I reach down to scratch behind Benny’s ear while Elodie asks, “Are you sure you don’t need the truck and trailer here?”
Looking up, I shake my head and sign, “If the horses need anything I can always ask Edna’s son for their trailer.I have my dad’s truck here, remember?”
“Your neighbors,” Elodie clarifies.
Benny runs off to mark another tree and I let her know, “Yes.Edna’s son worked for my father’s company for almost a decade before he was injured and had to retire almost six months ago.They already owned a cabin up here when this land was up for sale.Edna always came to visit when my dad and I spent time here.I called her last night and invited her over for dinner.See?I won’t be alone tonight, and she said she’d bring her son along too.”
“Ooooh.”Elodie bumps her shoulder against mine.“Finally getting to meet one of the guys from your dad’s company, eh?Well, a retired one, but still.”
My smile slightly slips, and I turn my head to hide it from Elodie.The reminder of my father shielding me from his company works two ways.I really want to respect my father’s choice to keep business separate from personal stuff, while on the other hand, it was hurtful to have him keep me away from the company he built with two of his friends.
I’ve never questioned his decision.Growing up, as a kid, it was normal to watch my dad go to work while I went to school.Then, when I went to college...the incident I was involved in caused a brain injury and deep trauma; it changed my life.Dark days were all glued together, turning them into years where I needed time to cope with everything.
Thanks to my father researching horse therapy, and taking me to the ranch where I met Elodie, the sessions I had at the ranch for years finally made it possible to get some normality back in my life.Not to the level I was before the incident, but at least I’m living again.
Until my father died and different dark days hit me harder.It’s why I couldn’t stay in the house I grew up in.Where I came back to lick my wounds when I was nineteen and grew stronger again with my father’s help.I can’t shake the image of finding my father’s lifeless body at the bottom of the stairs.The reminder tightens my chest, and I can feel my eyes burn.
“Hey, are you okay?”Elodie asks and touches my shoulder.
I quickly wipe the stray tear from my cheek and give her a watery smile as I nod.
“Fucking hell,” Elodie grumbles and pulls me into a tight hug.“This is why I hate leaving you here all by yourself.”
“I-I...n-need t-time a-alone,” I stutter.
Elodie isn’t surprised by my use of words.She’s the only one I use my voice with to speak, now that my father isn’t here anymore.
She pulls away and sternly tells me, “Yeah, a day, two tops.Not two weeks all by yourself on this damn mountain without a single human in sight.I can’t leave you by yourself.”
“There are more people on this damn mountain,” a rough voice rumbles from behind us, making us jump and break apart.
Elodie takes in a sharp breath and whispers, “Wow.”
All while I try to swallow at the dryness in my throat while I take in the man who is standing near the tree line.He’s wearing blue jeans and boots along with a red, flannel checkered shirt.It’s unbuttoned, showing off a very muscled chest.
It looks as if the man hasn’t shaved for a couple of days and his hair is short along the sides, but a little longer on top.Deep brown eyes beneath a heavy frown.He’s leaning on a cane and doesn’t look happy or friendly.
Benny barks and runs right at him.My lips part and I curl my fingers into fists, pressing my nails into my palms to brace myself to give Benny a verbal order not to attack.
Though, it seems unnecessary when the man lets the cane drop and mutters, “Fuck,” as Benny launches himself at him.I watch, completely stunned as the man easily catches my dog.He laughs as Benny enthusiastically licks the man’s face.
“In this moment I really want to trade places with that damn dog of yours,” Elodie whispers, making a giggle flow from me.
