“I’m sure it’ll be fine, Alice. We take care of each other here. You’ll see.” I almost believe Owen’s words.
We say our goodbyes, and I agree to meet Rosemary tomorrow morning at nine o’clock. As I drive toward the assisted-living facility Gran is in, I make a mental to-do list of everything I need to take care of tonight before putting the things I unpacked at the hotel back in my car.
Starting over is exhausting.
FIVE
the fuck? you’re joking
Arthur
“Heyyyy, buddy.” Owen’s jovial tone as he walks into my house immediately throws me off. He’s up to something and I’m probably not gonna like it.
“Whoa. Stop. Who are you? What did you do to Owen?” He responds to that with a glare, and all is well with the world. “What do you need, old friend?” We’re nearly the same age, but I love riling him up by calling him old. It’s something my siblings have always done to me since I’m the firstborn, and it gets under Owen’s skin way more than it ever got under mine.
“Shut up,” he mumbles. “I’m about to make your day.”
“Oh?” He’s full of shit, and I know it. But I’ll humor him, nonetheless. “And is this your doing or your wife’s?” I love them both, but I like to pretend they’re pains in my ass. Truth is, without Owen, I might not be doing as well as I have been for the last couple of years. Might not finally own the farmhouse that felt like home from the moment I set foot in it.
We made it official a few weeks back. Owen and Maeve agreed to split the land, so I get a couple of acres out of their forty or so, and now I have my little house on my own slice of Ojai soil. Sometimes I still can’t believe it, and I owe them—Owen especially—a hell of a lot, even if they vehemently disagree with that statement.
“I’m not at liberty to say.” His pointed stare makes me chuckle. Just as I thought. Maeve had an idea, and he’s here to present it to me. The last time this happened was when they decided to bring on the occupational therapist, and I was all for that. So much so that it inspired an expansion plan. In preparation, I’ve been attending seminars, training, looking for new horses, and updating all of my first aid certifications so the OT isn’t the only one who can help in case of a medical emergency. All of that on top of having Rosemary guide me in becoming a certified trainer while showing Gear the ins and outs of managing the ranch.
“All right. Out with it.” Luther, my rowdy but extremely loveable dog, curls up on top of my feet as Owen and I sit around the kitchen table. It’s one of the few places in this house that would be considered large. The kitchen is roomy, but so is the back porch, which also happens to be my favorite place, thanks to the mountain views.
“So the OT starts tomorrow. We met her earlier. She’s great. Paige, Corey, and Sam really liked her. They’re already toying with her nickname being Whinny.” He shoves a handful of chips in his mouth, and I bite my tongue to hold back my laugh. As he coughs and sputters profanities, reaching for my untouched glass of water, I let my laugh out. Dummy had no idea they were the Marmite flavor that only Maeve and I like. She shares her British snacks with me, and it’s no secret that Owen thinks theseare vile. “Fucker,” he whispers before continuing, “Anyway, she’s your new roommate since Maeve offered her a place to stay with you to be closer to work. There. How do you like them apples?”
“The fuck? You’re joking.” The smile has completely vanished from my face. I’m the oldest of six kids, and my grandmother has lived with us my entire life. I have relished in living alone. The silence. The lack of needing to give a shit about what I do and when… It’s a kind of freedom that once got me into big trouble, but now one that I deem priceless and very much necessary. Owen’s stoic and slightly apologetic face tells me that he is not, in fact, joking.
“She said it’s temporary, just until she finds another place close by, and she wants to pay you rent.” His knowing look says it all. When Owen came to Ojai, we were roommates. He’s richer than rich, so I know us living together was entirely for my sake. When he bought this property and I moved into the farmhouse, it was supposed to be temporary, too. I paid Owen whatever I could for rent while fixing up the old house, making it what it is now. When I asked him if they’d sell it to me once I had enough saved for a down payment, he showed me a number on his phone. He had saved all of my rent payments. For years. He cashed every check and kept the money aside, with the intention of giving it back to me so I could buy my own place. That’s just the kind of guy he is.
“Fine,” is the only response I can give.
I never stood a chance anyway. If I said no, Maeve would come over here and give me hell. Rosemary would probably kill me. But I can’t say no. I wouldn’t. I don’t know what the new OT’s situation is, and I’m hoping it’s nothing like mine was back then, but it doesn’t matter. Ifsomeone needs help, you help them. Like the beautiful stranger at the bar last night.
Better not let my thoughts run away with that, though. I scratch the stubble on my chin and look up at Owen. “I’ve only ever lived with women I’m related to, though, so I don’t know what this is gonna be like.”
Owen’s deep laugh rouses Luther from his nap, and the dog lets out a loud sigh of annoyance before tucking his snout back under his leg. “I’m sure you’ll be just fine. Your family prepared you well.” After a short pause, he adds, “She moves in tomorrow.” My eyes grow wide at this previously unmentioned detail. “Which means I should get going. Don’t stay up too late. Better yet, just get some rest. The place looks great, and with the way you’ve been going lately, you probably won’t even see her for another week.”
He’s not wrong about that. I’m trying to keep up with everything, and it’s led to a string of very long days. Who knew expanding was going to be so much work?
Owen knocks on the table twice as he stands, and Luther barks out loudly, just once. I snap my finger before he can continue making noise and throw my friend a scolding glance as he winces apologetically. This dog has more baggage than I do, which is maybe why we get along so well. He’s still learning how to deal with triggers and past trauma, so sudden noises aren’t welcome.
With a pat on my shoulder, Owen says bye, gives Luther some ear scratches, and is on his way. I start on getting the bedroom set up before I give the whole house a clean, like Owen knew I would. He lived with me long enough to know that the need for a clean and tidy space was always important to me. I hope my new roommate is as understanding as Owen.
SIX
a Sam Elliot look-alike, complete with the scruffy mustache and everything
Alice
This morning, I came straight to the stable. I thought I’d get here early enough to meet the guy everyone simply refers to as ‘the boss,’ but he was already gone when I arrived at eight. I did end up staying and helping the team for the day. I wanted to get a feel for their routines and how they do things. I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes—literally and figuratively—and I’d like my focus to be on the patients rather than on whether or not I’m doing something right or pissing someone off by putting things away incorrectly.
The anxiety I’d been feeling about meeting my new boss and roommate was settled by everyone having nothing but nice things to say about him whenever I asked. Between that and how easy today felt, the day flew by.
Gosh, it feels good to be around horses again. I missed the peace that comes from their steady presence. I needed it after showing up to see Gran yesterday and having herthrow a pudding cup at me. She’s been angry and confused because of the move, but I know this is for the best.
For both of us.
