I shake my head to clear those traitorous thoughts. I made a promise to myself that I would provide the barest level of warmth to this man, not even be nice, just not mean. Asking about my name, trying to be friendly. We aren’t friends, we are co-workers. Barely even that! Once he gets his new office space, we will hardly see each other. I couldn’t fucking wait.
Nobody comes to my area of the farm and that’s the way I like it!
I’ve been doing all of the farm's paperwork for years. It's not the most conventional way to run things but our parents were determined to make space within any of the farm's operations for all of their children, as long as it was something we were really passionate about. Us kids always knew Lola was going to take over for Dad, Mabel is the resident crafty queen and Paul, well, Paul went and started his own handyman business, running it as far away from the farm as he could get while still staying within city limits. He still helps around the farm whenever we need him but he explained that he wanted to make something himself.
He brings Henry, his two and a half year old, around as much as possible and wants him to learn the farm aspects like we all did but he insists that if Henry wanted nothing to do with the farm, he would support him. I respect the hell out of my little brother and how he raises Henry.
Henry is my favorite person in the world and probably the only member of the Warren clan that actually likes to spend time with me. I’m sure as he gets older, he’ll come to the realization my sisters and brother have, I’m a grouch and best in small doses. But until that day, I will soak up all the time with Henry that I can and I’ll pray another one of my siblings graces my life with a new niece or nephew who will be able to stand me for just a little longer.
“Meow!”
I halt my stomp through the farm, pausing my attempt to calm myself down so I wouldn’t attempt to murder the Intruder the next time I saw him, and drop down close to the ground, resting on my haunches. A smile teases my lips as I spot my best friend prowling through the grass and flowers. “Honey Cat, come here baby.” I stick my hand out, beckoning the tabby barn cat to come give me some love.
She does not disappoint, nuzzling my knuckles before jumping to rest on my lap. She boops her head against my chest and I move myself so I’m now sitting criss-cross applesauce, creating a small hammock with my skirt in between my legs for my feline friend. She purrs in what I am going to assume is appreciation and I can feel my temper simmer to its regular low boil.
Honey Cat appeared randomly one day last summer and hasn’t left. She is the unofficial mascot of Warren Farms. Coming and going as she pleases and takes no shit from anyone. In a way, she’s my hero. Especially because the only two people she will let remotely close to her are Henry and myself. She is obviously a genius with impeccable taste in companions. Henry was instantly enamored by the feline and named her, refusing to entertain any other suggestions. She’s a cat at a honey farm. Simple and to the point.
I decide to stay in the field as long as Honey Cat will keep me company. It’s a fairly nice day and I could use a moment to rest my eyes. I’d been working night and day, making sure every t was crossed and i’s dotted on the needed permit applications. Anything I could do to get that building up and running, I was determined to make it happen and that was before meeting the Intruder.
Now, I could guarantee the permit office would be getting constant check in calls to make sure our work wasn’t stalled inany way. If I could attempt some charm, maybe I could even get them to expedite things.
Ha, yeah right.
I had as much charm as a snake, curled up in a basket listening to some idiot try to coax me out with a pungi.
Chuckling to myself, I lean back, laying down into the field. Honey Cat lets out a soft meow to make me aware she’s not the happiest with my readjustment but she starts making biscuits on my soft stomach, so I know she isn’t too upset with me. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to center myself and enjoy this moment for what it is. Clearing my mind of the Intruder and all the frustrations I know will be coming in the next few weeks, I allow myself to enjoy this moment for what it is. Time with my cat surrounded by wild flowers.
Chapter Five
PATRICK
“Hey Grandma!”
A deep booming voice echoes throughout the office. It startles the crap out of me, making me jump and bang my knee against my tiny desk. “Oh hey! Sorry dude. I didn’t mean to startle you. I was lookin’ for Elle. You must be Rick.” I turn, rubbing my knee and take in the character standing just inside the office. There isn’t much to take in. He’s tall but most of his body is hidden behind a stack of cardboard boxes. “That’s me, here let me help.” Standing from the desk, I stride to the man and take the top two boxes from him.
“Thanks. You can drop them on Elle’s desk. If she’s not here, I’m assuming she’s gone home for the day.” I freeze, Elle was very clear on not touching any of her stuff, I’m going to assume that included putting stuff on her desk as well. Identical chuckles snap me out of my indecision. I know this man was laughing at me but where was that other laugh coming from?
“Here, I’ll put them down. If anything happens to her organization, you can blame me. I’m Paul and this little guy is Henry, my son. We were assigned to deliver the first of your pamphlets for tours.” The biggest pair of chocolate eyes look up at me.
Ah, a child.
I squat down, putting myself onto his level as much as possible. “Hey little guy. I’m Patrick, or Rick. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for helping your dad bring me some of my supplies.” I stick my hand out and his chubby fingers wrap around my pointer finger. “Welcome ‘ick.” His voice is tentative but it’s clear he has manners, which impresses me as he seems to only be two or three.
“It’s good to meet you, I know Lola is really excited to get these tours started and from what she tells me, we were really lucky in snatching you up.” Henry’s father smiles wide and I stand to continue the conversation. “Thanks, man. I’m excited to be here, it's been awhile since I’ve been able to stay in one place.” Paul chuckles. “Well, I hope Elle doesn’t scare you off before you get started. She’s a tough one.”
This makes my brow furrow. This man seems to be more candid in his description of Elle but that doesn’t mean I want anyone talking down about her. “She’s been nothing but kind and professional since I’ve arrived.” Not completely true but he doesn’t need to know that. “Oh man, Lola must have offered her something good for your first impression of her to be kind.” He laughs again and shakes his head.
“Hey now—” I’m prepared to rip this guy a new one, she’s technically one of our bosses and I don’t want to work around someone who feels like they can talk about any women like that but I’m cut off by an annoyed voice, a voice that made my blood hum with interest. “What are you doing here, you grease ball?”
“Aun’ EEEEEE!” Henry dashes away from our trio and launches himself at Elle and she scoops him into her arms like it’s nothing. “Hey big guy!” Henry’s back to me so I get to see the purest smile dance across Elle’s face.
My mind is blank, I’m in awe of the beauty that is Elle’s smile. If a frown from Elle was breathtaking, a smile was heart stopping.
I just wished it was pointed at me. I know we were nowhere near January but getting graced with a genuine Elle Warren smile was my new resolution.
“Hey Grandma.”
“Good to see you, Manwhore.”
