“This is my niece, Willow,” Debbie says as the girl joins us.
“Same rule applies to Willow,” Ray says, and Willow smiles at him.
“You’ll love it here,” she says. She’s so ...happy. Like a little ray of sunshine.
As the day goes on, we’re shown to the bunkhouse, where I take the top bunk, and then the barn. We meet the other hands that work on the ranch, and then it’s time for dinner.
“Debbie makes the best fried chicken,” Willow says as we walk to the house.
She’s been hanging out with us all day. Ryker and I haven’t said much to each other, which is new for us. The asshole is always running his mouth.
I freaking hate him. He’s a jerk.
But Willow says we’re all going to be friends. Ryker’s looking at her like she hung the moon, which I’d usually make fun of him for, but I don’t want to hurtherfeelings.
I suspect we’ll give her whatever she wants. She’s sweet.
Whatever.
“Come on in, kids,” Debbie says with a bright smile that makes my chest hurt again. “Dinner’s on the table. Go wash your hands first.”
Willow was right.
Debbie makes some good fried chicken.
“I’ll help you clean up,” I find myself saying after we’re all done eating.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that tonight,” Debbie says, patting my back. “But I’m going to keep feeding you lots of food because you’re too skinny.”
There is never enough food at hell house.
She stops and looks up at me, narrows her eyes, and it feels like she’s staring into my soul.
No one should look at me this deep.
“You’re safe here, Gideon,” she says softly as the others file outside to the porch. “You’re safe with Ray and me. If you need anything, you just ask me. If you have questions, same goes.”
I nod because I have a lump in my throat.
When was the last time someone was so ...niceto me? I don’t remember.
“I’m happy you’re here,” she continues.
“Thanks.”
“Go on.” She pats my back again. “Go rest up. You’re going to be putting in long hours this summer.”
“I’m okay with the work.”
That makes her smile again, and I’d do just about anything for more of her smiles. I think I might have fallen in love with this tiny woman today.
“I know you are. You’re going to do great. Now, you go out with the others and get some rest. Tomorrow, I want to know what all your favorite foods are so I can get them from the grocery when I go.”
Nodding, I head to the door.
“And Gideon?”
“Yes, ma’am?” I turn, and my breath catches when she smiles at me again.
