“Topper didn’t have anything to do with this. I spoke with your mother last night,” Rusty says. “Your mother and I decided to reach out to Charlie. You are the heart and soul of this ranch, Duke, but we are still your parents.”
“Is this about the ranch or getting Charlie and I talking again?” I ask.
Rusty shrugs and cuts his sausage. “Little bit of both, I’d say. Your mother has her hands full with your sister, but she’s worried about Charlie. This will be something good Charlie can do for the family, for the ranch, and for your relationship.”
Normally, I would be boiling mad, but as my thoughts drift to the woman sleeping upstairs, I’m oddly comforted. I get up to get more coffee and then fill Topper and Rusty’s cups.
“So,” I start, sitting back down. “When do I see Charlie?”
Topper sits back and sets his palms on the table. “Can I say … this sausage … the touch of maple is sending me right over the edge.”
“When?” I say, my voice rising.
“Next week,” Rusty says. “He’s picking you up, and he said that you need to finda suit.”
“Welp, now I’m pissed off,” I say. “Can’t this wait until our crew from World Explorer leaves?”
“Awww.” Topper points his fork at me. “You want to wait until Roxanne leaves so you don’t miss any time with her?”
“No,” I say a little too loud. “I want to make sure we finish out the summer with them in a positive way.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll host a Fire Circle and campout before you leave,” Topper says.
“Roxanne doesn’t seem to enjoy being out in the wild.”
“You better talk to her then,” Topper says, clearing his plate and Rusty’s.
“You’re want to go so you can share a tent with Allie,” I say to Topper.
“Can’t hear you, dear! Need to help Stedman get horses to pasture! Love you!” Topper grabs a bottle of water and makes his exit.
Rusty stands when I do and has a “listen to me boy, I’m the only father you’ve ever known” kind of look on his face.
“I know, I know,” I say before he speaks. “If this is what you and Mom want, I’ll do it.”
“We think it’s best. Thank you, son.” Rusty gives me a pat on the back. “And thank you for breakfast.”
I push the thought of my brother out of my mind as I pour Roxanne’s cup of coffee and start on my daily note—a masterpiece of a stick figure holding a flower.
into the wild
ROXANNE
Something warm brushesmy face and also …
Is it raining?
Ewww.
Nope, that’s drool, someone is drooling on me.
Someone with fish breath.
“Yuck, Jameson,” I croak, flinching back as his massive tongue swipes across my chin. He lets out a playful grunt, and though I try to push him away, he moves in to lick my face.
Once I get him settled down, I blink away the sleep still hugging my eyes.
Where am I?
