I nod wordlessly and turn, walking on autopilot to the fencing around the bright red barn. When I unlatch the gate, I walk through the opening and wait for him to come through before closing it again.
Inside the barn, I feel completely inadequate. I hardly know where anything is, and I don’t know what’s important to tell him. So, I awkwardly introduce him to the animals in their stalls.
“This is Pie.” I gesture to the enormous creature beyond the stall door, and he whinnies, like he knows his name. And maybe he does.
I really need to spend more time out here.
“And this is Gator.” I motion to the next stall where the fluffy little donkey stands. He turns his head and peers at me with one eye, like he’s sizing me up, and I inwardly wince.
Definitely going to spend more time with these two. I can’t have any of the animals here, thinking that I don’t pay enough attention to them.
I turn back to Ezra, who’s already patting Pie on the side of his neck, a small smile on his lips, his gaze softened.
Then, I word-vomit all over the man.
“Look, I don’t know how much Lloyd told you, but I know nothing about horses or donkeys. I didn’t even know these guys were here until I arrived yesterday, and it was a shock, to say the least. I’m completely out of my element, and I appreciate you being here. Anything you can help me with, or even teach me, I’d be really grateful. I want to be able to care for all of the animals here.”
Ezra’s expression is bemused now as he looks down at me. His lips purse a moment before he speaks. “What other animals do you have?”
“There are five dogs and two cats up at the house.”
He blinks, then his head bobs up and down. “I’ve been around animals almost all of my life. Was born and raised on a ranch in West Texas.” He gives Pie another pat before moving closer to me, looking into Gator’s stall. “Aren’t you a cute little man?”
I swear that Gator huffs and wrinkles his nose at the comment.
Ezra laughs. “And an attitude.” He looks back at me. “I’m happy to help you out. I’ll enjoy being back in my element. And Lloyd told me a bit about where everything was in here, all the supplies and such.”
Relief washes over me, and I let out a long breath. “I’m more thankful that you’re willing to help. I’m sure we could have found everything in here. Eventually.”
Now, it’s time for the negotiations. “Let’s discuss your pay.”
Ezra’s eyes narrow, like he’s insulted. “I’m a volunteer, ma’am. I won’t accept pay.”
“That’s ridiculous. I have to do something for you. You have expenses, even if you’re working another paying job. Time is money.”
He gives me a funny look and assesses me in silence long enough that I’m uncomfortable. When he finally speaks again, his voice is low, almost comforting. “Look. I’m staying with Lloyd and his pack right now. I have money saved up to help me through until I get back on my feet.”
Getting back on his feet implies he was off his feet at some point. Likely recently. But, more importantly, he didn’t mention anyone else being with him.
“Are you… staying there alone?”
His expression is very confused. “Yes?” His answer comes out as a question, then realization flashes in his blinking eyes. “I mean, I’m here alone. Yeah.”
Oh, thank the gods.Then his earlier reaction was due to something else. Something I will absolutely uncover. Later.
My brain whirs in overdrive. How can I get him to accept payment? He’s a working man, that much is obvious. But what if…?
“Come with me a moment.”
I don’t wait, just move. Out of the barn, through the fence, to the broken-down and rotting wooden trailer on the far side. I turn to Ezra’s skeptical expression. “I’ll make you a deal, Ezra.” When I say his name, his pale eyes snap to my face in attention, sending shivers down my spine all the way to my toes. “I need this thing emptied out so I can have it hauled away. If you help me do that, I’ll buy a new trailer, hook it up to utilities, and you can live in it. As thanks for all your help.”
His mouth opens and closes twice before his head shakes. “Ma’am, I can’t accept—”
“It’s either that or I pay you.” I cross my arms over my chest, cock my hip. “Look, you can’t possibly feel comfortable living with Lloyd and his pack. Even if you’re friends with him. And I know what it’s like to feel out of place in a living situation.”
I don’t tell him that in my case, it was my own family I didn’t fit in with, but I mean the sentiment.
The wheels in his brain are spinning; I can nearly see it behind his eyes. He isn’t quite there yet, on the same page as me, so I hit him with a dirty strike and play the damsel card.
