“If anyone can, it’s Gunner. But no matter what happens, he won’t end up as pet food, I can promise you that.”
“That’s the only reason Grant’s still talking to me. He knows Midnight’ll have a good home here.”
They talked awhile about some of the things Ben had tried and how the horse had responded. Ben gave them the feed Midnight was on so they could slowly acclimate him to the new feed. Then they shook hands and said goodbye.
“Well,” Charlotte said as she and Gunner watched Midnight paw the ground in the paddock’s corner. “Looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you.”
“Looks like.” He cast her a sideways glance. “He’ll need to be vetted too. Hope he didn’t set you back much.”
“He was free to a good home.”
Gunner gave a nod. “Sounds about right.”
Six
The smell of smoked chicken, grilled burgers, and anticipation hung in the air. It would be a packed house at the Trailhead. The wings were BOGO tonight and the Silver Spurs were playing. Charlotte’s tables had been full since five o’clock, and now that it was nearing seven, there wouldn’t be much turnover until the band was done playing.
She grabbed some empty glasses off a full table and took them for refills. She could do this job blindfolded, she’d been at it so long. A while back she’d been offered the manager’s position when it had become available. But she was already working thirty hours a week, and she could earn just as much serving and have a lot less responsibility.
Besides, taking a leadership position here reeked of failure. This job had always been just a temporary gig until the ranch became self-supporting. She’d been telling herself this for six years. But with her mom’s second mortgage hanging over her head, it was now or never. If the pressure felt like an iron yoke, so be it. She would make this happen.
The band was introduced and kicked off the night with a rousing rendition of “Country Girl.” Half the place hit the dance floor, and chitchatting with customers became nigh impossible. Fine by her. Now that her guests had finished eating, it was mostly just a matter of keeping their glasses full—and maybe she could finally go to the bathroom.
She dropped off the drinks at a table and hightailed it to the restroom. She was washing her hands when Brianna entered, the cacophony rising with the opening door.
“Full house tonight,” her friend said as she disappeared into a stall.
“Another fun night at the Trailhead. How’s the date going?” She was out with a guy named Jeremy, who worked at the local radio station and who’d been coming to the coffee shop, subtly making his interest known. He’d finally asked her out yesterday.
“Not bad. He has good taste in music at least. He can also carry on a conversation, and he actually looks me in the eye when we’re talking. And get this: he graduated from Cornell.”
“You always did like the smart ones.”
“Also, he moved back home to take care of his mother. How sweet is that?”
“Smartandsensitive. Sounds like a keeper.”
She arched a brow. “We’ll see. He might get a second date anyway.”
“High praise from you.”
“What can I say? I’m picky.”
“You should be. You have a lot to offer.” She was glad Brianna was taking a rare night off. She and her mother took turns working and caring for her granny. It didn’t leave much time for anything else.
Charlotte finished drying her hands and tossed the paper towel in the trash as Brianna emerged from the stall. If the woman was attractive without makeup, she was stunning with it. Tonight she’d played up her eyes with a smoky look that had an exotic effect.
“You know, it’s not fair you got the looksandthe brains.”
Brianna rolled her doe-brown eyes. “Please. You make a messy bun seem like high fashion with that gorgeous red hair of yours. Speaking of genetic traits... what will you do about the whole father thing?”
Charlotte had texted back and forth with her friend after her visit to the clinic this morning. “I have no idea. It’s not like I can ask anyone such a random question without stirring up curiosity.”
“I know you’re disappointed. I mean, who wouldn’t want Jeff Robinson for a father? He’s practically a legend around here. But I’m sure your bio dad is great too—after all, you have half his genes.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“And maybe as you get to know Gavin a little better, the subject will come up.”
