He smiled. “You’re a good sport.”
“I’m hungry.”
So was he, it seemed.
But not necessarily for the steak.
* * *
Shaun had to admit,the rest of the food came out well.
The steaks were a bit burnt on the one side, but it wasn’t horrid. Could have been way worse.
Rather sucks to brag about your steak cooking abilities, though, and almost burn them because you're drooling over your dinner guest.
Winter sat across from him, a smile on her face as he told her about some of the antics at the exterminator business.
“I guess I’m glad I don’t come over there to that shop. Who knows what critter would be attacking me and spraying me.”
He smiled. “Well, you just have to know how to handle them.”
“Is that so?” Winter asked. “I would think there wouldn’t be a way to handle something so angry and smelly.”
“Smells are one thing. But the trick is, not upsetting them. Easing in there.”
She raised her eyebrow. “And you’re good at this?”
“Yeah,” he said. “I’m pretty good at working those angry critters who are just trying to make their way in the world.”
He smiled at Winter.
“What if they fight?”
“Then you have to back off, and go back in, slow and careful. Show them kindness.”
“And what happens if they fight still?”
“Depends on the circumstances. Sometimes you have to be patient and persistent.”
“That can’t always work.”
“You’d be surprised.”
“And if it doesn’t work?”
“Then you just have to let them go.”
She nodded. “I see.”
He wondered just how much they were actually talking about animals. Winter certainly reminded him of some of the cornered animals he’d handled.
They’d fight.
Eventually, they’d break.
But usually, they’d fight hard first.
“Is it the same when you’re on the farm?” she asked.
