Page 3 of Broken Boundaries

Brooks waits for me to answer him, though. “Sure. Yes. That’d be great.”

“Good.” He nods and focuses back on his food.

“So, that’s it? Do I need to do an interview or anything?”

He shakes his head. “If my son trusts you, then I’ll trust you.”

This is going to be terrible. Not only because I have no idea what happens on a ranch, but because I’ll be working for Zach’s dad. The same dad that he’s complained about fairly regularly over the two years we’ve been together.

But it’s a job. One that I desperately need since I used a lot of my savings on this move. I’ve searched a few websites for open positions in the area, and the options are slim to say the least. Hopefully, this job pays well. I’d ask, but honestly, I’ll take what I can get for now. I’ll just work at the ranch until I can find something better.

We finish our lunch, and Brooks pays the bill. On our way out, a few people call out to him to say hello. It seems like everyone here knows each other. That never happened in Atlanta. Most people kept their heads down and headphones on.

Outside, Brooks stops on the sidewalk in front of a big black truck that says Moonlight Ranch on the side.

“Zach, it was good to see you. Let me know if you need anything, alright?”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Aspen. See you in the morning. Nine o’clock.”

“Ok. Where do I go? Do I ask for you?”

“Head to the front desk. Give ’em your name, and they’ll get you set up.”

“Alright. Thank you. I won’t let you down,” I tell him, although I’m not sure why. I have no idea what this job entails, and I might end up being absolutely terrible at it.

“I’m countin’ on it.”

He climbs into his truck, and without another glance in our direction, he’s gone.

I immediately turn to Zach.

“What was that?” I ask.

“What was what?”

“Um, you practically forcing your dad to hire me. All you’ve ever done is tell me how he’s a terrible father.”

He has the audacity to shrug. “Just because he’s a bad father doesn’t mean he’ll be a bad boss. That ranch is his life. He treats his employees better than he treats me. And I’m sure the pay will be good. The ranch makes more money than everywhere else in town.”

“Still would’ve been nice if we discussed this before you put me on the spot like that.”

“Noted for next time,” he says, playing it off like this is not a big deal and I shouldn’t be upset. “I just wanted to make sure you had something lined up, and that job woulda gone quick once it was posted. When I start the police academy next week, I’m going to be gone a lot. I don’t want you to be bored.”

I exhale a deep breath and try to release some tension. I know Zach meant well, but the execution could’ve been better. Working on his dad’s ranch was not part of my plan, but he’s right. I do need a job. I’ve never done well with just sitting around.

“I know. It just took me off guard. I don’t want people to think I only got the job because I’m your girlfriend.”

Zach laughs. “Babe, this is a small town. Everyone has a job because they know someone. That’s just how it works around here.”

Well, I guess I’m officially a Blue Haven resident now. Add one more to the population number on the town sign.

CHAPTER 2

Aspen

What does one wear to work on a ranch?