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I stare at him and force a laugh. He’s joking, I realize.
I threw my computer, makeup, and other miscellaneous things into my second bag and joined Travis at the four-wheeler. We head off to the main house.
“Listen, I’m really sorry. I’ll figure out where to put you. In the meantime, I’ll have housekeeping launder your clothes.”
“Thanks, that’d be great. But there’s no rush. And really, it’s not a big deal. I don’t mind. I can sleep anywhere. Please don’t stress over me. Actually, I’m happy to help get things ready today.”
“Thanks. I can’t ask you to–”
“You’re not asking; I’m offering.” I grab his arm and look into his eyes, hoping to calm him down a bit. His eyes are the prettiest shade of hazel. Light brown and light green mixed together, with little orange flecks throughout.
“Thanks. You can see if Roberta needs help. I’ll take your stuff to the laundry room. Then I’ve got to get down to Kenny and the fence.”
“Sure thing. I’ll see you later.” I let myself into the kitchen, hoping to find Roberta. She’s standing over the stove cooking. “Good morning!”
“Oh, it’s you! Good morning, dear. I wasn’t expecting you so early.”
“Well, it’s been a wild morning.” I filled her in on Pony Cottage's water struggles.
“Ava! You’re here!”
“Good morning, Mia! How did you sleep?”
“Great! How did you sleep?”
“Good. It’s so quiet out here. It was a little jarring.”
“Really?! Too quiet for sleep?” Mia laughs. “I’ve never heard of that!”
Roberta hands Mia a breakfast sandwich wrapped in foil, an apple, and a brown sack lunch. “I’m so happy to see you, doll, but you’ve got to get out of here. You’re going to miss the bus, and I do not have time to drive you to school today!”
“Don’t you think you could use my help here instead?”
“Of course, we could, hun, but as your dad says, school is your priority right now.”
“Ugh. Fine. Bye, Ava. See you later. Thanks for all this stuff, Roberta.” She stomps off to the bus stop.
“I hated school, too. My brother always made me go. Even when I was sick. I hated him for that. But now, I’m glad. I wouldn’t be where I am now without him.”
“You should tell that to Mia. I can tell she looks up to you already. She hasn’t had many good female influences.”
“What about you? You two seem to get along great.”
“Yeah, but I’m old, and we want more for Mia than this ranch.”
“But Mia seems to love it here.”
“She does, but she doesn’t know there’s a whole world out there. If she experiences some of the world and still wants to make her life here on the ranch, that’s fine. I just don’t ever want her to feel stuck.”
“She’s fortunate to have you.”
“Thanks. Here’s a sandwich for you. Then we’ve got to get to work!”
“Thanks, I’m here to help! I can’t wait to see what this place is like, full of guests.” I unwrap the sandwich and take a bite. Delicious, of course.
“You have no idea what you’re wishing for.”
8
