“Is that why you stayed in town? I remember you telling the entire world when you became rich and famous, you were going to leave this place and never come back.”
I snorted. She was right about that. The answer to her question was more complicated than I cared to admit. “I meant to leave. I thought about it. I just… I don’t know. After my mom got sick, everything I thought I’d wanted changed. Besides, you didn’t go that far away. We all have a tether to our past that keeps us grounded even while pushing us out the door.”
“How profound,” she muttered then jerked back, her eyes opening wide. “Wait a minute. Your mom was sick? Why didn’t you tell me? Is she okay now?”
“First of all, we weren’t on speaking terms and from what I can tell, still aren’t. However, I’m surprised Wade didn’t mention it.”
We studied each other for a few awkward seconds. “Wade and I aren’t any closer than you and I ever were or could be, but you’re right in that maybe we can call a truce. It’s not like we were best friends. You were my brother’s BFF. I was just the annoying tagalong younger sister.”
The hint of anger in her voice was exactly as I remembered. “Maybe you still are.”
At least that garnered me a smile.
Chuckling, I took another sip of my drink. “So what now? I’m sure your family will be happy to have you home.”
“I don’t know about that.” Kenzie shook her head. “I thought Wade might have told you that I pissed my family off when I headed so far away for school. My dad couldn’t understand why I didn’t take some business classes at the community college. Then I pissed him off again when I refused to return for Christmas the first couple of years. When I accepted the job in Billings, I didn’t talk to my dad for over a year. That’s how pissed off he was. He wanted to control me and I’d had enough of that growing up.”
“Wade mentioned you were happy. That was it. I don’t need to tell you this, but your father was always a hardhead.” Actually, he was a pain in the ass. When I grinned, she softened.
“Yeah. I don’t think much has changed. Your mom’s illness was why you dropped off the rodeo circuit. Wasn’t it? I mean I know you were injured, but you were always so close to your mother.”
The fact she had paid attention to my career surprised me. “She was my greatest support. After her diagnosis, I couldn’t concentrate. I had a couple minor falls then fell in the ranks. Dad was trying to work, but he needed help. The medical costs ate us alive. The bills went through my parents’ savings in a few months. They stood a chance of losing the house, the land, all of it. Your dad was chomping at the bit.” When she remained quiet, I shook my head. “I’m sorry. I should keep my damn mouth shut.”
“Don’t worry, Axe. I know exactly how my father is. Crass and unsupportive. I’m glad you didn’t sell.”
“Yeah, me too. We all pitched in keeping an eye on her and supporting the family. She’s fine. She’s in complete remission. She took up yoga of all things.”
She smiled and looked away. “You guys were always so close as a family. I was jealous. And I can see your mom doing that. I’m glad she’s better.”
“Family means a lot.” I nodded several times. “You find out how much you’ve leaned on them when things happen.”
“Yeah, sometimes.”
“You don’t talk to Wade?”
“Not much any longer. He runs the ranch and we just have nothing in common, not that we ever did. I’m still the little sister, remember. I think he blames me for leaving and not helping Daddy with the ranch like he was forced to do.” Hersmile was brighter than before, capable of lighting up her entire face. “How’s your sister?”
“Kimberly is happily married to a very nice man. She had one kid and runs a bake shop in town.”
“Oh, yeah? That’s great. Does she keep you in line?”
“Ha.” I choked on purpose. “She used to be the one to chastise me even before my parents when I’d get into trouble.”
“If I remember correctly, that occurred several times over the years. Both you and Wade seemed to drive your teachers crazy. Which was why I was given a hard time when I got to high school. And I was a little angel.”
I spit out a portion of my drink. “You were no angel, Miss Palomino Girl. You simply managed to wrap the male teachers around your little finger.”
“Moi?” I’d be damned if she didn’t bat her long eyelashes. “At least I was a straight-A student. What’s your excuse? You were a terrible person.”
My shrug was nonchalant. “Ha! Boys will be boys. Besides, Wade was often the instigator.” Which wasn’t true. I’d gotten him into all kinds of dangerous, illegal, and otherwise immoral situations over the years. But I’d never admit it.
“Somehow, I don’t think he minded.” She glanced away, but not before I could see a faraway look in her eyes. “You know, I haven’t really talked to him in a couple years. How is he?”
Now it was my turn to laugh. “Like I mentioned, I honestly don’t know. Like you, we haven’t talked in… hell, I can’t remember the last time. No real reason other than I’ve been busy.”
The lie was easier than the truth.
“Busy. I get it. Weeks go by. Months. Then years.”
