Page 6 of Slow Burn

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Austin isn’t one to actively choose a non-alcoholic option, and the change in him isn’t unpleasant. Although, it’ll take more than staying sober for me to forgive him for everything that happened last year.

Reading my expression, he says, “Trying to clean up my act. And I’m the designated driver for Beck tonight. He needs the drink more than I do.”

I’m mostly concerned about which is worse when I’m about to break the news to my brother that I’m essentially homeless and unemployed. On one hand, Sober Austin is highly protective of me and therefore his reaction is bound to be overbearing. On the other hand, Tipsy Austin has a tendency to fly off the rails. I guess neither is ideal, so I’ll have to bite the bullet and spit it out. Eventually.

“He’s had rough runs before though,” Sutton chimes in.

Skye glances downward into her drink, and she swirls her strawberry daiquiri with her straw. Austin looks over at her as if he’s weighing his choice of words around her.

“The ranch is struggling,” he says, carefully, his tone more measured than I’ve ever heard before. “He was really counting on a win today.”

“All ranches are struggling these days. It’s tough out there.” Sutton gives a subtle shake of her head. “Not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure.”

Skye excuses herself and wanders off in the direction of the washroom. Once she’s gone, Austin’s expression turns serious.

“Not like this,” he says. “Wild Sage is in real trouble. Everything is piling up. And of course, Beck thinks he can turn the ship around by himself. Stubborn ass.”

Now I can’t help myself. I look over my shoulder, and through the crowded bar I catch a glimpse of Beck’s slumped shoulders, hand cupped around a pint. His other hand pushes his chestnut waves off his forehead, and then slides down his jaw, scrubbing at his stubble.

My heart does a weird twinge, and I realize I feel bad for him. I’ve never felt bad for Beck. Growing up he was no different than he is now, standoffish and irritable. Now I have to wonder how much of his gruff exterior is a symptom of something bigger.

Skye returns, drawing my attention back to the table.

I also notice the waitress has brought Austin’s near-beer and set it down in front of him. He pushes the lime wedge into the bottle, foam rising around it in the neck.

“When did this conversation become about Beck, anyway? I asked about you,” Austin reminds me. “How long are you in town?"

“Not sure yet,” I say, being intentionally vague about what brought me here in the first place. This feeling is new for me, not knowing what to say or how to say it. I should tell him about my job, I just… can’t. I’ve disappointed enough people in recent weeks, and disappointing Austin feels… impossible. I don’t want to upset him, make him do something that’ll get him in trouble. Not when he’s just gotten his life back together.

His eyebrows pinch together. My job back in the city has never afforded me time off even to come visit for a week, so I can tell he’s questioning my answer.

“Lyla Morgan, you said you’d tell your brother the truth,” Sutton scolds.

I shoot her a withering glare.

“Okay, okay.” Somehow, I manage to meet Austin’s interrogative gaze. “I got fired. But before you say anything, it’s fine. I have it under control. I have a few bites on some job applications already and I’ll find a place in Sage Valley until I figure something out,” I rush out.

“What the fuck?” Austin’s voice raises a few decibels and I can tell he’s getting riled up, as expected. But I know Austin, and his anger is never directed at me. I can’t say that I reciprocate that sentiment. “How could they fire you?”

“That’s what I said,” Sutton adds.

Skye reaches her hand across the table and places it on my forearm. She’s the only one who hasn’t had an impulsive reaction about it, and gratitude warms the space behind my sternum at her calm support.

“What happened?” Austin’s anger has settled, and I can tell he’s trying to regain control of himself, his expression softening into concern.

“Doesn’t matter,” I wave off. Truth is, I don’t want to admit out loud that my biggest weakness, and everyone’s critique of me, has proven itself true.

“Whatever it is, Lyla, I’m here to help. We’ll fix this, ok? I know I haven’t exactly been there for you when you needed it, but I want to be there now.” His eyes are earnest, with a hint of guilt in his expression. We were young when our parents died and Austin was old enough to become my legal guardian, but he didn’t exactly take it on with enthusiasm.

Austin stands now, and I rise with him as he opens his arms to give me a hug. As much as Austin and I may have our differences, hugging him is the closest feeling I have to hugging my dad, and I hang on to him for a little longer before letting him go.

“Thanks,” I say.

“Let’s talk tomorrow,” he says, pulling back. He looks over my head toward the bar top. “I’ve gotta get Cactus Jackass over there home.” He points his thumb over his shoulder at Beck, still sulking at the bar.

Once Austin and Beck leave, Sutton and Skye thankfully shift the conversation away from my depressing job situation. We sit and talk about Skye’s win some more, and they invite me to their weekly girls night out which consists of much too much alcohol and cheesy 80’s duets sung over Lucky’s karaoke sound system.

I’ve missed this. Being out with girlfriends, laughing, and letting loose. It’s not something I ever really afforded myself. Sure, the next few months will be hard as I look for a new job, and being in Sage Valley isn’t exactly my first choice. But this moment with Sutton and Skye, I think it might not be that far off.