Not just a man buthimspecifically?
A few of the Silkies cluck as Snickerdoodle’s tail swishes their way, the chickens avoiding her rear end as they scavenge forfeed. It’s early enough in the day that no visitors are here, the petting farm empty apart from me, Remi, and the animals.
Oakley asked why I’m still living here when I like my quiet. Moments like this sure don’t hurt. When the ranch is barely awake, and I can sit in peace with my thoughts or even one of my family members. Maybe I never wanted to be a rancher myself, but I don’t hate this place. Far from it.
Is it where I want to be indefinitely? No.
But where else am I supposed to go? I don’t want to build a home for one.
‘Thanks, Remi,’I finally sign.‘You’ve given me a lot to think about. In a good way.’
My brother nods, one hand on Snickerdoodle as he answers,‘Anytime.’
Remi goes back to his work eventually, but I sit for a while longer amongst the chickens. A minute later, the goats come racing out of the barn, Remi having set the lot loose. They make a ruckus, one jumping up onto the bench next to me, another trying to engage a now-disgruntled Snickerdoodle who doesn’t want a thing to do with the dancing goat.
I look west, toward the ranch house and the mountains beyond it.
Part of me wonders if I should try dating again. Now that I know the potential is there with men, do I want to find someone for myself? Someone I could start over with. Or, maybe more appropriately, move forward with.
Do I want a partner in life? A romantic relationship?
I’m almost afraid to hope for it.
For now, I have my best friend. I think that’s more than enough.
Chapter 14
Oakley
I wander the garden supply section of the local flower shop where my mom used to work, not seeing much of anything. My mind is otherwise occupied.
Which is why it takes me a second to realize the voice I’m hearing is directed at me.
“That you, Oakley? I heard you were back in town.”
Turning, I find Virginia giving me a curious smile from behind an armful of plants. In addition to being a well-loved bartender here in Darling, Virginia and I grew up next to one another. We were never particularly close, considering I’m a good seven years older, but her face will always be a familiar one to me. “Hey, Virginia. How’s it going?”
“Just fine,” she answers, shifting the hanging basket in her hands to her side. “You doing all right? You look a little lost.”
“Oh, no, I’m good. I remember where everything’s at. Thank you, though.”
She raises an eyebrow. “I wasn’t talking about the store.”
Christ, am I that transparent?
Seeing as I’m not about to tell Virginia about my double-romp with my best friend, a man who thought he was straight until recently, I deflect. “Those for your place?”
She twirls the basket of petunias in her hand. “Sure are. The flowers I bought earlier in the summer died. Truth be told, I don’t expect these ones to last long, either. Not all of us can have a green thumb like your mom.”
I huff a small laugh. “And your parents? They doing all right?”
“They’re fine. You’re deflecting.”
Well, shit.
Virginia snorts, her hazel eyes bright. “You don’t gotta tell me, Oakley. I won’t pry. Sure bet Lawson is glad to have you back, though.”
My swallow is rough.
