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“I’m hoping by the end of the week I can have that sorted out. I have to check the bus schedule and I will let you know.”
“Honey, we can send you the money and you can come tomorrow.” My father, ever the problem solver, had an answer for everything, just like Kipp.
“No, I won't take handouts.”
“It’s not a hand out. It’s what we should have done right from the start.” His voice was sad and regretful and that made me feel like what Kipp had told me was true.
“I’ll think about it and let you know.”
“That’s all we’re asking.”
“I have to go. I need to see if I can get Cooper into daycare today.”
“All right dear, we’re so happy to hear from you. See you soon and kiss my grandson for me. He’s just the sweetest thing. Mr. Miller couldn’t stop showing pictures of him, it was like he was a proud father.” My mother didn’t know how to end a conversation and just kept talking. Tears welled in my eyes and I tried to blink them away, but they fell, anyway.
“I have to go,” I said, choking back a sob as I hung up. Damn it, Kipp! Why did you have to be so amazing? Pulling up in front of Steam ’n Sugar, I dreaded going back in to throw myself at Fred’s feet but I needed a few days of tips to get us on the bus.
Pushing open the door with Cooper in tow, I walked right past the long line and grabbed an apron from the back. “Go play in the back, I will get you something right away.” Kissing him on his head I walked behind the till and started to pour.
“What are you doing here?”
“I need my job back.” I turned the steamer arm on and finished a latte before he could answer. Smiling, I took the money from the customer and moved on to the next one.
“Fine, you can take a room upstairs too. You aren’t going back to the shack you were in. Not much up there but it’s a hell of a lot safer.” Fred handed me money from his customer and I looked over at him.
“Thank you. I’m going to try to get Cooper back into daycare.”
“I’ll handle that, too.” He nodded and went back to making breakfast sandwiches.
“What are you doing here?” I looked up into the face of Kristin. She was the last person in line and I wouldn’t be able to shake her. Quickly, I made her latte and pulled her to a corner. “Nora, what the fuck? God, I missed this,” she added when she took a sip of her coffee.
“I’m leaving. You have to swear not to tell Linc.”
“We aren’t talking right now, so you can be sure I won’t be telling him anything.” She rolled her eyes, grabbed a chair, and sat down.
“I need to go see my parents. Kipp and the guys just happened to be buying my parents ranch, and he recognized me from some pictures. I called my mom this morning, so I’m going to work enough to get bus fare to Texas.”
“Are you leaving for good?” The tears in her eyes were a giveaway of how she was feeling. My nose burned and I looked at the ceiling.
I knew the answer and it would be yes. Montana held nothing for me anymore, and it would be a constant reminder of what I couldn’t have. “I don’t know, but my parents want me to come home. I never imagined that happening.”
“Well, I’m happy for you but I don’t like it. What am I supposed to do without my best friend?” She stuck her bottom lip out and pouted.
“Well, we have rodeos in Texas, you know. You could always come visit and stay with me. We can take advantage of the Flying Diamond 5’s hospitality and keep your horse well fed.” I grinned and through her tears she nodded.
“I kind of like that idea. And besides you’re not going anywhere for a while. You have to come for supper tonight. We’ll get pizza and watch kid movies till Cooper falls asleep and then we can watch sappy romances that make us cry.”
“Sounds like fun.” I nodded and she hugged me.
“Good, it’s a date with my two favorite people. Okay, I have to run, see you tonight.” She got up, grabbed her drink, and ran out the door. Fred was minding his own business and Cooper came to sit on my lap.
“Oh, baby, you need something to eat.”
“Nope Fred got me breakfast.” Cooper smiled but his eyes were sad. I looked over at my boss, who was pretending like I didn’t exist.
“Nora, he can go to the daycare any time. I called Wanda and she’s fine with it.”
Setting Cooper down, I walked over to him. “Thanks Fred, how did you manage it?”
