The name snaps me out of my daze. I’d just heard his voice a few weeks ago when he’d called me, making such a ludicrous request out of the blue. One I couldn’t say no to. Not when I owe that fool for too much during our younger years.
He mentioned his kid was old enough for college now. Something about her being on the fence about becoming a veterinarian. Pleaded to let her stay and figure out what kind she wanted to be. Hoped spending some time with animals would help clear the fog because she couldn’t make up her mind. Offered to pay for her room to gain some experience over the summer. Even during these rough times, I wouldn’t take a penny. Not from him.
The conversation is a little fuzzy, but I remember clear as day the last photo he showed me of her in his wallet was a snot-nosed kid in a Halloween costume.
This woman…
“You’re all grown up.” Forcing the words out, those pale cheeks turn rosy. “You’re earlier than expected.”
“Just two weeks shy. Call me eager.” Nudging her luggage with her foot, she sways to look at my home. “I hope you don’t mind.”
I do. Sharing space with this woman is already going to be hell. I can tell. After the thoughts that were just filling my mind, I may as well be a monster. I can’t let myself think this way about an old friend’s kid, even if she is all grown up.
“Take a seat on the porch. I need to finish up my work. Once I’m done, we’ll get you settled in.” Jerking my chin toward the chained bench underneath the shade on the porch, I take a step back so I don’t risk getting any cavities by breathing her in. “Be an hour at most.”
Instead of groaning or complaining like I expect to, she just smiles and nods. Picking up her luggage, she spins on her heels and easily drifts away. Meatball trails right after her, already getting attached to our new guest.
A feeling deep inside urges me to follow behind.
This woman is half my fucking age. Barely old enough to be accepted into college. Whatever it is forming in my gut, I’m putting a stop to it right here and right now before it grows into something I can’t control.
* * *
We don’t spend too much time looking around my home as I lead her inside. She’ll have plenty of time to do whatever exploring on her own. Stopping long enough to clean up the dirt staining my skin, I lead her to one of the guest rooms.
After taking this place from my parents, I’ve got a few rooms to spare now that all of my siblings have moved out and taken their own life paths. None of them tried to stick around, not that I blame them. The ranch life isn’t for everyone.
“I don’t get guests too often.” Entering my sister’s old room, the smell of dust lingers. “I would’ve cleaned up a little better if I knew you were coming early.”
Millie doesn’t seem to mind. Stepping past me, she looks around and eyes the bed while I set her luggage by the closet. If I have to guess, she’s probably wondering why there are fifty decorative pillows covering the blanket on the bed. Abigail had aweird obsession with decorations, and thankfully, she took most of them with her when she turned eighteen. I couldn’t find it in me to ditch what she did leave behind.
As she sits on the bed, she scans the paintings on the walls and the objects on the shelf. Whatever she’s thinking, I don’t have a clue. But if I had to guess, this isn’t like anything where she came from. Last I heard from Jerry, he’d moved to Hawthorn Hills and settled comfortably in the city. Half of her life must’ve been spent on city streets and in packed traffic. Fancy coffees and the like. This ranch is going to be a shock for her.
Between her feet, Meatball claims the small patch of floor and settles down without even batting an eye. Millie must’ve snuck her a treat or something to win her over this easily. I’m getting a bit jealous here.
“This is perfect.” Returning her gaze in my direction, I feel warm as she stares at my stomach before dragging her eyes up to my face. Her smile is too innocent to leave me feeling this way. “Thank you for accommodating me.”
There it is again. My damn heart is doing whatever it wants in my chest, beating at its own pace. What in the hell was Jerry thinking when he sent her my way? Talking through occasional text messages and phone calls to keep in touch is one thing, but this kind of trust is undeserved.
If he were smart, he’d knock some sense into me and take her back, far out of my reach and out of my mind so I don’t have to think about her anymore. Though even if she left this very moment, the damage has been done. She won’t be leaving my mind any time soon.
Tearing my eyes from her now is the best decision I’ve ever made. Giving her some space, I head to the door. “The bathroom is across the hall. I’ve got to clean up, so you’ll have to get used to sharing.” Keeping my eyes forward instead of looking back, Iclear the lump that forms in the back of my throat. “May as well settle and get comfortable now. Tomorrow, we’ll jump straight into the basics. I don’t cook big meals, so eat as you please. Help yourself, and if there’s anything you need, I’ll make a grocery haul at the end of the week.”
Making sure I check everything off in my head that needs to be addressed, I consider laying out a list of rules for her to follow. Just whatever it takes to keep her out of trouble. Her dad would kill me if she got hurt. As I recall, he’s always been big on family. Even a scraped knee would rile him up.
“Mornings start early, so be prepared. First days will be rough but—”
“Cyrus?” Saying my name so sweetly, it takes effort not to let it show. “I have an idea of what I’m getting myself into. Now, I don’t want to hold you up more than I already have.”
The problem is that I don’t want to leave in the first place.
Giving the woman a nod, I force my feet to move and leave her to figure things out herself. She’s not a kid, a fact I keep reminding myself in the back of my mind. It’s not rocket science. Whatever she’s here to discover about herself, be it animal care, or whatever the hell would make her want to stay here with a stranger, I’ll let her do it as she pleases and hope her stay will fly by in the blink of an eye.
2
Millie
Cyrus Kane is nothing like the stories I’ve been told growing up. Dad showed me pictures of when he was my age, the two men grinning in front of the lens. Described them as troublemakers, constantly getting into tussles with whoever had a problem with them. With how often I’ve seen them grinning, I could only assume they were more victorious than not.
