And Riley.
I do hug Riley.
And I love the feel of her in my arms.
“Come in, son. Let’s talk.” He takes a seat while Lilly stays behind her desk, looking as tired as ever but a little softer, if that even makes sense. Maybe having Riley back here is good for her, even when she’s mad at her.
She’s like walking on sunshine, making everything bloom with her mere presence.
And I’m fucked.
Fucked.
It’s part of the reason why I’ve been avoiding her and working way past my time. She’s been in such a funk about this place and how she doesn’t belong here, and even though I don’t think that’s true, I don’t want whatever is happening between us to feel like I’m trying to tie her down.
I’m so in my head about the situation that I miss Lilly and Arnie both looking at me with concern in their eyes.
I’m getting fired.
“I’m sorry, I didn't hear what you said.”
Lilly intertwines her fingers before placing them on her desk. “I asked if you’re liking the job. How do you feel since Arnie has been scaling back hours, leaving you almost alone the past few weeks? Including dealing with a hurt mare.”
“I like it.” It’s the only thing I can think to say, but it comes out wrong. Coño, Dom, what is wrong with you? “Sorry, not what I meant. I mean, I do like it, but it’s more than that. It feels good, and I’m good at it too.”
“Wow, those are more words than I thought you would say,” Lilly adds.
“I wish I had the words to express what this opportunity means to me. I hope I’m not disappointing anyone.” I search Arnie’s face for a tell, but where I thought I would find sorrow, I find something I haven’t seen in another person’s eyes in a long time—pride.
“I’m glad, because…” Lilly’s words trail off.
Glad?
“I’m retiring,” Arnie says, taking his cap off and putting it on his lap.
We knew this day would come, but I didn’t think it would be this soon.
“That was not the plan, I want you to know that, son. When you started here, what we told you was what we wanted. Someone who could learn in three to five years, and we could transition you into the hand we need. But God had other plans.”
Lilly pushes a mug closer to Arnie. Knowing him, it’s probably lemon tea.
“I’ve been talking to my doctors, and nobody is comfortable with me being out there with the animals and handling machinery or riding a horse when my muscles already show many signs of deterioration.”
I nod, following along.
“I was worried about you, but I drove around today, and you’re bustin’ your ass, ain’t you, son?”
“I’m trying.”
“You're more than trying. You’re doing great. It looks good out there.”
“Thank you,” I reply, a little awkward at the sudden outpouring of kindness and feedback.
“I don’t know what jackpot we hit with you, Dom, but I’m thankful. I don’t know what we would’ve done if you weren’t here.”
“It’s my pleasure. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but what did you call me in here for? Was it to tell me Arnie’s not coming back?”
Don’t get me wrong. I love the man, and I’m glad he’s taking care of himself and his health, but something tells me that’s not all.
