“Did he say when he’d be coming for a visit?” Momma asks. “He didn’t mention it when we talked.”
I roll my eyes with my head ducked so no one will see. We all know that Carter has no damn intention of coming home. He hates this town, hates this land, hates the idea of being here, but won’t ever break Momma’s heart, so he lies to her about coming for a visit “soon.”
Daddy shakes his head. “No, didn’t mention it. I’ll remember to ask the next time he calls.”
Daddy doesn’t ask because he knows the answer and doesn’t want to have to tell her.
Looks like I’m going to have to lay into Carter myself.
My mother takes a bite of her food, and then we each tell her about our day. I leave out the fact that I broke up with Jeremy. I don’t feel like hearing any opinions on that right now.
My father clears his throat. “Jimmy went over to Heartstone Ranch to issue a strong warning,” he says as he places his dish down.
“Good, I hope they arrest them,” Ryan says. “The trouble they’re causing sets us all back.”
I focus on the food, knowing if I defend them, it’ll cause a fight, but also knowing I can keep my mouth shut for only so long.
Eat your food, Lark. Eating means you can’t talk, because Momma will have you in your room if you talk with food in your mouth.
I take a bite and chew very, very slowly. “They belong in jail,” Deacon tacks on. “Cutting the wires to the pasture is a crime. Vandalism for one, and I’m sure we can find other charges, like reckless endangerment of animals.”
My father nods. “That whole family is rotten. They don’t do a damn thing if it’s not for their own gain.”
Quiet. Keep quiet.
I try to chew, but there’s nothing left. I scoop up another bite, hoping I can get it shoveled in before someone else says something.
Deacon agrees. “They wouldn’t know what kindness was if it hit them in the face. The entire family is garbage.”
I quickly put some mashed potatoes in.
“The worst is Tristan. He acts so high and mighty, but he’s a piece of shit,” Ryan says with a scoff.
“Language,” Mother scolds.
“Sorry, Momma, but you know they’re worthless and cruel. They are incapable of being respectable, and the fact is, they get away with everything and do nothing good in this world.”
That’s it. I can’t keep my mouth shut another second.
“Tristan is the one who helped me on the side of the road in that storm the other night. He pulled my truck off the road so it didn’t get hit, in the pouring rain, and then drove me here, making sure I got home safe. I’m not saying the Stones are great, but they’re not cruel. He could’ve left me there, and he didn’t,” I say, slamming my fork down. “We’re no better than them, sitting around here talking about how they do nothing good in the world. He deserves at least some measure of gratitude for being nice.”
Four sets of eyes turn to me. Great. Now I’ve done it.
Chapter 6
Lark
Icould’ve said all that a little less dramatically, but then…I wouldn’t be me. So I sit here, waiting for this conversation to continue and for things to get ugly. I’m just not sure which of my family members will be the first to speak.
They stare.
I stare back.
Good times.
Finally, we have the first one to break.
“Tristan Stone was the Good Samaritan?” Deacon asks, his voice even.
