accepting. “You go ahead. I have things to finish here.”
Her lips pursed. “We could just do a short ride.”
“Rawson can take me.”
“Benny, have I done something to upset you?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why have you avoided me all week?”
I ducked my head. “I’m not a little kid like Addie.”
Her brows drew together. “What?”
I kicked a clod of mud. “I’m grown up and can take care of myself.” Tears formed against my will. I blinked them into submission.
“I thought you liked hanging out.”
“That’s before I knew my parents paid you.” I hobbled in the direction of the house.
“Wait.” She caught up to me and blocked my path. “No one’s paying me to hang out with you. Who told you that?”
I stared at my boots.
“Was it your brother?” When I didn’t answer, she said, “You should better than to believe that.” She pivoted and marched back to the horses.
As I watched her go, I wanted to call after her, but words stuck in my throat. Turning the opposite direction, I made my way to the office. Right step…left leg-lift, swing-out, step-down and wince. Right step. Focusing all my energy into walking smoothly, I made my way up the stairs and barged into Dad’s office without knocking.
He looked up from his desk. “What is it, son? I’m busy.”
“Are you paying Lizzie extra to take care of me and Addie?”
He gave me a strange look. “Why in Sam’s hill would I do that?”
“It’s just that she hangs out with me, and I thought maybe she did it because you asked her to.”
He shuffled papers on his desk. “I don’t tell any of the hands what they should do in their free time. If Liz has decided to spend hers with you, you should treasure the time together. It’s a gift.”
I left before he could glimpse my tears. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I ran into my brother.
“Hey, Big Ben. What’s the rush?”
I sniffed and attempted to man up, but Rawson still noted my glistening eyes.
“Whoa.” He grabbed my shoulders. “What’s wrong, bro? Did Dad get after you?”
“No.” I rubbed my eyes against my sleeve. “It’s just allergies.”
His expression screamed doubt, but he didn’t call me out. “Want to go riding?”
“Nah. I need an allergy pill.” It didn’t feel right accepting a ride with him after rejecting Liz.
“We could watch a movie. I need a Star Wars fix.”
“How about a rain-check?”
“Is your leg paining you?”
“No. I’m just worn out.”
Rawson walked me back to the house. “You sure you’re okay?” he asked as I dragged my gimp leg up the stairs.
“Don’t worry about me.” His coddling attitude made me bristle.
“I’ll always worry about you, homey. You my bro.”
We both sounded stupider than a hick on Wall Street when we used our ghetto lingo, but it made me relax. “I love you, dawg.”
“Ditto, homeslice.”
I snorted. “You made that up.”
He winked. “Get feeling better, kid.”
As I reached the landing and spotted Lizzie’s closed door, I wanted to kick the wall. Why had I allowed my insecurities and stupid pride to rule me?
Chapter 15
Rawson
Something was bothering my brother, I could tell. As I watched him trudge upstairs, I wondered what had upset him. I was about to walk away when I saw him pass his door and disappear down the hall. Probably heading to that girl’s room. When I heard a light knock, I knew I’d guessed correctly.
Curious, I crept upstairs and stood outside her open door. The thought of Benny interacting with the girl didn’t sit well with me. My brother’s wavering voice carried into the hall.
“I’m sorry, Lizzie.”
“What happened?”
There was a long pause. “I thought you were being paid to babysit me.”
“How could you think that? You’re one of my best friends.”
My brother sniffed. “Sorry for being a jerk.”
Silence made me peek around the corner. The girl had pulled him into a hug. “If every guy was as jerky as you, this world would be heaven.”
I eased back so as not to be caught.
“Now that you’re not confused, should we take Addie to WALL-E on Saturday?”
“Yeah. And let’s go riding tomorrow.”
“Okay. I’ll make arrangements with Seth to teach me how to drive that old truck your dad said I could use. I’m kind of scared to learn stick shift.”
“Ah, it’s simple.”
“Easy for you to say since you’ve never driven.”
I slid into the bathroom and hid behind the door. Subtle reminders of the normal things my brother had lost depressed me. The girl was wrong. My brother had driven before. I’d actually given him lessons on Dad’s 1998 Ford Super Duty truck when he was only eight, and he’d been a natural. If the accident hadn’t messed him up, he’d be a better driver than me.
Movement outside made me hold my breath. Benny’s door shut. A few seconds later, the girl’s closed. I scrambled out of the bathroom and hightailed it downstairs. It irritated me that my brother was so chummy with her, but with his handicap, Benny probably yearned for someone to talk to besides family.
Feeling unbalanced by memories, I walked out the back door and crawled into the hammock I’d set up last night. It reminded me of the one I’d claimed back in high school after fights with Dad. The blue spruce had grown over the years and now sheltered my hiding spot from the deck.
Gazing into the starry sky, I wondered about Damon. I’d found him in town two days ago skunk drunk and shooting off his mouth to some out-of-towners. I schmoozed them into not beating him up and drove him out to the old homestead to sober him up. It wouldn’t be used until calving season, so the chance of Dad catching wind that my friend was holed up there was minimal. Damon needed a time-out from life. He was really starting to worry me.
In the middle of my thoughts, I heard the rumble of the sliding glass door. Peeking over the edge of the hammock, I picked out a shadow pacing the wooden deck.
“Sure.” It was that troublesome girl talking on her phone.
I settled into my hammock, content to eavesdrop on her one-sided conversation.
“Don’t worry. I’ll get the money. They have no idea how tenacious I can be.”
When she laughed, I frowned.
“It shouldn’t be hard. You taught me well.” She laughed again. “That’s why I love you.”
Was she talking to a lover?
“They’ll never know what hit them. I’ll arrange everything and have the money transferred to you soon.” She giggled. “Oh, yeah. They’re gullible.”
Was she talking about my family? Did the conniving impostor plan to embezzle from Dad…or worse? He’d certainly fallen for her charms. I clenched my fists as she kept talking.