I look at him, trying to listen to his instructions and ignore the need to punch this piece of shit.
“Jim, take the front.” He continues, pointing for him to move. Jimmy complies and kicks his horse into a run, heading towards the front of the herd.
“Me and you, Mav', will hold up the back and the sides.” I nod back to him; thankful it’s me and my best friend holding it down together.
“On it, boss.” I wink and he smirks at me.
“You-” he pauses, “do not get to call me that.” he laughs, pointing at me.
“Gotcha, boss,” I wink again, Colter shaking his head. I laugh back at my friend before taking Storms reins and slapping it hard against my leg. Shouting to make the cows move. The cattle move forward, mooing in annoyance.
“Keep an eye out for the babies, Mav', had a few mamas’ turn their young away.” Colter shouts from my left. My hand tilts my hat in response.
I watch Jimmy up the front of the herd, narrowing my eyes to burn holes in the back of his broken hat.Piece of shit.
We pick the pace up and the herd move steadily. So far only one or two cows have moved away from the herd which we rectify quickly.
I’m proud of myself; I’ve still got it.
Hearing more horses galloping behind us, Colter lets out a loud whistle towards Jimmy, where he pulls his horse to a stop, and the herd follows suit. I pull on Storm’s reins to bring her to a halt. I look behind me from under my hat and see Mabel and Ellie now trotting towards us on their horses. I smile at the sight of Dusty. I’m so pleased the old man still had it in him.
Mabel looks directly at me, face blank, pulling Dusty to a holt and Ellie following her lead, the corner of her mouth pulling up into a slight grin.I nod my head at her, returning the gesture.
“Mr Maverick!” Ellie squeals from her horse.
“Hey, Ellie. Nice to see you again.” I smile, giving her a nod.
I look back at Mabel and see her eyes looking anywhere but her brother, or me.
“You working here now?” Ellie asks me, looking cute as a button with her small cowboy hat firmly in place on her head.
“I sure am.” I reply, glad that someone else is happy to be around me. Her Tennessee accent brings back memories of my girl at that age. My heart flutters at the memory.
“Where do y’all need us?” Mabel finally turns to her brother.
“It’s my first time, Mr Maverick.” Ellie says, looking proud in her saddle. Well, first time means we need to put on a good show.
“Well, Ellie you come with me on the side-” Colter nods to her. “Mabe’s, you and Mav' can keep an eye on the back and other side.” I watch Mabel roll her eyes.
My mind races; I should try and talk to her again.
“Perfect.” She gives out an unimpressed look.
I shrug my shoulders at her. I have a small feeling Colter done that on purpose; however, I don’t mind one bit. Any opportunity to be close to her,I’ll take at this point. I see Jimmy riding closer to us, and I let out an agitated breath.
“Hi Mabel!” he says, flickering his eyes at her and I let out a growl.
“Uhm… hey, Jimmy.” She nods back, looking unbothered by his presence as she rearranges her hat.
“Beautiful day we’re supposed to have,” he tries again.
Now I find myself smirking at the pathetic effort of a conversation.
“Yeah, hope so,” she replies, again looking anywhere but his direction.
“Jimmy, let’s go!” Colter backs his horse up, nodding at Ellie to follow.
“Yeah, um… bye, Mabel.” He waves at my girl, blushing like an idiot. I roll my eyes.
