“I had heard this for years from friends of mine, but I’ve been here for two weeks and I’ve learned that people that work here, whether it’s at Erin’s Way, Broken Wheel, Broken Two, or New Double, we’re all family.”
“That will be great to feel.” She didn’t look at him as she spoke, then slowly stood. “I should get going over to my cabin. It’s late, and we’re both going to need a good night’s sleep before your appointment tomorrow.”
“Are you sure? I have a spare room, you can sleep here tonight.”
“No, I’m good. My suitcase is already in a room next door.” She saw he struggled to his feet, and she rushed to help him stand. She didn’t back away until he was steady on his crutches.In the kitchen, she slipped her feet into her shoes, grabbed her coat, and looked at him with a steady eye.
“I might not be spending the night in your cabin, but I wouldn’t be opposed to having breakfast with you. I’m an early riser, give me a call when the coffee’s ready.”
He laughed heartily for the first time that night, and said he would. He shivered as the door opened, letting in the biting wind, but he stood in the doorway to watch her until she entered her cabin. When she waved, he backed up, shut the door, and leaned against it, wearing a wide grin.
He made his way back to the living room, banked the fire, picked up Faith’s water glass, and returned it to the kitchen. He made sure all the lights were off, except for the one on the back of the stove, and made his way to his bedroom. With a heavy sigh, he took a shower, because he refused to crawl into his bed after working with horses all day, and not showering. It was a struggle, but he was able to achieve it. He popped two Tylenol, drank a glass of water, flopped the blankets back, and fell on the bed. It didn’t take him long to fall asleep after he covered himself. When the alarm went off at five, he felt refreshed until he stood, and his knee buckled beneath him.
“Fuck me,” he whispered as he grabbed the crutches and made it to the bathroom. He went out to turn on the coffee pot, then went back to his room to dress. Because he knew he would have to remove his outer jeans at the doctor’s office, he dressed in sweat pants that had snaps up the side, so they would be easier to remove, making sure he had clean underwear on. He also donned a tee, and a flannel, then took his socks with him when he went back to the kitchen. As he poured himself his first cup of coffee for the day, he sent a text to Faith, not expecting a response until at least seven.
He jerked when a knock came at the door less than five minutes later, and expecting it to be Tony, he called for them to come in.
“Faith,” he said in shock. “I didn’t expect you this early.”
“I said I was an early riser. I’ve been up since quarter to five. Showered, and packed. I don’t know whether this is a lull in the storm, or if it’s blown over. If it has, then once I bring you back here, I’ll head home.”
“How long is the drive?”
“Eighteen hours. I’ll make it in two days, I’ll stop for fuel and bathroom breaks. I’ll eat when I stop for the night.” She looked at his expression and shook her head. “No, I’m not starving myself. I’m not doing anything different than I normally do. I always eat a hearty, heavy breakfast, a light lunch, and a hearty, healthy dinner. I never snacked between meals.”
“Oh.” He looked at her and grinned. “What do you consider a heavy, hearty breakfast?”
“Pancakes, French Toast, bacon, eggs, sausage.”
“All in one meal?”
“Yes, or,” she said as she took a package out of her pocket to place on the counter.
“What’s that?”
“Sausage. When Cole, Naomi, and Lois showed me the pantry, they told me I could take whatever I wanted. It’s thawed, and I was thinking homemade biscuits and sausage gravy.”
“I can wrap my head around that. What do I need to do to help?”
“First, pour me a cup of coffee, and set the table. I’ll whip up the biscuits, and then you can start frying the sausage.”
“Deal.” He rose and did as she instructed, finding it easier to get around on one crutch. They worked in silence, and by the time the biscuits were slid into the oven, he had drained the grease off the meat. Together, they were able to make the gravy,and instead of dirtying any more dishes, he set the frying pan of gravy on a pot holder in the center of the table.
“There are left over biscuits from last night. Not enough for us both, do you want them or the fresh ones?”
“Both,” he said with a grin. She brought all the biscuits to the table, and when he waited for her, she waved her hand at him.
“Dig in while it’s still hot.”
He did, and again, he closed his eyes to savor the flavors on his first bite. “I love this stuff, but never had a clue as to how to make it. I always saved it as a special treat if I ever went out to a restaurant.” He shook his head. “This tastes better than any restaurant.”
“Thank you.” They ate in silence, and cleaned up together. They had just settled back at the table when a knock came on the door. Shay called out, and it opened.
“Hey,” he said to the man and woman that stood there, taken aback that Faith sat at the table.
“I don’t know if you remember her, but this is Faith Webber. She was hired on as the resident jockey.”
“Hi, I’m Tony,” he said, and came over to shake her hand.
