“This is Dude,” Cash said. “Shake?” Trusting Cash, Dude shook hands with all three bikers and then wagged his tail. Turning to the beautiful girl at his side, Cash was proud to introduce her and said, “I’d like you gentlemen to meet Tracy Dalton, Dude’s owner.”
“Hello,” Tracy said, her dainty hand disappearing in the large hands of the formidable bikers as they gently shook with her. “It’s nice to meet you all.”
“Our pleasure,” Richard said on behalf of himself and his men. “You guys here for dinner and drinks?”
“Yes, if Dude is allowed on the patio with us,” Cash said.
“Absolutely,” Richard said and snapped his fingers. “Lobo!” he called to the burliest biker of the club who was standing near the front entrance of the establishment.
Cash knew Lobo, who had named one of the horses on the ranch, was the unofficial bouncer. Typically, all it took was one howl from Lobo and whatever commotion might happen, didn’t. Lobo came forward and greeted them with a grin that displayed his full set of upper and lower silver teeth. Cash introduced Tracy as his friend.
“Dude, this is Lobo,” Richard said.
“Lobo is Spanish for wolf,” Lobo told the German shepherd. “We’re cousins, Dude.”
“Shake?” Cash prompted Dude.
Dude, sensing he was in the company of friends, wagged his tail and shook with Lobo. Then, turning toward the four-foot-high fence that ran across the front of the patio, Lobounlocked a gate to allow Dude access. Saying he’d check in on them later, Richard and his men left them to sit at the table of their choice. Cash chose a corner table next to the fence where Dude could sit away from other restaurant patrons.
“Whodon’tyou know in this town?” Tracy teased him, but Cash caught the look of appreciation in the widening of her eyes.
Cash chuckled and a moment later, Suzy herself brought him a mug of his favorite beer and water with lemon for Tracy. With short, spiked hair and a splash of freckles across her nose, Suzy looked friendly. And she was to friends. Cash stood and they hugged. He introduced her to Tracy and when Dude raised his right paw without being prompted, Suzy shook.
“As you may have heard, I like big dogs, Dude,” Suzy said, patting his head.
“Suzy, it’s a pleasure to meet you and Dude obviously likes you too,” Tracy said as Dude lay down under the table. “Dude and I have been separated for a week and we missed each other. Thank you for allowing him on the patio.”
“Happy to have you here,” Suzy replied.
“Tracy works forRanchers and Rangesand is writing a story on Triple C-East,” Cash explained. “We’re heading back to the ranch after dinner so she can interview Coop, Chase and Jade, and Chloe and Derek later this week.”
“Please say hello to the family for me,” Suzy told Cash. As a slim teenage waitress with black hair approached with menus, Suzy said, “This pretty girl is Richard’s daughter, Stella.” Cash knew Suzy had no children of her own. But she placed an arm around Stella and said with obvious love and pride, “So that makes Stella mine too.”
“Thanks, Suzy,” Stella said with affection.
“Stella, this is Cash and his friend, Tracy,” Suzy said, completing the introduction.
“Hi, Stella,” Cash said as Stella nodded. “I’ve known your dad, Suzy, and Vince forever. Good to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Stella,” Tracy said and smiled.
Smiling back, Stella said, “Nice to meet you both.”
“Stella will take good care of you,” Suzy said as Stella handed them the menus. Turning to Tracy she added, “I’ll be sure to buy a copy of the magazine when your story comes out.”
“I’d be happy to bring you an autographed copy,” Tracy offered.
“Cash Cooper, this lady is as sweet as she is beautiful,” Suzy declared. Then with a look back at Tracy she said half-jokingly and half-seriously, “If this guy doesn’t treat you right, you let us know, Tracy.”
“I will,” Tracy replied, going along with her and then smiling at Cash.
“Good to see you, Cash.” Suzy patted his shoulder. “Thanks for stopping by.”
Stella left with Suzy to allow Cash and Tracy to peruse their menus. Dude rested his chin on his front paws. When Stella returned she asked if Tracy would like something to drink in addition to water and took their dinner orders. Since Stella was under twenty-one, Vince showed up with another beer for Cash and one just like it for Tracy. The men hugged and when introduced to Tracy, Vince kissed the back of her hand. Vince was introduced to Dude and said he had something special for him. Vince sat down and spoke to them until Stella served their salads. He left with Cash’s promise to come back soon with Tracy. Cash raised his mug and suggested they toast.
“What are we toasting to?” Tracy asked.
“Your magazine article bringing us together?” Cash suggested.
