This time, though, thoughts of what Judy said also filter in, breaking down the walls I keep around me at all times with a verbal sledgehammer.
I know without a doubt Maddox thought one hundred percent that he’d be the one to solely get the ranch. I figured he would. Never in a million years did I think our granddad would leave me half-owner of it. What hurt me more than anything was that Maddox wanted to buy me out. He didn’t want me to have anything to do with this place.
I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t let him have it all. Not because I wanted to be selfish, but doing that means I lose the one home I always knew I could come back to even if I didn’t feel welcome here. It was still home.
I try to block out the rest of the thoughts that want to mix together and finish my shower. There’s a lot filling my head which I don’t want to think about. Though I know I'll have to face it all sooner or later. Being back home, I’m supposed to be able to feel free and safe, only I don’t, and I think that’s what’s really getting in my head most.
Shutting off the water, I reach for a towel, wrap my long hair up, and use another to dry my body before stepping out of the tub. I wrap the towel around my body and quickly cross the hall over to my room, sealing myself inside.
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with the rest of my day. I promised the doctor I’d take it easy, but feeling restless, I need something to do.
Going through my dressers, I pull out clothes I can put on. Jeans, of course, I would wear usually, but I think I might go for a run. Pulling on a pair of leggings that were cropped at my thighs, I find a sports bra and a tank top. With it being a warmer day, I could probably do shorts, but I’m not going to. Most of my clothes are business attire. Slacks, blouses, suits, skirts, heels. I left most of those at my place in Copper Run, only bringing a few things. I’d mostly brought my fitness clothes and the small amount of jeans and casual clothes that I have.
I throw my hair up in a messy bun, pull on a pair of socks, and my tennis shoes. I grab my phone and AirPods from my purse and make my way out of the house.
I know I need to talk to Maddox. He and I have a lot to talk about, first though, I could really use the run to clear my head. I didn’t care I just got out of the hospital after that damn snake bit me. This is something I needed to do for myself.
Running, I’ve learned, helps me in a lot of ways. To think. To keep fit. To clear my head. To come to terms with everything going on.
I typically run a good five miles three days a week. I do eight miles the other four. It’s the only thing I do that doesn’t involve me being in the office.
Outside, I stretch my legs, ignoring the slight twinge in the one I’d been bitten. I put the pods in my ears, pull up my playlist “Beauty in the Boogieman” playing in my ears.
I start at a slow jog, passing the barn, waving to the guys I see working. I knew most of them from before I left, and was introduced to the others I hadn’t met already. I could easily take a lane and run along the road, but I want something a bit more challenging, so the trails it is.
Picking up the pace, I run for a good hour before slowing back down, controlling my breathing. The key to running, I learned, was never fully stopping your pace, keep moving. You start walking, and you have a harder time getting back to the speed. It’s easier to go from a jog to run back to a jog and repeat. I know better than to do a jog and sprint without the middle. It’s a necessity.
Just as I start to move faster again, I catch sight of a man on a horse coming in my direction.
I come to a stop and stare at the man on the horse as he also comes to a halt. Tyler Henderson’s mouth moves, and with my music loud, I can’t hear him, so I pull the pods out of my ears.
“What was that?” I ask.
“I was saying, you know, you shouldn’t be out here running after getting out of the hospital.” Tyler leans forward, forearms to the horn of the saddle. “Not good.”
“I’m not one for sitting around twiddling my thumbs.” I shrug while planting my hands on my hips. “What, did Maddox send you after me?”
“He’s busy right now with the others. Wyatt told me he saw you going for a run this way, figured I’d check on you since he hadn’t seen you come back.”
“Well, as you can see, I’m perfectly fine.” I lift my arms on either side of me and twirl. “I decided to go for a run, and that’s what I’m doing.”
“I see that.” He nods. “But you shouldn’t be.”
“What should I be doing then?”
“Whatever the doc told you to do.”
I shake my head and start heading back the way I came. “I’ll see you later,” I call out over my shoulder.
I hear him behind me, climbing off the horse, then he’s next to me. “What’s up with the chip on your shoulder, Della?” he asks, walking next to me, the reins in his hands.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Tyler has known me for a long time, but like everyone else, he doesn’t know me anymore. Still, he’s a call it as he sees it kind of guy. Doesn’t play games and won’t let those around him do the same.
“It’s none of your business,” I say straight up.
