Page 11 of Live Love Lasso

“Little bit of everything, but mostly line dancing, yeah.”

Bluebell and I both turn to where the deep voice came from. A huge chestnut-colored minotaur in a gorgeous three-piece suit swirls amber-colored liquid in a glass. He flares his nostrils and smiles at me. “Varek Shorthorn the Third. You’re our new resident, I hear?”

I laugh as I nod. “I didn’t realize there were so few of us that everyone would know about me, but, yeah, I’m Lemon.”

He grins. “Merit and Bryony pay you a visit yet?”

I scoff as I look between him and Bluebell. She’s eyeing the minotaur with a wary expression.

“As a matter of fact, they did.” I laugh. “I’m guessing that’s not unusual? They brought me some kind of pound cake.”

Bluebell sets a menu down in front of me. “They’re not the official welcoming committee. I heard you met Furyon already, and he’s way better at it. But they do love to get in everybody’s business. They are nosy as hells, but feel free to not tell them your life story. Don’t skip out on the pound cake though. They’re incredible bakers.”

The minotaur chuckles. “Oh, those two’ll find out everything about you in short order. It's what they do best.”

Bluebell purses her lips, glancing at him before looking at me. “Can I get you something to drink, Lemon?”

I wave at the minotaur. “Whatever he’s got looks good.”

He beams at me. “Put that on my tab, Bluebell. I love having new neighbors.”

She outright frowns, but nods and spins to the point of sale, punching in a series of items.

When she disappears behind the bar’s glass shelves, I look at him. “Thanks for the drink, Varek. You don’t seem like a typical Pine Gulcher… Am I right in assuming you’re not from here?”

He takes a sip of the drink as he shakes his head, perfectly coiffed hair slicking back from his forehead. It doesn’t move when he does.

“Originally from Hearth Headquarters, but monster headquarters was a little stifling for me. These days I’m a Gulcher all the way, doing my best to bring a little bit more finery to this gorgeous haven.”

Bluebell returns, setting a glass down in front of me as she scowls at him. “If by finery you mean rows of townhouses and mini ranches nobody asked for, then yeah.”

I glance between them, brows raised as I take a sip of the drink. Varek just grins at Bluebell.

“Just because you don’t want to live in a mini ranch doesn’t mean others wouldn’t be attracted to the PG vibes without an entire ranch to care for.” He looks back at me. “Gulchers don’t really love change, as a general rule. But eventually someone’s gonna see my vision, I guarantee it.”

Bluebell rolls her eyes and looks at me, waving at the menu. “Can I get you something to eat, Lemon? I recommend the burger if you’re a burger fan. We make the best one in all of PG.”

“Can confirm,” Varek says politely. “Just don’t tell Betty on account of her literally putting burger in the name of her place.”

Bluebell narrows her eyes, poising her pen over a small pad.

“Give me your favorite thing.” I push the menu back toward her.

She nods and turns to the point of sale. Varek rises from his chair and rounds the curved end of the bar, halting next to me. I look up into his dark red eyes, but I don’t necessarily get a creepy sense from him, despite Bluebell’s reaction.

He slides a big hand into his vest and withdraws a card, setting it down next to my drink. “Listen. The welcome scavenger hunt really is a great way to get to know the gulch, but I think it’s more fun done with a friend. Feel free to call me, and I’d be happy to escort you around. It’ll be a good time; I’ll make sure of it.”

My nostrils flare as I try to gauge if he’s hitting on me or just being nice. But he says nothing else, just taps the card twice and grins. Then he disappears, leaving behind the slightest hint of expensive cologne. I watch him go.

“Good riddance,” Bluebell mutters as the door closes behind him.

I glance at her. “Not a fan of mini ranches?”

She shakes her head. “Naw. He’s been here a few months and keeps trying to buy up big plots of land to develop. But the thing is, Pine Gulch is wild and free. It’s giant swathes of farmland and wild mustangs, and there’s an entire festival about moving cattle around. It’s a tight-knit community, but we like our space. He’s trying to change all of that. I wish PG would kick him out already.”

The ceiling creaks softly.

I hold my tongue because I’m not entirely sure I agree with Bluebell. Then again, I’ve been here all of twelve hours, which isn’t long enough to develop much of an opinion.