“You mean the ranch’s payroll?” Why would a ranch need to keep law enforcement on its payroll? Unless, of course, it was for security purposes.
“The business I was in before ranching,” he adds, but doesn’t give me time to ask more questions when he says, “Your daughter’s back.” He nods his head toward the window.
I turn to look out the window to find Meghan pulling into the driveway in my car. While I’m always happy to see her return, a tiny piece of me wishes she had stayed out a little longer.
I get the distinct feeling that despite his declaration earlier about needing to leave, he would’ve stayed until whatever time Meghan got home to keep me company.
And I have to say, I don’t entirely hate that idea.
CHAPTER 9
Ellyn
“How’s your wrist feeling?” Wanda, my best friend, former sister-in-law asks.
I hold up my wrist that I’ve secured in a brace since I no longer need the cast.
As the owner of the studio Wanda was able to sneak in a private session for me even though it’s the day after Thanksgiving.
“It feels great,” I tell her as we stand in between the two reformers in the private room of the studio. “The core and lower body emphasis kept the pressure off of my wrist just like you said they would.”
“And the hip?”
“Little sore but not much pain,” I tell her.
“Good.” She pulls me into a hug. “Missed you at Thanksgiving yesterday.”
“You had Charles’ family over,” I remind her.
“You still could’ve come with Meghan.” Meghan went to her aunt’s house after we had our Thanksgiving meal together.
“I like things quiet these days.”
Wanda nods. “And my husband’s family is anything but quiet.”
We both laugh. Her husband’s family is known to get a little rowdy.
“Is Meghan flying out tonight?”
“Yeah,” I sigh. “She wants to get back to the city before classes restart on Monday.”
“I’m so proud of her,” Wanda says. “Everyone in the family knows you’re the one responsible for her drive and hard work. Shanice’s too.”
I wave her off. “Meghan has her father’s work ethic in her.”
Wanda groans. “Don’t compliment my brother. Not when his ass doesn’t deserve it.”
“Stop it,” I say while trying to hold my laughter. Sometimes Wanda’s more upset with Rick than I am. Now, four years out from the completion of my divorce, I hold no anger or ill will toward him, which is freeing.
“Let’s do brunch this Sunday,” she suggests.
“Sounds good. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
After I leave the studio, I’m not quite ready to head home just yet. Today’s the first real day I’ve had out of the house in over a week. My hip feels great, just a little sore, but the doctor said walking may actually help with that.
Instead of heading toward my car, I decide to take a walk around the strip mall where Wanda’s Pilates studio is housed. There are some department stores along with a smaller craft and bookstore that I want to check out.
One of the reasons I fell in love with the town of Harlington is the mix of larger department stores with smaller mom and pop businesses and family-owned shops.
