Page 5 of Bales and Brawn

For the rest of the day I help with customers, loading their trunks with feed and also Zane’s truck for the deliveries he’s going to make. At the end of the day I sweep around and make sure everything’s in place before I walk back to town and to Foggy Inn. I’m tired, so I just grab a taco from the stand for dinner before falling into bed. As first days go it wasn’t too bad, and I’m looking forward to returning tomorrow.

Tuesday is pretty much the same as Monday, and I feel that I can cope with the routine of it. Again, Zane is working on the mower. Every time I’m in the yard loading up for a customer, I take a look, and damn it if each time I don’t see Zane staring right back at me. Other than that we don’t talk much except when he comes to explain about the delivery tomorrow and where everything needs to be stacked.

“I reckon I can handle it.” I try to reassure him with a big smile, but his jaw clamps down and his nostrils flare slightly. It makes me think I might smell or something. I have been working hard, but I haven’t sweated that much. As soon as he’s gone I give my armpits a sniff, but nope, I’m good. Zane sure is hard to understand.

When I get back into town at the end of the day, I feel restless, so I decide to explore a little. After taking a shower, I walk into the town and decide to try out Pints and Pool, where I sit on a stool at the bar and order a soda.

“You must be the mysterious man Zane’s got working for him.”

I turn at the voice and see a couple of guys. One who looks to be in his forties and the other quite a bit younger.

“Handsome too,” the younger one says. I’m glad my beard hides my blush. I’m not used to being called handsome, especially not by a guy. Not that I mind, I’m just not gay. But as the older guy has his arm flung round the shoulders of the younger man, I decide they’re probably a couple and he’s just being friendly. “I’m Hudson and this is Jack. We run Nuts and Bolts, the hardware store,” he introduces them both.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Devin Brookes, and yes, I’m working for Zane up at the farm.”

“Oh, your accent is so cool!” Jack exclaims. “Are you from England?”

“Yes, I am,” I laugh, more used to getting comments about my accent than my looks.

“Do you play pool?” Hudson asks. “We’re going to play and you’re welcome to join us.”

“Thanks. It’s been a while since I’ve played, though, so I might be a bit rusty,” I say and follow them over to the pool tables. Over the next couple of hours, I play them both and I lose more than I win. Another couple joins us and Husdon introduces them as Tig and Issac. I must have stumbled upon the town’s gay contingent, and then I remember that only a few days ago the town hosted a massive Pride parade, so there must be a much larger community. It certainly beats having women hitting on me, which is what usually happens in bars, and I relax, enjoying myself even if I do stick to drinking soda all night.

On Wednesday morning I’m setting up a few items that are on display at the doors of the feed store when I see an old man painstakingly crossing the yard from the house. He looks like he was once tall, but is now stooped and walks with the aid of a stick. I gather this is Zane and Nova’s dad. He certainly doesn’t look well. When he reaches me, he stops to catch his breath, and across the yard I watch as Zane comes out of the house and looks around. Noticing his father, I can see him sigh before he gets in his truck and drives it over. He climbs out.

“Dad, you shouldn’t be out here,” Zane says, but the old guy ignores him. Instead he turns to me.

“Hello, you must be Devin. I’m Clive Dawson.”

“Yes, I’m Devin. Pleased to meet you, sir,” I reply.

“That’s good. Zane’s told me all about you.”

“Has he?” I look at Zane with surprise, but his jaw is so tight he could crack his teeth.

“Ha, no.” Clive barks a laugh. “Of course he hasn’t, but Nova has.”

“Dad, we’re going to be late. We need to leave now.” Zane’s tone holds a hint of exasperation and he moves closer to take his dad’s elbow.

“Don’t rush me. I’ll come when I’m ready.” Clive waves him away and then says to me in a loud whisper, “He fusses too much.”

I press my lips together to stop a smirk from escaping and steal a glance at Zane who’s looking thunderous. I like Clive very much.

“I’m just looking after you, Dad.”

“Yeah, yeah, fussing.” Clive brushes off his explanation. I can imagine this is an old argument between them, each man as stubborn as the other, and I do my best to hide my amusement.

“I hope you’re settling in well,” Clive continues.

“I’m enjoying it so far, sir.”

He nods and allows himself to be helped into the truck. Zane’s final look is pained, and for the first time I feel sorry for him. It can’t be easy seeing your parent ailing in front of your eyes.

Once they’ve gone, Nova joins me, and we serve customers until the delivery arrives. Zane wasn’t wrong that it’s large, and it takes me nearly two hours to stack everything and tidy away. Working with Nova is fun, and he tells me stories about him and Sandy, who I learn is his best friend. He quizzes me about growing up with my brothers, all the while sighing that it sounded like fun. I hardly notice how late it’s gotten, and it’s nearly closing time before I see Zane’s truck pull back up in the yard. He helps his dad into the house before coming over.

He looks around the feed store, and I assume everything is how he wanted it as he makes an approving sound.

“How did it go?” he asks.