16
RED
We’re getting ready to leave Ninilchik and head off the peninsula and while Mags is returning the cabin keys to Pinky, I decide it’s time for a quick call back home.
“The man of the hour,” Rhett says by way of a greeting, making me laugh.
“Well, that’s one hell of a hello.”
“It’s well deserved. That deal with Rod and the rodeo means we can breathe easy and keep growin’ the Stud. This is goin’ to look after us and our families for years.”
“It sure is,” I reply, my chest filling with pride.
“Rod called me this mornin’ and he’s decided to hand off two lesser-used Bulls after the last event of the season in palmer. Austin and I will meet y’all there with the trailer so we can bring them back. You OK with that?”
It’ll be good to see Rhett and Austin, but it’s also signaling the end of this road trip with Mags and a reminder that comeSunday, Mags and I will return to Spring Haven and our normal lives.
“Sounds good,” I reply. “But I didn’t call to talk about the ranch. I thought you wanted menotto work too much on this trip?”
Rhett laughs. “You’re always workin’, Red. That’s just who you are.”
“You’re right.” I look through the path toward Pinky’s house to where Mags and the woman herself are chatting. “This new rodeo contract might mean we can change that though, don’t you think? It might be time we start lookin’ at havin’ a bit more balance in our lives. Especially now that all of y’all are settlin’ down and startin’ families, and?—”
"Wyatt’s flown the coop?”
I start pacing across the cabin’s front yard, rubbing the back of my neck as I go. “Yeah. There’s that too, I guess.”
The line falls silent. “ThisisRed Grayson I’m talkin’ too, right?
“Ha. Ha. Very funny.”
He chuckles. “I think gettin’ out of town is good for you. Maybe you should become a nomad like Landry and Star.”
“Why’s that? You tryin’ to get rid of me?”
“Nah. It just sounds like this break from everythin’ is havin’ the desired effect.”
“I’m notthatbad, am I?”
“No, Red. Not at all. But you sound a hell of a lot more relaxed and rested than you’ve been for a long time.”Not sure how after sleeping on a stiff sofa bed all night listening to my One sleep inthe bed when I really wanted to be next to her…“It also hasn’t escaped our notice that you and Mags haven’t been tag-teamin’ us with calls since you’ve been gone. Charlie says Mags has only checked in a few times.”
“Funnily enough, Mags and I were talkin’ about that just last night.”
“I take it that y’all are enjoyin’ yourselves while the rest of us slave away here at home?” he teases.
I can’t help but smirk at that one. The last two days have been the most fun I’ve had in years. “We are, but...”
“C’mon, Red. Are you really goin’ to make me drag it out of you?” he asks, proving yet again that I can’t get anything past him. Then again, when you’ve worked together and been friends for as long as we have, you get to know each other like the back of your hand.
“What are you talkin’ about?” I ask, buying myself some time.
“You know damn well what I’m talkin’ about.”
“Are you alone right now?”
“I’m at the farm,” he replies, sounding puzzled. “And everyone else is back at Bull as far as I know. Cora and the women went into town to meet up with the Sallys. What’s goin’ on?”
I take a deep breath and slowly exhale. “I’ve been feelin’ a bit… off.”
