“You don’t get to tell me what to do. You’re not the boss of me,” Riley shouted, feeling irritated by his cocky attitude.
“Try me. Why can’t you accept help when you care for your sister? Do you find it hard to trust people?” he asked.
“We don’t take charity,” Riley said, determined.
“It’s not charity, damn it. Tara offered to help me settle in at the cabin. I have to work the ranch and don’t feel up to coming home and dealing with dinner and unpacking,” he explained.
Riley fought back the tears as she glanced at her lap. She didn’t have much choice and seemed to dig herself into a bigger hole.
Under normal circumstances, she might’ve found Garrett attractive and protective. The ranch seemed like a secure place after her ordeal with Kenny, Bernice, and her father. Maybe she needed to bide her time, and when she healed, they’d catch the bus to Corpus Christie.
Garrett’s headthreatened to blow as he waited patiently for the pizza. Tara excitedly tapped her feet as they sat by the window, keeping an eye on Riley. Using his remote, he turned the ignition on to keep her comfortable while theywaited. Her head hung down, and her blonde hair covered her face, making it hard to determine what she was thinking.
They called his name, and Tara bounced up, eagerly anticipating the meal. He grabbed two root beers, a lemon lime soda, and water for Riley. Holding the door and the pizza, he let Tara go first. She jumped into the back seat and held her hands out for the boxes.
He handed them to her, thinking no teen should feel this excited for pizza. He placed the bag with the drinks in the middle console as he slid into his seat. Passing Tara hers, he turned to Riley. “I have a lemon lime soda or water for you?”
“I’ll take the lemon-lime,” she said quietly.
“They said to eat before you take the medication. I say we eat some pizza before it gets cold, and we can finish it later,” he suggested, glancing in the rear-view mirror at Tara. She beamed from ear to ear.
“I have extra napkins in the glove box,” he said, leaning over and getting a handful. “Tara, can you give us two pieces, please?”
She opened the box and took a big whiff of cheesy goodness. “Riley, did you know Garrett can eat a whole one all by himself? He bought three,” she exclaimed as she put a slice on the napkin and passed it forward.
“Here,” Garrett said as he set the food on the console. Twisting open her drink, he placed it in the beverage holder and lifted the slice to her mouth. He saw her red-rimmed eyes and knew she must’ve cried until they returned. Feeling like a heel for making her sad when she didn’t feel good, he smiled and nodded toward the food.
She leaned over and took a small bite. Her eyes closed while she chewed.
“Oh my gosh, Riley. I forgot how good it tasted,” Tara exclaimed. “Did you see how big the slices are? We’ll have a whole pie for later.”
“It’s good,” Riley said, feigning excitement.
He imagined she hurt more than she let on, and he accidentally hurt her feelings, no… her pride. Trying to put himself in her shoes, he acknowledged he didn’t trust people either. It must feel disconcerting to have your life upended and strangers telling you what to do. He took a bite of his slice and grinned as he watched Tara happily chew away.
He held up the slice for Riley and she took another bite, avoiding his gaze.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“You’re welcome,” he said softly.
When they finished, he balled up their napkins and placed them in the bag. Starting the truck, he pulled out of the parking lot and returned to the pharmacy.
Riley reached behind her. “Please hand me the envelope,” she said to Tara.
The cashier came to the window. “Your total will be one hundred eighty dollars and twenty-two cents.”
Riley winced as she took out the envelope and carefully counted the money. Avoiding Garrett’s gaze, she passed him the money. He didn’t argue as he paid the cashier, took the bag, and parked in a stall. He opened the bag and handed her a pill.
Riley shakily took it from him and washed it down with her drink.
Satisfied, Garrett, put the truck in reverse and headed toward the cabin. Riley’s head nodded, and eventually she fell asleep. They pulled into the garage. Garrett and Tara moved silently, getting out so as not to wake her.
They took in the groceries and the pizza. Tara started unloading the bags while Garrett pulled the blankets down from the bed and returned to retrieve Riley. The hospital gave her a set of crutches, but he didn’t trust her ability to use them. He opened the door, carefully picked her up, and took her to the bedroom. He set her on the bed, arranged the pillows to elevate her limbs and covered her. Entering the bathroom, he turned on the nightlight and went to help Tara arrange the kitchen and unload the rest of the items from his vehicle.
When they finished, Tara sat cross-legged on the couch while he turned on the TV. They picked a comedy, and occasionally, he got up to check on Riley.
Dinnertime passed and she continued to sleep. He and Tara ate more pizza.
