“You do what? Wait, you’re helping out at his ranch on top of your chores here and schoolwork?”
“Yes, sir.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and try to tamp down my frustration. He’s helping the enemy. That old man is taking advantage of my son, no doubt.
Sometimes, I think that I am failing this kid miserably, and then there are moments like this when I know I must’ve done something right for him to have such a big heart.
It takes a special kind of person to see the softer side of Frank Bishop. That’s for sure.
“I know everyone thinks he’s a jerk, but he’s always been nice to me.”
“Does your granddaddy know?” I ask.
Caleb shakes his head. He’s nervously pacing as he watches Sutton’s truck barrel down the driveway.
“I wonder if I should go over there with Doc Sutton, maybe…” he says.
“No,” I laugh. “You don’t need to play the peacemaker for that family. Miss Caroline tried so hard and couldn’t even do it. You’re a special kid in that way, son, but it’s not your bridge to fix.”
He nods and smiles. “I know, Dad. I just hope that Doc Sutton can have the same relationship with her dad that I have with you.”
He walks off, and I stare after him, shaking my head in disbelief. This kid surprises me every day.
“You know,” Benny interjects as he walks up behind me. “I just really think that kid came from someone else. He looks like he fell out of your ass, but he’s got a heart and a sense of humor, and you’re a crotchety old—”
“I learned that from you,” I joke as I shoot him a playful glare.
“Can’t even deny that.”
“Did you know he was going over to the Bishop Ranch?”
“Yeah, I try to keep an eye on him the best I can. I know you can’t be everywhere at once.”
“I appreciate that, but why in the hell wouldn’t you say something to me? You know damn well that old bastard is taking advantage of him.”
“Do you really think I’d let that happen?” Benny snaps back at me.
I pull back a little, taking a breath as I do. He’s right, Benny always had my back growing up, and I know that he treats Caleb like his own child.
“I’m floored that Bishop hasn’t run him off with a shotgun yet.”
“Probably would have if it weren’t for your mama taking him over there first.”
“You think Dad knew her and Miss Caroline were still friends?” Wade shifts on his feet.
“There ain’t nothing happening on this ranch that your daddy don’t know about. Sometimes, it’s best to look the other way. Bishop is only a danger to himself and those in his direct line of fire. I was kind of hoping that Caleb would rub off on the crotchety old bastard.”
“He’s definitely worked his magic on you,” I tease.
Benny chuckles, nodding as he does. He stops and pins me with a steely gaze.
“You going to tell me what the beef is between you and blondie?”
“There’s no beef.”
“Bullshit,” he coughs. “You two used to be friendly, used to be friends. The sexual tension between the two of you was thicker than molasses. Why do you think Caleb was pacing and fidgeting? Even your fifteen-year-old sensed something was up.”
I shake my head. “Family rivalry.”
