Page 16 of Broken Boundaries

“Families are complicated. I know you don’t really understand that.” Ok. Ouch. I swallow down the hurt from that comment because I know he didn’t mean to hurt me, but it still stings.

I nod and drop the subject, not really wanting to get into an argument before work. I finish up my makeup and then give Zach a kiss goodbye.

“What time do you think you’ll be home tonight?” I ask. The past few nights, I’ve been getting home before him. He’s been exhausted, so I wanted to try to have dinner ready for him tonight.

“Actually, Mom wants me to come over for dinner. You wanna come? I’m sure she won’t mind.”

Why wouldn’t she just invite both of us? That seems odd. But I’m also grateful because I don’t actually want to go. “Oh. No, that’s ok. You enjoy the time with your mom.”

“Alright. I’ll text you later.” He kisses my cheek, and I head to work.

“Good morning, Brooks. Here’s your coffee.” I place the coffee on the corner of his desk. He looks over at me from his laptop.

“How many times have I told you that you don’t have to bring me coffee?”

“How many times have I told you that I’m going to do what your previous assistants did?”

He chuckles and reaches across his desk to get the coffee. “Touché.”

“Do you need anything from me today?” I ask.

“Not at the moment, but that could change.”

So far, he hasn’t needed me to do too much. I review his emails each morning and respond to the ones I can. Harper doesn’t even have to sit with me while I do it anymore. I’ve answered one call from the mayor, who wanted to know how many people were booked at the ranch so far for the Fourth of July holiday. I was pretty proud that I was able to answer that question without having to ask anyone for help. I’ve even started handling the desk on my own. I do check in and outs. I’ve scheduled hikes and trail rides. I even offer suggestions in town. For that part, I do have to consult the list Harper and Jazz compiled for me since I still haven’t been around town much.

Overall, I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job.

“Alright. I wanted to see if it was ok for me to schedule a time with Beck to teach me how to ride. I can do it on my lunch break.”

His face lights up at my question, which surprises me. “Absolutely. You don’t need to use your lunch break, though. Just schedule a time with him, and we’ll find someone to cover the desk. Hell, I’ll cover it if I have to.”

I laugh. “I can’t imagine you behind the desk.”

“Hey, I’ve had to do it a time or two. My dad always told me that if I wanted to be a good leader, I needed to make sure I understood exactly what I was asking other people to do. So, I know how to do just about everything at this ranch.”

“That’s pretty cool, actually.”

“Now, I never said I was good at it, but I can manage if I have to. So schedule a time with Beck, and we’ll figure it out.”

“Ok, thank you.”

“Of course. Has, uh, Zach mentioned anything about stopping by the ranch? It’s been awhile since he’s been here.”

He looks so hopeful that I don’t have the heart to tell him that Zach doesn’t want to be anywhere near this place, so I tell a little white lie. “He hasn’t mentioned anything, but I can ask.”

Surely I can convince Zach to stop by for a few minutes. We can even plan it for a time when I’m here so I can be a buffer.

Brooks nods, and I excuse myself so he can work. At the front desk computer, I add my name to Beck’s schedule for tomorrow. There’s an open spot at one, which is perfect. It’s after check-out time but before check-in.

The first half of my shift passes by quickly. Harper stops in to check on me once, but for the most part, I’ve become pretty self-sufficient.

Around midday, Jazz stops by. It’s becoming our little routine. She hops up on the desk and lets her legs dangle. I love that she doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her. She seems completely sure of herself. Her energy has drawn me in, and I hope we’ll be good friends.

“My dearest Aspen. How art thou today?” she asks in the most Southern Shakespearean accent I’ve ever heard.

I laugh. “I’m even better now that you’re here.”

“Yes, I do tend to have that effect on people.”