Jessie
I knew this was coming,but now that it’s here, I want to run away.
Between yesterday’s busy day at the vendor market and my mom’s feelings about seeing Sawyer, I evaded the big talk about school.
But not for long. My mother has called me into the living room and asked why I’m still at the ranch. And why I have so many bags in my room.
I square my shoulders and look across the coffee table at my parents, who are both seated on the couch across from me. Taking a deep breath, I say, “I was asked to withdraw from school because they found out I was operating a poker ring."
My mom blinks hard, over and over, until she finally squeezes her eyes closed. My dad stands up, his face contorted into anger.
"Jessamyn Janice Hayden, you'd better be telling me the worst joke of my life."
"I'm not kidding, Dad. I'm sorry."
"You're going back," he thunders. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out his phone. “I’m calling the dean right now.”
I fold my hands in my lap, but I'm careful to keep eye contact with him. "I am not going back."
His lower lip shakes, and he looks down at my mom for help. They've been married for so long she can read his mind. She says, "You need to get a college degree, Jessie. This is a big mistake."
"Maybe I will in the future, or I'll do it online. Like Warner." I shoot my dad a look as I wait for him to challenge me, but it doesn't come, so I continue. "But this ranch needs me, and I want to be here. I want to work."
My dad sinks back down alongside my mom and tosses his phone on the cushion beside him. "No," he says, the refusal muffled by the hand he holds cupped over his mouth.
"Yes," I reply. I'm far too stubborn to give up so easily.
"Jessie," my mom starts, adopting an on-purpose, calm air. She does this when she's preparing to lay down the law in a peaceful way. I've been the target of this method a hundred times and seen it countless more with my brothers. When it comes to me, she has about a fifty percent success rate.
"Ranching life is hard, hon. It requires a certain type of love and commitment." She glances at my dad. "And maybe even a mild level of insanity."
He doesn't crack a smile.
"I grew up here, Mom. I already know all that."
"You don't know it the way we do, Jessie.” Exasperation comes through in her tone. “You were a child during the tougher times. The ranch isn't all fun and games."
"I know that, too," I answer, digging my heels in. "I also know you're in trouble now, and I can help."
"Wes is going to handle it," my father says harshly.
"All by himself?” My eyebrows lift. “He's going to single-handedly deliver water to every blade of grass on Hayden land?"
"We have employees, Jessie. Cowboys. They help Wes every day."
"Wes lost his second-in-command when Warner went to teach. Wyatt didn't want the position. As far as I can tell, it's still empty."
My dad scrunches up his face. "Are you telling me you want the job?" But he's not asking a question, not really anyway. He's incredulous.
"I realize I'm your last choice. You've already gone down the line of all your other children."
"You've been away at college."
"I'm here now,” I grit out. My hold on my temper is becoming tenuous.
"Absolutely not." My dad’s voice is deep and rich, a final answer.
And I do not accept.
